Sunday, December 5, 2010

Getting ready for the holidiays

Backyard Winter Sunset
acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

I know some of you are all ready for whatever
festival you celebrate, and if I hadn't had years
of therapy I might envy you.  But the other night
I had a flash of inspiration, and decided to borrow
a painting from a collector to use for my holiday
card.  The holiday we celebrate is Christmas,
because we like the tree, Santa Claus, and
giving one another presents.  So today Steven
very kindly photographed the painting I'm
going to use on my card, and I photographed
him taking the shot.  Of course I could have
taken the shot by myself, but then I couldn't
show the process could I? Now I can.
Steven taking the shot for the Holiday card.

I think it might have been Aaron Lifferth who
suggested photographing your work outdoors.
And he might also have advised using a grey
background.  Our front steps in simple
concrete, (not very attractive, but sturdy)
turn out to be the ideal backdrop for
a smaller painting.  Tomorrow I'll head over
to my printer, and then spend any spare minute
in the next few days addressing as many cards
as I possibly can.  Meanwhile, Happy Holidays
to everyone.  The real holiday is a long way off
for me, but just the thought of it is immensely
cheering.

Have a-delighting-in-the-thought-of-celebration day.

8 comments:

Linda Popple said...

It's going to be a beautiful card!

Melinda said...

Clever artist! I love that you have shown your process, Steven photographing your painting.

You know, I do the same. I photograph my paintings outside too. One of my art professors told us Arizonans that it is best to photograph on a cloudy day. Guess that's our 'gray.' However, if we listened to her, we would not get to photograph our work very often!

;-)

Love the painting...

Kim Rempel said...

It's going to be lovely card. I love all that blue light against the sky. It really feels like this time of year. Stay warm!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linda,

I think it will be. I've just been with the printer planning it out.

He asked me if I wanted it on December 23rd.

Funny!

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

If I was more clever I would have taken some pics at the printers when we were planning how to make the card today. Ach. Forgot.

xoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kim,

It was a shock to look out the window today and see the daylight version of this scene. Snow and all that that implies. I haven't been warm for a week I don't think.

XOBarbara

Laurel Daniel said...

The card is going to be FAB!!! And thanks for your inspiration. After reading your post, I did the SAME thing - honest truth - I dropped everything and ordered up cards with a painting on them. I needed a little shove! So thanks again. XOXOXOXOX

laura said...

Gorgeous! The cool buildings and warm sky vibrate--and what a lovely scene: I love rooftops: a Santa-eye view.
And thanks for the photography tips. My main problem with photographing artwork is usually my shaky hands! I should ask Santa for a tripod.

Portrait Artist

My photo
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I paint and draw on commission and for shows. To commission a portrait, or purchase one of my paintings please contact me at: barbara.muir@sympatico.ca
A major highlight in my career? Drawing Oprah Winfrey live via Skype for her show "Where in the Skype are you? Galleries: Studio Vogue Gallery, Toronto, Canada. The Amsterdam Whitney Gallery, New York City. Gallery at the Porch Door, Kingston, Canada. Your positive comments on this blog mean the world to me. I'd love to hear from you!