Monday, January 12, 2015

Tanya in the studio -- the slow evolution of art


 Untitled (work in progress)
Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches 
Barbara Muir © 2014-15
Last winter I began planning a series, and then
knew I had to prepare for my spring show
in New York.  It was obvious early on that
the large 3 x 4 ' paintings would be too
ambitious for the short April deadline.

I was painting a woman I saw in the art
gallery, who gave me permission to paint
her with her baby.  I love the idea for
the series, and this year I want to complete
it, but it hasn't become any easier.

Tanya came to visit me in July with her
two children and her husband.  It was a
hot day, an enormously kind gesture,
and the photos I took in the excitement
weren't good enough.
 Tanya in the studio
Today I've had sharp pains in my right leg,
and couldn't paint. Tomorrow the doctor. 
But the paintings still form, move and
create themselves in my head.  Soon I will
get in my car and go and see Tanya, and together
we'll get this first painting in the series
done.  In the meantime I researched
tapestries (my inspiration) at The Cloisters
in New York City, and I'll tell you more
about that tomorrow.

Thank you Tanya for your patience.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

interesting to me how paintings develop...like they are waiting to be birthed. I know it will be an exciting series. good luck at the doc. xo

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you Sally,

XOXOXOXO 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!