Wednesday, July 19, 2023

The romance of 2019

At La Rosa
Acrylic on mounted birch panel
5 x 7 inches
Barbara Muir © 2014

 I have been drawing small portraits today, inspired by an
artist I'll talk about in a future blog.  But this portrait from
2014 way before COVID in my part of the world, drew me in. 
And as a small portrait, I think it has a delightful
amount of life and happiness.

I am reposting the piece I put up in 2019, in fond memory
of that relatively worry-free time.

"A few years ago -- (OMG 5!) -- we had

a family member who had to visit Toronto Western
Hospital frequently.  At the time one of us would
head over to La Rosa Bakery and either hang out, or pick
up sandwiches for when the treatment, or appointment
was over. We loved the people there.

I did this little portrait of Lisa who worked at the bakery, but
when I went back to show it to her, she wasn't there.
Since then we've rarely been back in the neighbourhood,
and I hear the bakery closed.  So sorry.  I did a few portraits
of people who worked at, and visited La Rosa --
all great people.

I think this woman's wonderful warmth and humour
comes through in the portrait.  I've been thinking of
and planning portraits all day, but have nothing
concrete to show you.  This painting is one I'm
proud of.  Small, and it's all there."

Have a loving what you do day.

4 comments:

Jennifer Rose said...

covid closed a lot of places, i never did get to eat at the nice mexican place before they closed and the food looked so good

Evelyn Oldroyd - painter said...

A wonderfully vibrant portrait❣️. I love the colour and small is beautiful 🤗❣️❣️❣️❣️

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Jennifer Rose,

So true, and they are still closing. I'm sorry you missed
eating at the nice Mexican restaurant. I hope a new one opens
up and you get to eat there. Love your work.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Evelyn,

Thank you. That means a lot to me. Love your work.

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!