Tuesday, August 30, 2011

In the middle of the night

 August Colours
Acrylic on canvas
12 x 12 inches
Barbara Muir © 2011

Billy Joel's song "The river of dreams,"
talks about walking around "in the middle of the night,'
and was one of my favorites by him. We used to sing
this driving in the car with the kids in Nova Scotia when
they were little. Last night at a late hour I started this little
painting.  I was thinking about Róisín O'Farrell, and her
dedication to the painting work day.  My day yesterday was
gone before I knew it to the Phone company trying to hook
up my cell, to bills and household logistics.  When I don't paint
I get antsy, nervous, out of sorts.  So after a great
walk with Steven and Zoey, I concentrated on
beginning.

The nasturtiums in my garden were planted late and
are just hitting their stride.  They're one of my favorite
flowers, and the peaches this season are beyond
delicious.  I just have to look at beautiful peaches and
I want to paint them.  So I put a few on the table with
a lovely little jug of nasturtiums, with a random miniature
petunia, and got out the paints.

I've just finished as much as I'm going to do with it for
now, and I'm very happy.

Have a painting-when-the-mood-strikes-you day.

16 comments:

cohen labelle said...

Barbara, this is peachy!!! and I adore Barney - I just want to hug him and pet him! (doggone it - god spelled backwards goddone it as we all know - sorry but I couldn't resist it)
love, Marcia

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

So I guess you are up and creating something amazing in the middle of the night my friend. Funny on the doggy. He is pretty cute. Soon I'll post the final, serious, serious image.

Love,

Barbara

cohen labelle said...

No, I was up attempting to pay my phone bill while eating a cookie but I couldn't adjust the expiry date on my card online so I have to call them back later. And do you know what the name of the phone company is? Fido and their logo is a little dog! Is that serious or what?!

love, Marcia

Barbara Muir said...

Wow. Marcia. I don't think I've ever had two comments on my blog before.
Cool. Phone companies eh? Can't live with them...

Love Barbara

eldon warren said...

You did good Barbara. Sometimes the late night stuff turns out so well because it gets quiet and one can concentrate. But then I keep a pretty close eye on your posts and ALL your work turns out well.
I think I've about to get the peach paintings out of my system. I've got one more to post then it's over for a while. I think. :)
E

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Eldon,

You are great. I hope you get back to blogging soon. You have inspired me from the very beginning of this journey. And from what I've seen every painting you do is excellent.

Ciao,

Barbara

Nancy B. Hartley said...

I love this, especially the shadow area! Gorgeous colors!

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Nancy. I like the shadow area too. Of course the shadows are most dramatic in the middle of the night.

Take care,

Barbara

Anonymous said...

very beautiful Barbara! I'm sorry to hear about your Don Valley Art Group, i hope they will be given a break soon and a place to hang out and paint.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

We are hanging out with the Forest Hill Art Club, and that's really good news. It may become tight this month when all of our members return, but we'll see. Last night was wonderful.

XO Barbara

Liza Hirst said...

Beutiful painting, Barbara! Your use of red is always a BANG! and looks so vivid. While studying at art school, I often worked through the night because it was quiet and undisturbed, but nowadays unfortunately I get far too tired in the evening.

Diane Hoeptner said...

Wow, it's been a while since I visited Barbara! LOVE all the new work. This one especially. So colorful and happy!! (I agree about getting antsy when no painting has occured!)

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Liza,

In truth I am by nature a night person. I don't know why -- neither of my parents were. But as soon as school starts I will have to get back onto a workday schedule so I can get my painting and teaching done, and stay civil.

Delighted that you like it.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Diane,

Isn't it strange how you don't even know what the problem is -- and to everyone else it's so obvious. Get out the paints! Thanks so much. I'm very happy that you like it.

XO Barbara

Jill and Haida said...

Absolutely lovely work Barbara!

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks Jill,

I'm glad you like this one.

Ciao,

Barbara

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!