My Dad (from his own self portrait)
Charcoal on Canson Mixed Media paper
13 x 14 inches
Barbara Muir © 2017
(My father loved black and white photography --
he had books by all of the greats in
that field. He took beautiful colour
photos too, but that was not his
passion. The photo I based my drawing on told
me so much about my father. His love
of playing with light and his knowledge
about light is so evident. Plus this
is my father in casual dress! Yes
he would not leave his house, even
to go to the store for many years if
he wasn't dressed properly. Plus his sense
of humour came through in the merest
suggestion of a smile.)
Not to end on a sad note, but this day in Februaryalways has a special meaning for me because it was
my father's birthday. My father died years ago, but
I think of him every year on his birthday, and
probably every other day of the year too.
So it is appropriate on this last day of the Month
of Love to think about the meaning of love on
a deep level. And here's what I know. Not only
is my father visible in my face, and in my way
of talking, my love of humour, and the fact that
I have been both a journalist and an artist, like him.
But the main connection I have with my Dad is in my
heart.
So the powerful message he would like me to convey
if he were alive on this the final day of the Month
of Love, is that love lasts. It never goes away. And
my Dad's love for me, and mine for him is a
wonderful thing, and always will be for me.
Isn't that comforting to know. I think so.
Have a loving-the-people-who-love you day.
