Show name -- The Art of Celebration? I think yes.

This calls for ice cream
Sketch
Acrylic on birch panel
5 x 7 inches
Barbara Muir © 2014

Although my son Sam is very handsome, and this portrait in no way does him
justice, it does capture his enthusiasm, and perhaps his humour.  We just returned
from a day trip to see Sam and his wife Emily.  It was lovely.  In fact our whole
family was there and it was super fun.

I am having a solo show in April at the Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Ave., Toronto,
opening on April 5 between 2 and 5 p.m. I'd love to see you there.  So I'm working
on a name -- I like The Art of Celebration because I think my work celebrated what I
see.  Pretty simple. But I like it . (I am pretty simple.)

Have a loving your life day !

Saturday -- an opening and Movie night

 

Tulips in the students' gorgeous present

Acrylic on bond paper (formerly a palette)

14 x 17 inches

Barbara Muir © 2019

Sadly the photos we took at the reception at the Off The Wall show
at the Heliconian Club  today didn't work.  And that's too bad because

it was a wonderful opening. I  sold work, wrapped it up, sold some cards, 

and had absolutely delightful conversations.

Then it was movie night with my sweetheart.

I decided to use this image I posted in 2022 in early January, because it
is joyous, and it's probably one of the most vibrant tulip paintings I

ever did -- yet it was a sketch.  The present in the title is the beautiful crystal
jug a student gave me at the end of term when I taught at Seneca
College.  We still keep in touch, and she now runs a farm.

It's very late.  It's been a stupendous day, and I'm tired.

Stay warm.

Have a loving your life day.

An artist on vacation? Come to my opening tomorrow (Saturday) at the Heliconian Club,

 

My husband Steven and Monet the cat 3 years ago today
Photo

Barbara Muir © 2022

I am on vacation (at home) this week.  This does mean cuddling on the couch in my studio

with Monet who is now huge.  But she is every bit as affectionate. And tomorrow it means

an opening at the Heliconian Club, 35 Hazelton Avenue, Toronto. Please come on in if

you're in the neighbourhood.  No it is not a church. It became a women's art club in 1909.

We will have goodies, and excellent coffee on gorgeous china, and a lot of beautiful art at
crazy low prices (yes including mine).  I'd love to see you.

Meanwhile back to the "holiday."

Have a loving your life day.

New Year, New Day

New Day

Acrylic on canvas
36 x 48 inches
Barbara Muir © 2009

(The painting I was finishing

when the Oprah Winfrey Show

producers called, and asked

me if I'd like to draw Oprah via Skype.
My answer? Yes!) 

This was a wonderful day.  I joined Steven who was out walking our dog Sally --

very cold, but no snow and it was sunny.  We said Happy New Year to everyone,
and a woman from the Ukraine said she could only say it in German, so she

did, and I did. (I studied German in grade 10, and miraculously a lot of it
stayed with me.)

Then we went down to the lake, and walked in the magnificent light at sunset.

Beyond magnificent.  I loved what I said about the new year -- and the
magic of possibilities in a former post:

"So I was looking for a painting by me that would speak about it being
a new day, and this work showed up -- called New Day.  And it was.

My whole life changed on the day I finished that painting, because 

that was the day I got called by Oprah Winfrey's producer, and asked
to be on the show via Skype in May, 2009.  My thanks to my wonderful
model Shakoya, and to Oprah Winfrey, who I will be grateful to forever. "

I feel quite hopeful about the coming year.  True there is a lot to be worried

about.  But I feel nothing but joy when I think of my artist friends around

the world and how we support each other.  As Tania Rivilis wrote the 
other day, "May the art be with you."

Have a loving your life day.

Happy New Year!

 

View from our hotel in Florence in 2016

Photo
Barbara Muir © 2016

Happy New Year! I'm choosing to look at 2025 in a positive light despite all 
indications on a world scale that that may not happen.  Once again let's work
together to create beautiful art, live generously and happily, and enjoy each
moment on the planet.

Like many others I am hoping for a ceasefire in every war zone. One quarter of 
the way through this century it's time we grew up and quit thinking that violence

can help anyone in any way.

Happy New Year.  I hope you have a wonderful year. 

Have a loving your life day!

 

Happy New Year!

 Steven and I in 2015
on New Year's Eve.
Happy New Year!

I don't think we took a picture tonight, but we had a lovely party at our house.
Delicious food and drink brought by our friends, wonderful conversations, 

watching the ball drop at midnight and all of us singing auld lang syne with
our hands held in a circle.  Just awesome.

Happy New Year.  More on this next year. Lol.

Thank you for making my year wonderful!

Painting for love

 

Our garden in bloom
Acrylic on canvas
30 x 30 inches
Barbara Muir © 2024
(I do still need a better photo.

Yes a common problem.
I resolve to take good
photos before delivery in 2025!)

For an artist there is nothing scarier than painting for someone you truly 

admire, and trying to make a painting that will please your client/friend.

This painting came together slowly as parts of the garden had already
bloomed, and other flowers came into bloom.  The client -- one of the
sweetest, and most generous people I know, was very patient.  In the
middle of the project we both got horrendous colds for a few weeks.
But still the ideas were there, and slowly the painting flourished.

Imagine my delight when my friend came to pick it up, and loved it
from minute one.  I believe other artists can relate to that little jump
in your heart when you realize everything is okay.  She likes it!

Whew!

So that was a super happy story, and I am proud of the final 
image.  Happy New Year!  And thank you to my wonderful
collector.

Have a loving your life day.