Subjects for still life everywhere
(Life in Lockdown)
Photo
Barbara Muir © 2021
Today we learned that we will be in lockdown again until the middle of June at least.
The numbers have not gone down low enough for the government to open everything up.
So how do you stay happy and sane during lockdown?
When I paint most of the day I feel hopeful. This week I was finally making a breakthrough
on a painting I’ve had on the easel, on and off for a month. I will be so happy when I
finish that work. The books I’m reading say to say, "I’m happy now and that’s why I
know I can finish that work." See the flip?
That’s one of my simplest strategies – maybe the best one – flip it. I know I’ve told you
about that before. All it means is that you’re thinking that something is really depressing
and awful – like lockdown, and you decide, "This isn't terrible -- it's okay. I’m pretty sure
I can figure out how to be happy during this time." So let’s get started on the next chapter
of Lockdown.
The reality remains the same as it's been since the start of the pandemic -- if you are
safe and healthy, and your family is well, you are doing fine.
What do you do to stay sane?
Have a being as happy as possible day!
6 comments:
What a fab photo! Do you mind if I use it as reference for an oil pastel? It’s really cool to see your setup too. Xox
Wow- you have been in serious lockdowns for so long! If only people would get it!
But I love that setting and hope I see it in a painting. I agree with your strategy. I did something similar a few days ago and it turned the day around. ❣️❣️❣️❣️🤗
Hi Flora,
Go for it. I may use it too, in which case we'll have to have a show
together featuring our interpretations. Paris? Florence? The choices
are so many. This is a side set up. The main one is in the studio.
I just liked the photo.
Love your work.
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara
Thank you so much Evelyn,
Who knows? I have so much photo reference, that there are hundreds of options.
It does work doesn't it! Flipping your thinking. That and I've flooded the house with positive messages on sticky notes. They are really for my sweetheart, but they make
me happy too. Love your work so much!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara
we are slowly coming out of lockdown here (scotland) but i dont think much is going to change for me (even being fully vaccinated now). so just more art and a lot of reading and even if i do go out it will feel very odd not having a mask on and since i havent gotten a cold i dont think that i would stop wearing one anyway (i know my sister in ontario will pro not be happy to still be in lockdown since she hates the kids are missing out at a fulltime education)
Hi Jennifer,
We talk about this all the time. What would change? My husband suspects not
much, but so many people saunter around now in crowds, without masks. And school
is huge. I teach a once a week night class for a Community College, online on Zoom.
I can't wait to get back to the classroom. But not now, not until it's over.
Love your work.
XOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara
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