Friday, April 8, 2011

Inspiration is everywhere


 Spring thoughts
(Art group sketch)
Acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2011

When I walk my dog in the park I see a dog who
is a life lesson in himself.  The dog runs like the
wind, faster than any other dog.  His owner carries
a throw stick with my dog's favorite, coveted
orange ball, and throws that ball like a pro, so far
that his dog races away for minutes at a time, and
hunts for the ball in the long grasses, or bushes. 
I am always so intensely impressed with the dog
-- a large, graceful brown and white spotted short
haired dog, with floppy brown ears.  I'm impressed
with his owner too, who walks the dog quietly,
kindly and respectfully and with pride.

The dog has only three legs.  I've asked why, but
I admit that when the owner was answering me I
was captivated by the sight of that gorgeous, speedy
creature, and missed the answer.  Maybe cancer.
I think about that dog when I think it's too
hard to paint, or I'm too tired, or any of hundreds of
excuses that can pop into my head and take me off
track.  I think the dog does not know he's different than
the day before that leg was removed.  He is just enjoying
life to the absolute maximum.  And I know he's got
the right idea.

Now I'm going to walk my girl, Zoey (the dog) maybe
I'll be lucky and see that other very special dog.

Have a-knowing-how-blessed-you-are day.

10 comments:

Linny D. Vine said...

Barbara, she's so special, your beautiful dreamer!

cohen labelle said...

Wow! Beautiful - the painting! and the story is very moving too!

love, Marcia

Karen Bruson said...

I can just feel her relaxed state of mind.

Liza Hirst said...

Beautiful painting, Barbara!
She looks very relaxed.

Anonymous said...

peaceful dreaming lovely portrait.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Linny,

Thanks so much -- she is mostly from my imagination -- the model provided the pose and the light.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

Thanks so much. We took a short walk today because we weren't feeling well, but I didn't see the wonderful three legged dog.

Love

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Karen,

Thanks so much. I could use that myself right now. April is a crazy month.

XOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

Thanks very much. The actual model was asleep and didn't want to take breaks. She really didn't look like this.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

Not a finished portrait, but I'm glad you like it.

XOBarbara

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!