Tuesday, January 22, 2019

Bob Burridge is right -- they all are. Just go into the studio


Constant Inspiration (work in progress)
Acrylic and faux gold leaf on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2019
I went into my studio today -- still not quite full strength.
After meeting with some great women in my neighbourhood,
I was resting watching Bob Burridge's latest little video.
He is so confident, warm and encouraging, and he said get
down into the studio.  Which was right.

I was nestled in bed with a book and wanted to sleep, but
I settled in the studio intending to work on a landscape I
started a while ago. Then I came on this partially started portrait
of my niece. Before I knew it I was working on that, and
looking for real gold leaf (have to get some -- the fake stuff
is not as good) and having fun.

The landscape sits on the easel saying, "And?"  And I explained
to that painting (silently) that this was small, and intimate and right for today.

Have a going into the studio day.

4 comments:

Verna Vogel said...

A gorgeous portrait Barbara. Full of spirit and love. Like you. I'm glad you got into your studio today, and I think your landscape painting will understand and be patient. I like that you talk to your paintings, keep them informed of what's going on!

I have been aiming at working in my studio every day, even if only for an hour. Of course the days when I can get in there for many hours are wonderful, but in between those long days, a little bit every day is very good.

xoxoxo
Verna

Liza Hirst said...

I love this painting, Barbara! Her expression is so sweet, the brushwork is great, the two different patterns add interest. I especially like how you have sort of emerged the patterns on the right shoulder by continuing with the colour of the the circles onto her shirt! Brilliant.
I am so glad to hear that you are on the mend!
Greetings and 💕

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Verna,

Thank you so much. I have always been a distracted painter. I hold myself in the studio with
the radio, music, or a TV show I can listen to and still get it. But everyone who writes advice for
artists now is saying get into the studio. Things get done, albeit slowly.

Love your work,

XOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Liza,

It is very cold here, and I haven't been out of the house much, so I am still
haven't been to an art store and am still working with imitation gold leaf.
Not as fun as the real thing, but still fascinating. Yes I thought I'd continue the light
onto her shirt. I am hoping to do more portraits dissolving
into pattern in the coming months. But I will really need real gold leaf if the
pattern involves gold! Wishing you a fast recovery.

XOXOXOXOXOXO 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!