Tuesday, June 24, 2014

Another breakfast freak inspires me


 After Breakfast
Watercolour and marker
on watercolour paper
8 1/2 x 6
Barbara Muir © 2014

You know that I love breakfast -- especially
hotel breakfasts, and that I'm working on a
New York diner breakfast painting now.
So imagine discovering this artist Danny
Gregory who has a wonderful video of
himself painting his breakfast.

I just recently had a vision of a huge show
of breakfast paintings (my own) when I
was meditating while Steven had acupuncture.
But I was unaware until recently that anyone
else loved that theme.  Danny Gregory is
a wonderful artist, and he is starting a new
session of Sketch book Skool on July 4th
with a bunch of great artists.

This morning I was so inspired at the idea
of painting right away, that I did this painting
of my plate and its table mates "after breakfast."
I have always loved drawing and watercolour.
I especially like the gusto that Danny Gregory
has -- drawing with no preparation with a
straight pen and ink.  I myself use a marker.

Many of us are struggling for absolute
perfection -- trying to record exactly what
we see like a camera -- but this really
ups the anxiety and cuts the fun.  We are
naturally drawn to beauty, but I also
want to see that the artist had fun making
the work.  Not always possible.  This time
I did.

Have a having-fun-with-your-art day.

5 comments:

Wendy Barrett said...

OOh Barbara, I love this very lively breakfast painting. You've captured so much atmosphere and the pleasure of the meal and it's obvious that you had fun doing it! I love blue and white china so it instantly grabbed my attention. I will think of you while enjoying all my hotel breakfasts in the UK that I'm soon to be indulging in. I hope to sketch some of my meals and in particular imagine capturing some delightful afternoon tea settings of pretty china and scones with lashings of jam and cream!
Have enjoyed catching up on your previous posts too!! Your blog is so uplifting and a delight to visit!

Wendy Barrett said...

P.S. I just watched Danny's video - it is divine! What a wonderfully talented man he is,I can see why you found the video so inspiring. It was like a visual meditation.

Kim Rempel said...

My dear Barbara! I just caught up on your paintings from the end of May till now. I seem to have to binge view as all the sudden I realize I haven't checked for a month! : O
Anyway, your breakfast series os inspired. I love the way you paint food - so fresh and immediate (you know I'll always be in love with that salad painting of yours!). I can't wait to see more.
I am trying to get to the AGO before the exhibit closes. The kids want to come as well. Good to see you enjoyed it.
I am ***thrilled*** you sold the painting in NYC (although I do remember from FB - guess I haven't been completely out of the loop :). Your are a prolific, fresh, amazing artist. Hopefully we can meet for a gallery/lunch date this summer.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Kim,

Thank you so much! <3 <3 <3
It has been a good spring/summer which we all deserved after that winter. I would love to have lunch and an art date with you! Email me.

I am going to see you at the Toronto Outdoor art show. I am wishing you a warm (but not too hot) sunny weekend for it.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Wendy,

Forgive me I started writing before I'd had enough coffee! So this is not in the proper order. Thank you so much. Isn't Danny's video great. Love the description of lashings of jam and cream. The UK is just one of many dangerous places for breakfast. I do so love breakfast -- especially with jam and toast and coffee in pretty cups, and lovely china.

Wendy you totally rock! Thank you so much.

XOXOXOXOXO 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!