Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Inspiration wins


Untitled (Work in Progress)
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 30 inches
Barbara Muir © 2016

Coming down the home stretch on this one.  I don't like to show works in progress,
but this is so close.  I was moved by Amy Hillenbrand's shots of the development
of her painting of orchids.  I liked her brave discussion of the middle part in creating
a painting, when you can't see the end.  And I love what Elizabeth Gilbert said in her
book Big Magic about fear being allowed to come along for the ride, and how fear could have
sandwiches, but fear would not get to drive, and fear would not get to give advice.
So brilliant.  At this point I can see where I'm going, and fear is not on the journey
anymore.  (Probably out hitchhiking). So I don't mind showing you how it's going.

I will of course give you all the details when it's done.

Have a taking the driver's seat day.

4 comments:

verna vogel said...

Hi Barbara!

I love it when you show works in progress! It is a way to show your work more deeply. Anyone can walk into a gallery, check a website, and see finished artwork. I believe that posting the progress of a painting only adds to the mystique.

And this painting is looking gorgeous - super composition and such clear eyes, just lovely.

I have not read "Big Magic" but I sure like the bit you paraphrased about fear. I am going to see if the library has the book in CD format, good to listen to a book while working in studio.

Love your work and your commitment to it. I really admire people continue making art through thick & thin, and I want to be like them. This means you!

xoxoxo
:)
V

Marilyn Flanegan said...

Now THAT's a determined expression & pose. fabulous Barbara.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Verna,

Thank you so much. The thing about art as you know is that it's a compulsion. So of course we keep going through
thick and thin. (Working on getting thinner now -- no flour or sugar for 7 months). I so love what you do,
and no one in the world has more drive. I just open your blog and faint with your incredible and beautiful and
glorious productivity. I continue to stand in awe.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Marilyn,

It is isn't it. The woman I'm painting was taking a selfie, something she rarely does,
and the combination of that image, and her actual posing for me resulted in
what you see. Love you work to the max.

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!