Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy American Thanksgiving -- A super closing party and meeting Hannah's Dad

 
  Outside Studio Vogue Gallery
with Eben Creaser,
Hannah's Dad trying to
get a decent shot with the
painting in the gallery window.
Too dark and too cold.

On the road in Fredericton
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches
Barbara Muir © 2011

A shout out to my American friends.  Happy Thanksgiving!
In Canada we have ours in October and the only things we
shop for on that weekend are turkeys, pumpkins for the
pie, cranberry jelly, potatoes and the rest of the groceries
for the meal -- so we don't have Black Friday.

The story of my painting of Hannah, the girl on the motorscooter
has been a bit magical from the moment I decided
to ask a girl in the parking lot of the Superstore in
Fredericton if I could photograph her for a painting.
Steven and I were listening to a book in the car,
called The People of the Book as we drove home from
Nova Scotia.  The central character was Hannah, and when
I asked the girl her name she was Hannah. Well tonight
there was a fellow at the opening I didn't know.  I thought
perhaps he was one of Gill Cameron's friends, but then he
introduced himself as Eben, Hannah's Dad.  How exciting.
He'd been working in Toronto this week, and was driving by
Studio Vogue Gallery on Avenue Road when he saw Hannah's
portrait in the window. It was freezing cold outside, and very
dark, but we tried our best to get a shot of us in front of the
painting, and this is the best we could do.

We were so delighted to meet Hannah's father.  He was a
lovely person, and so is his daughter.  To me the whole
story around the painting underscores how amazing
and great people can be.  And it is also astounding that
five minutes photographing someone lead to her
portrait in the window of the gallery, and to her father
coming to see the painting in the show all the way from
Fredericton.  Wow is all I can say.  I feel grateful to the
universe and to everyone who came out tonight to our
really super closing party.  Thank you to my incredible
friends and collectors.  You rock!  And thank you
Eben for coming to meet us.  Please say Hi to Hannah.
 People having fun at the opening tonight.

Have a life-is-amazing day.

13 comments:

Kim Rempel said...

Well how cool is that??

cohen labelle said...

I'm sorry we missed last night's wine and cheese but we did get to see the show earlier in the week and I'm very thankful for that! All in all - quite simply amazing - I was excited to see your magnificent painting of Hannah in the window as I walked up and I'm thrilled for you that Hannah's dad made an appearance last night! Even though I'm an early music, jazz, classical, fan what can I say - you rock, Barbara cutie!!!!! - flamenco too, eh?

love,
marcia

Marilyn Flanegan said...

So happy that you were able to meet Hannah's dad! Again, congrats on your show - beautiful work, Barbara.
I didn't realize Canadians celebrated Thanksgiving in October. As it should be - more time to focus on family and friends before the crazy rush of the holidays in December. I believe Black Friday has a tendency to reveal the dark side in American consumers.
; )
We prefer to hide away in the movie theaters on that day - this year taking our grand daughter to The Muppets - pure joy!

Anonymous said...

that is quite amazing that you were able to meet Eben, how wonderful!its always incredible to me the way our experiences are all linked together. Congratulations to you also on the success of your show. Sounds like it was a wonderful one.

Nicki said...

What a great story! I'm so happy you had a wonderful time.

XO Nicki

Melinda said...

Fantastic story! Just the best kind of art meets life meets art.

I'm so glad you're having a great time connecting, painting, and doing so many wonderful things.

We are thankful from here.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kim,

It was awesomely cool. I just wish I had a decent picture of the two of and the painting.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marcia,

Thanks for your sweet note. I'm delighted that you think I rock. Can't do the jazz thang. Sorry.

You are a mover and shaker in any language, but for sure in art. So glad you liked the show.

Love,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marilyn,

Well it gets mighty cold here very early, so we celebrate the harvest in October, when it's all in. Then brrrr. So with us it's Thanksgiving,
Halloween, Christmas -- in that order.
Lucky granddaughter. You don't look at all old enough to be a gramma.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

This story did just seem to get better and better I have to admit. Meeting Hannah's dad was just an over the top treat. I am so delighted.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

It was a great time. I so wish you could have been there.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

It was the most wonderful life meets art meets art. Exactly. It's one thing when a client loves a work that's a commission, and just as delightful when you paint someone and someone who loves that subject, loves the painting. But you said it so perfectly.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Flora Doehler said...

Wow! What an amazing story! I love it Barbara! And that painting is so wonderful too. It sounds like a great show....so sorry I couldn't be there.
xoxo Flora

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!