Sunday, October 24, 2021

Friends who collect your art



Still life collection in
my friend’s kitchen
Acrylic on canvasses
Barbara Muir ©️
They are clockwise from the upper 
left corner:


October Pansies
Acrylic on canvas
8 x 8 inches
Barbara Muir © 2010

Morning at the artist's table
36 x 12 inches
Acrylic on canvas
Barbara Muir © 2008
(I've learned a lot about 
photographing my work in the
past 13 years!)
and

Cherry branches in a
crystal jug
Acrylic on canvas
16 x 20 inches
Barbara Muir © 2008

I went to see a friend the other day who I think I've only seen once sitting outside
since the beginning of the pandemic. The reasons have been many. We were
in lockdown for the longest time in Toronto. Then because both of us are
conscientious about not being exposed to the virus, we had to wait until Steven
and I were fully vaccinated before I could visit.

But a couple of weeks after we were fully vaccinated we headed out on vacation
to our little school house in Nova Scotia. And then my friend and her husband went
travelling. So it was so lovely to see my friend. I was so happy. We talked and
had coffee, and she showed me her garden. And when I walked around her house
I saw that she and her husband are serious collectors of my work! An added treat.

Life gets so busy, and almost 2 years is so long! I had forgotten how many paintings
they had bought, and commissioned from me over the years. And the work is beautifully
displayed.

Tonight I’m showing you a little collection of still life paintings that they have on
the kitchen wall. The paintings are across from a large window, which was letting in
brilliant sunlight when I was visiting. I took the shot with my phone because the sight
of these paintings gathered so perfectly made me feel wonderful. I don't have a decent
photo of the long still life.

Thank you to all of my collectors over the years. You’ve made me a very happy artist.
I once had an art director who thought that sales to people who knew you meant nothing.
Not true. In fact when I teach business writing one of the things we emphasize over and
over is the importance of connecting. And friendship is right at the top of the list of how
to connect in life. Right? Thank you so much Susan and David. You two totally rock.

Have a collecting your friends' artwork day.

8 comments:

Flora said...

These paintings make me feel happy! How wonderful to see that beautiful display and that energy on that fab turquoise wall.
The flowers in the Crystal jug was always one of my favourites of yours. The detailed leaves, the way you captured the Crystal, the shock of the red wall…everything about it is wonderful.
Thanks so much for sharing this Barbara. Xo

Laurel Daniel said...

What a beautiful wall of paintings!!! So cheery and colorful - lucky friends!!! XOXOX

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Flora,

This last 20 months has taken so much away from us -- the chance to see friends, to be inside each other's houses. Most of us here are still nervous. So it was such a treat to see my friend. Amazing. And then my art was everywhere. I'd forgotten that.
So lovely.

Miss you and Love your work.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Thank you so much Laurel,

I love your posts, and your work, and hope you are healthy and happy during these
strange times.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Evelyn Oldroyd - painter said...

I love all three paintings. No favourite! Such wonderful rich colour and so perfect on that wall.
Easing back into a social life is difficult, but so so needed. I am glad you finally have been able to see a friend.

Jennifer Rose said...

I've sold art to family, its still a sale, if anyone wants my art great,it never matters who buys it.

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Evelyn,

I’m sorry I didn’t get back to you. It’s a wonderful and crazy time in our family and extended family with 5 birthdays in two weeks,
and other celebrations including Halloween. I thought I answered you, but if I did my iPad deleted it. Yes social life is what we crave right now, but after almost 2 years, we (I) have to relearn how to be social. I am looking forward to that, and hope I get to meet you some day. Love your work.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Jennifer,

I agree. Sold is sold. And it is so wonderful selling to friends who love your art.
I love selling to strangers too. They become friends.

Love your work.

XOXOXOXOXO 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!