Tuesday, October 16, 2012

More proud moments and an inspirational drive

 Got it
Watercolour and marker on
Arches watercolour paper
6 x 10 inches
Barbara Muir © 2012
It's been quite the fall for my family. This past weekend
 Steven and I drove to Windsor, Ontario to see Sam graduate
with a Bachelor of Fine Art from The University of Windsor.
Sam was so happy striding across the stage.  Afterwards we
celebrated with dinner and champagne.  Sam was thrilled.

On the drive home Steven and I stopped at various points
along the way so I could take pictures for future reference.
My artist friends traveled along the route with me in my
mind. Marcia LaBelle would have done a fine portrait of
Sam in his graduate's robes. David Lobenberg would have
nailed that confident look on Sam's face as we toasted him.
Sheila Vaughan has already painted one of Sam's parents,
and would have done a moving job of getting the mood
on both of our faces.  Susan Carlin could easily be
commissioned to paint the distinguished faculty in their
robes.

I could see how Flora Doehler and Nicki Ault would
 handle the autumn colours. All along the road we saw
 purple wild asters set against deep rusty reds, brilliant
 yellows of wild grasses and fields in fawn
 the colour of my Siamese cat Fiona's fur.
Farmhouse on Lake Erie

I could see how Laurel Daniel would elevate the scenery with
warmth and beauty, how Karen Bruson would paint the red brick
 farmhouse where we stopped one time. I could imagine
Edward B. Gordon's treatment of the dramatic low storm clouds,
and moody light. Róisín O'Farrell  would have made the interiors
in any of the lovely old houses we passed gleam with delicious colour.
 I imagined the lush, abstract drama Melinda Esparza would create
 with those colours.  Linny D.Vine would make whole towns appear
to be joyously part of Linnyland. I could see Sally Chupick's lovely
images of water scenes, and what Belinda del Pesco would
do with a quiet table setting at our morning breakfast. Liza Hirst
would get the light and gestures of the people at the take out place
where we stopped for lunch magnificently. Marilyn Flanegan
 could paint me lasting and gorgeous images of the horses we
passed on quiet side roads.


Closer to home Julie Davis could make the stands of trees
against farmer's fields sing on canvas.  Tammy Hext's impasto
would make the Niagara Escarpment at Milton monumental.
Kim Rempel could easily create fantastic paintings of brilliant huge
 trees in a farmer's field, and Catherine Jeffrey would capture
 the rainy, dark Toronto streets with aplomb. And there are too
many other artists I'd love to mention but I could see their work
too flashing through my sleepy brain as Steven drove on. One of
those artists is Pam Holnback, who would also love the ridge at
Milton.

My painting today is a fast portrait sketch of Sam holding his degree.

Have an enjoying-your-painter-friends day.

20 comments:

Rio said...

You has a great blog. I'm very interesting to stop and read your artikel. Keep blogging my friends, and dont forget to visit me back.

Melinda said...

Wow! A lovely, strong, full of life portrait of your dear and talented son. I'm so happy for you and your dear family.

Goodness, too, that you included everyone in your blog post as you recounted your thoughts. Very kind of you and extremely thoughtful. I can join you in seeing how others would handle painting different scenes and environments.

I've definitely been enjoying coming here, watching the video you have, and seeing your joyous work.

Warm hugs!

Kim Rempel said...

Barbara,
You are one of the most generous artists I know. And a beam of light. Seriously. What a cool post. I know many of the artists mentioned but there are a few new names for me so I'm going to check them out. Love the portrait and the post you did on the newlyweds : ) The start of a beautiful journey. Have a wonderful evening!

julie davis said...

Barbara, Kim was spot on. Generous words for us all. You are such a source of encouragement to your fellow artists. Thank you. I can't wait to go through your list!

Unknown said...

Congratulations to Sam, and also to his happy proud parents! Very generous post Barbara, thanks for my name in lights:) ha ha. Bright and delightful w/c portrait.

Laurel Daniel said...

Congratulations Barbara! Another milestone that affirms the cycle of life and your tender nurturing as a mom! I know you are so proud. Also - thank you. To be remembered and listed with all those fabulous artists is truly an honor. How I would LOVE to come up there and paint the countryside! Some day! XOXOXO

Pam Holnback said...

Great post! I know many of these friends, but it's so great to have a new group to discover!

Marilyn Flanegan said...

And the celebration continues for your family, congratulations! Thank you for the gracious post - looking forward seeing your world through your artists eyes.
You are a blessing, Barbara, pure joy.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Rio,

Thanks so much.

Take care,

Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Melinda,

Thank you so much. I drew the drawing and was unsure about it, then spoke to a famous artist the next evening, and was inspired to "show up"
with my brushes. Thanks for being inspiring.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kim,

Thank you. I think you are right up there on the generous artist scale for me. But you are so sweet. I was thinking of you. As I often do. By the way. We must talk.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Julie,

All totally deserved. I have loved your work since I discovered you doing plates of fruit. Each time you'd explain why you should have changed some small detail, and I was always entranced as I am by your trees.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Sally,

You are funny. Ha ha. Your name in lights. I'd put it there in a second. You are such a wonderful painter, and a great person too. Quite the combo. I mention you in the next post too. It was so super seeing you.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Oh Laurel,

You should come and paint here sometime. Perhaps in late spring, when it's warm and all the flowers are coming out, or in the fall. You would love it here right now. Chilly
though. I would love to meet you as you know.

XOXOXOXOXOXOBarbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Pam,

I added you to this list of wonderful artists. I remember being in that show a while back and your painting was there too. I was so wishing that you could come with it.

XO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marilyn,

You are a blessing to me. What you do with paint takes my breath away. I'm so glad I get to see what you do through the magic of our blog community.

XO Barbara

Liza Hirst said...

My dear Barbara, I agree whole heartedly with Kim. You are one of the most generous artists I know! And that always comes through in your paintings, too. I am very happy for you and yours about all the good things happening at the moment. Thank you so much for including me in this awsome group of painters! A true honour and a motivation to get back to painting!

Barbara Muir said...

Dear Liza,

Please be easy on yourself. You are doing so much! I love your drawing and painting, and I think we all do it when we can. If we can't there is always a good reason. I just love your work.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoBarbara

Linny D. Vine said...

Thank-you Barbara - you are the dearest and most committed Blog Bud!!! Congratulations to all of your family - a time of joy for all! And, another wonderful painting!

Tammy Hext said...

Hi Barbara - thank you so much for mentioning me in your blog - I agree with Kim you are a beam of light. I was talking about you this weekend. Was in a show in Burlington and people were asking me why do you have that bright green and bright red as the base colour showing through on some of your painting. I told that would be an influence from the fabulous and fearless Barbara Muir. Hope you are well!
Tammy

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!