Diary of a Plein Air Painter #21

Bends in the Journey, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel. 

Available Here 

 (You can also read the reflection I wrote on location that accompanies this painting here.)

Monday, July 8, 2013

Big Island, Nova Scotia

10:15-11:30 A.M.

When I awoke this morning a fog had blanketed the world outside. It looked as if the sun would break through. The sun was not predicted to appear today. Excitedly I knew it was a day for a plein air adventure. Quickly, I raced to get ready and get on the road before the moment faded. Big Island was on my mind with its wild and carefree personality.

Once on route, I somehow missed my turn off and had to travel an extra distance to finally reach my destination. What a treat when I arrived; not a soul in sight--the whole island to myself! After doing a couple of walk abouts and jutting to a couple of spots, I settled on a distant view. I loved the little sea path leading around a bend and the swirly sky. Strokes of light colored water streaked across a darker blue.

My Subject

The light would change fast especially near the ocean with a moving cloud cover overhead. I set up quickly and intuitively began a brush dance with my canvas. The sky appeared much lighter that the ocean today. The ocean looked cool with its darker color.

My Set Up

Beginning

As I painted visitors passed by on bikes. Tourists I could tell as they began to speak French. One proceeded to take my picture enchanted that they should come upon such a sight. One set of visitors stopped their car directly beside me and had complimentary expletives. Once again tourist were upon me, as two of the occupants spoke a foreign language to me. They were all very nice. It is these momentary encounters that add interest to a plein air painters life!

Almost finished

One of my visitors was curious about what scene I was painting as my easel was sideways and the scene before it did not look like the one I was painting, I quickly explained that I had turned my easel sideways to avoid having direct sunlight on my canvas. I told him I would make my values too dark as I over compensated for the bright sunlight on my work. (A plein air tip for today.) I have made that mistake in the past and my painting turns out much darker than I thought it would.

Looking down Big Island Road

A peek hole to the wide open ocean on the other side of the road.

As I was leaving the sun was becoming more scarce. I was so happy I had spontaneously followed my instinct this morning and ventured out into the world of plein air!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. While I was writing my reflection, I noticed a shiny spot in the long grass. It was a little ladybug twinkling in the sunlight. A sign of good luck they say. :)

P.P.S. My car made a great side table today as I had my cup of tea and snack while I wrote this entry. Adjustments; that is what plein air painting is all about. Cheers!

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Diary of a Plein Air Painter #20

Summer Has Arrived, 12x6in. Oil on linen/panel. A Study for larger work.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

9:00-10:30 a.m.

I escaped the heat of the house and my to do list today by coming to the park to paint. Summer has arrived in full force with temperatures that make one slow down. As I made my way to the park, I anticipated the vision of wild rose bushes in full bloom. Sure enough when I arrived I was not disappointed. I always take delight in their bubble gum pink color and cheerful disposition.

My Subject at Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

When I arrived I walked around viewing the roses from different angles and admired the ocean view peeking through the foliage. This is one of my favourite scenes to paint this time of year. One cannot help being mesmerized by its charm.

My Set Up

I found a shady spot to paint my subject. It is a perfect view and a most comfortable location. I must set up quickly before the light shifts. It is  time to dance with nature.

During my painting session, I had several visitors as I was completing my painting. I enjoyed two interesting conversations. One was with an old acquaintance from childhood. I am sure we solved all the problems of the world! My second conversation was with a gentleman of native descent. We talked about nature and he shared some native terms for various months. The month of July was the month the birds lost their feathers. He came to the park to bird watch and find feathers which he will use for a creative project. 

 I think I will make a larger painting of this scene using my study as reference. Such an interesting session today and a most beautiful day to be in the park!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. My first visitor was in awe of my painting palette and the whole process of how I could create a painting. Many questions pursued! He had a great appreciation for art and artists. I even had my picture taken while I painted. Wink, wink. It is special how some people think we create magic as artists!

P.P.S Two ladies arrived with two sweet little girls. They sat in the picnic table beside my subject and carried on a most intense conversation. I felt like a statue on the sidelines privy to all. A bit of an odd feeling. I guess I really blended in with my subject. People are a most interesting species indeed! 

Special Note: If you had signed up for my blog posts to arrive in your email inbox, I finally have that enabled! Thanks so much for your patience. 

"Violet Heads" -New Miniature

Violet Heads, 3x2in. Oil on linen/panel. $55

Available Here

Violet Heads

"As the herb garden awakens, violet headed chives sway about in a gentle breeze."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald 

This past Spring when my herb garden was overgrown and full of weeds a bundle of chives decided to bloom in spite of their surroundings. Their violet coloured heads made me smile and were a wonderful discovery after a long winter.

I love puttering around my herb garden, filled with lovely scents and little discoveries. It seemed fitting to capture a couple of these interesting looking flowers in a miniature painting. I really enjoyed observing their intricacies and various hues.

During my creation of this miniature, I posted various stages of my process on Facebook. Here are a few photos of my various stages. I hope you enjoy viewing my process.

My subject--chives from my herb garden.

Subject set up--sketch in charcoal--bring on the paint!

In progress

Subject comes to life in paint!

I hope you get to wander in nature and drink up her intimate glimpses of beauty. Beauty is often not the grandeur, but the little glimpses of something incidental. These little moments of observed beauty make us stop and come into a present moment. For me...that is how I renew my spirit. How about you?

Warmly,

Debbie

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Diary of a Plein Air Painter #19

4x4in. Oil on linen/panel

Available Here

First Day of Summer

"Raspberry bushes dance happily as their blossoms announce the arrival of summer."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Friday, June 21, 2013

MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

9:00-10:45 a.m.

Finally on the first official day of summer I have escaped life's duties and returned to one of my old haunts. It is my first plein air painting of the season after a cold and rainy Spring. I have decided to paint a miniature painting to get reacquainted with the rhythm of being on location again.

Raspberry Blossoms, MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia

This morning as I drove down an old lane I was attracted to the abundance of raspberry blossoms swaying in a gentle breeze. I liked the grayish background and how they rhythmically arced to and fro with flicks of white blossoms scattered along their branches. They reminded me of butterflies and seemed to be happy to dance about.

Almost Finished!

My goal was to capture their movement and wildness omitting fine detail so as not to look laboured. Fresh strokes of paint without fiddling was necessary. This was an easy painting to go " too far" in completing, which would result in losing its freshness. I had to mentally tell myself to stop painting and resist the urge to add a bit more detail or flicks of paint. Knowing when to stop painting is a discipline in itself!

 Photo of the scenery around me

It was such a joy to be back out on location! How I have missed having all my senses engaged and the solitude of nature. Cheers to future outings!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. As I painted in the open field, butterflies fluttered past me, while bees buzzed close by. A gentle breeze made the trees rustle softly and helped keep the black flies at bay.

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