Wednesday, February 27, 2019

To the love of learning and wonderful models


Poem by the Don
acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches (diptych)
Barbara Muir © 2008
It's the second last day of the Month of Love,
and my commitment to myself to honour this month, by
posting every day.  I woke up wondering what to write
about. I have a few large pieces in transition -- still working
on them.  I went through my draft blog posts, then looked
at photos of my work online and randomly came upon
a wonderful blog by Bas van Houwelingen,  called Reading 
and Art, that honoured me four years ago by featuring my
paintings of people reading.

The blog didn't include this painting of one of my favourite models,
who was wonderful to work with.  She came to an exhibition
in the fall with her husband, and looked so grown up!  I painted this
work eleven years ago.  So it was amazing and wonderful to see her.

Last night we entertained one of the youngest members of our 
family, three year old Alice, who already has our family's passion
for reading.  For most of the 3 1/2 hours of her visit, we read to her. 
And she loved it, asking for another book the minute one story
was finished.

The affects of coming from a reading family are clearly
evident to me when I'm teaching.  Vocabulary, curiosity,
even self confidence are deeply improved by reading.
I'm glad that reading's featured so often in my portraits.
Subliminally I was both attracted to the look of people
reading, but also secretly trying to urge people to read
more often, to enjoy learning.  Once again we have perfect
reading weather in Toronto today -- lots of snow coming down.

Have a reading a superb book day.

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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!