Happy Connections — the pleasures of art blogging

Hi - my name is Barbara Muir and I’m a Canadian artist.

I met Róisín through this blog, and we’ve become friends.  She’s asked me to do a guest spot on her blog, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Last night I was at an art show near Pugwash, Nova Scotia, Canada where I’m on vacation with my husband.  The talk turned to nature versus the computer, and the sad state of affairs with little children addicted to Facebook and adults stuck on their iPhones and Blackberries all day and night. Not that I wouldn’t acknowledge that that’s true in part.  But for artists there is no question that the internet, and in particular the world of blogging is a boon.  I admit I was dragged into this a bit against my will at first.

I started a blog to be able to connect to my artist friend here in Pugwash, Norene Smiley, who wrote a short term blog in support of an art show she was organizing. But since my squeaky beginning I have met artists from aroundthe planet, and enjoyed their work tremendously. Artists can learn so much from reading each other’s blogs and seeing each other’s work.

I can’t remember how I found Róisín, but I know that from the first time I opened her blog I was completely hooked on her work—her fresh use of surprising colour combinations, the verve and spontaneity of her images, the lush use of paint, and her joyous and sometimes humourous subject matter.  I believe in painting from a happy life view, and in Róisín I knew I’d found a kindred spirit.  What’s my point? — Through the blog I know that Róisín loves her seaside walks, and here I am walking beside the ocean in Canada thinking of her.  When forest fires threatened my blog friend in Tucson, Arizona I felt the same worry I’d feel for someone I know in person in my home  town of Toronto.  I can easily follow a friend in France and see her lovely paintings as she travels around Europe.

So in fact the computer connects me and the other artists I know to more of the world—we care more about one another, and even know more about his beautiful sphere we live on.

Barbara Muir Paints

This is my third portrait and rather than get easier it was by far the hardest yet. It didn’t help that the two photos that I was using for reference didn’t capture the essence of the subject (a ridiculous way of saying that they really didn’t look like her!). I’m really not trying to make excuses as I’m happy with the progress - just not there yet. It’s incredibly how easy some artists can make this look.

walking on thin ice

The kids are back to school today (thanks be to God and all that’s holy!) The big freeze is still going on but it has stopped snowing so it’s just the ice and the -17 to -4 temperatures to deal with – don’t I sound like an old hand! I think we’re doing pretty good though as most of the country seems to be functioning even if on half speed.  Meanwhile I need to get the finger out and make up for last week’s go slow while I had three kids under my feet!

A visual pick me up

I’m posting early this morning as I have a day/weekend ahead that may just kill me! It seems weekends have gotten so busy of late. Rob is away this weekend and I have about sixteen 8yr olds coming for a birthday party along with all the other stuff going on. It’s all good, but I think a few quieter weekends may be needed to recaharge the batteries.

Here’s a little thing that cheers me up everytime I pass it. It’s a dress that my eight year old made last year in school.

Isn’t that gorgeous?

Sometimes it’s the simplist little things that can brighten your day!

Husband #1

Yes I know what you’re going to say. “He’s your only one”. Well yes that’s true (so far :-0). Of course the number refers to the portrait not the husband. Rob is very pleased with his portrait by the way. He thinks he looks very handsome in a James Bond kinda way!

This is my second portrait and I’m really enjoying doing them. I’ve started taking simple photos on my iphone to work from. So watch out if I meet you, you’ve been warned!

Husband #1 8×8 inch oil on gesso bord

portrait preschool

I’ve been following Karin Jurick’s art blog for some time. She’s a great painter but what has really been lighting my fire of late is her portraits. She’s working her way through 100 portraits or faces (she’s on #24 now) interspersed with other subject matter.  Her gorgeous use of colour, and painterly approach have been really inspiring me. So I thought, how hard can it be? (derisory laugh!) Lets have a go. So this is my very first portrait (even had to create a new category)

daughter #1

Actually this is my youngest daughter but let’s not quibble over the details. I would have reached for a square bord here but I’m trying to quit the habit. Also the ground was yellow and has made everything a bit too yellow. That said for a first effort I’m happy by and large.

Daughter #1 8×6 oil on gesso bord