Friday, January 17, 2020

Great influences in my art life -- #1 Jennifer Hinrichs


Around the table
Charcoal on paper
Jennifer Hinrichs ©
I had my first art show ever with my friend Jennifer Hinrichs,
a fantastic artist in every painting and drawing medium.
I don't think I'd be an artist today if I hadn't met Jennifer.
Studying at OCAD was fabulous for training, but I needed
more than it had to offer.  After finishing an English
degree, while working at an art magazine, I met Jennifer.
She is not only a fabulous artist, but was an incredible art
director too.

At the time, meeting people at all levels in Canadian art,
I was alienated by what looked like an impossible
profession that created stars for reasons I often couldn't
understand, and left the majority of artists struggling
to make a living.

Jennifer changed my mind, and helped me see how wonderful
an artist's life could be in so many ways. Because of her I joined
the Don Valley Art Club, started meeting other artists,
participated in regular drawing classes, and was in
wonderful group shows.

She is always an awe inspiring artist -- who makes me
feel so excited every time I see her work.  And I want to
thank her.  It has been a pretty joyous ride out here in the
land of art.  People like you -- Jennifer --make it possible to
enjoy the life, learn, grow and continue to have fun.

Have a loving your art friends day.

2 comments:

Flora Doehler said...

What a lovely post. And I am thrilled to see this charcoal drawing of Jennifer's. It really evokes another time and the way she uses lights and darks is so dramatic. I wonder if she ever made a painting from this scene.
Barbara, you continue to be a great influence in my art life. Your use of light and colour brings such life and joy to your subjects. For 10 years I have been trying to emulate your effective use of turquoise, but I doubt I'll ever get there.
Thank you for you, for your art, encouragement and inspiration. xo

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Flora,

Thank you so much. I love the drawing too, and all of Jennifer's work. Thank you so much
for your lovely compliments. You know I learn so much from you all the time, and
am completely dazzled by your work.

So thank you my sweet friend.

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!