Wednesday, September 8, 2021

The wonders of travel

Coffee on the patio
Marker on drawing paper
5.5 x 8.5 inches
Barbara Muir ©️ 2021

We’re on our way home now, and I’m looking forward and looking back. I feel like my life has been given incredible gifts in the past two weeks.We got to go to our little school house in Nova Scotia. In the middle of a pandemic this has been huge. 

I’ve seen the work of two of my favourite artists in person, and been so inspired. My brain is on fire with possible ideas.  Artistically I know my creative energy has been affected by the pandemic, but this trip has renewed my urge to create. And seeing paintings by Flora Doehler, and Norene Smiley has been so wonderful. 

There couldn’t be a better place to go at the moment than Nova Scotia, where you have to apply and provide proof that you’re double vaccinated just to be allowed into the province. 

And the countryside and small town views are some of my favourite in the world. Especially at this time of year—summer in its final days —lush green, flowers everywhere, the bluest sky, and gorgeous clouds. I’ve taken endless reference shots. 

I drew this young woman from a casual photo I took through a window in Ottawa at a café where we were getting coffees to go. I loved her serious look as she talked to her friend. 

Have a getting recharged day!

4 comments:

Evelyn Oldroyd - painter said...

I love your drawings. The way yiu catch an expression is beautiful. And such a wonderful break for yiu. Looking forward to the work that comes from it. ����❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

Barbara Muir said...

Thanks so much Evelyn,

Just uploading the drawing with our sketchy Internet at
the school house was an experience. The drawing was a fast one,
and it could use work. I have got about a million ideas now, and
so many photos of every scene that blew me away, which is almost
everything I've seen. It was amazing. We head home today, and
I hope the high creative energy I feel right now, lasts. Love
your work. Your drawings and paintings are magical.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Jennifer Rose said...

its great that you are energized from your trip and what you saw, sometimes that is what we need to get the creative juices flowing

Barbara Muir said...

It has been such a treat in every way Jennifer Rose,

Thank you. The visual magnificence of this country just
moves me so much. As much as I love being home -- those
vistas make me want to see more.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO 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!