A Sprig of Holly

A Sprig of Holly, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. $65

Available Here

A Sprig of Holly

"Fresh holly adorns the holiday season with simplicity and beauty."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

This miniature is now available in my online shop. It contains three of my favorite things to paint, holly, glass, and Christmas baubles!

I can' t believe how close it is getting to Christmas! It just doesn't feel like it is that close due to our milder temperatures. Now don't get me wrong--I am definitely not complaining about these great temperatures for this time of year! They help take the bite out of winter.

Hope you are getting along well with your holiday preparations! I am still finishing up on some of mine. 

Warmly,

Debbie

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Christmas Spirit and Raffle Party!

Christmas Spirit, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Available

Available Here

Christmas Spirit

"The joy of Christmas fills the air, with simple pleasures of baubles and fir. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

I can't believe it is almost the end of November! Around this time of year, I get inspired to paint small miniatures of Christmas baubles. I love their colors and reflective nature! Do you like shiny ornaments? My mom says I'm just like a crow because I love shiny things. It is always fun to try to capture "the shine" in paint.

To show my appreciation and for fun, I thought I would have a little raffle. Join my Raffle Party for a chance to win a large magnet and two homemade floral note cards. I personally make these cards to have available when I write thank you notes etc. I think they offer a personal touch and are a way of spreading joy around. Soooo come join the fun and enter my little raffle!! Feel free to share with your friends and family! Cheers!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. When you visit my Facebook Page, if you did not already Like my page I would love it if you pressed the Like Button! Thanks!

P.P.S I will mail this little package out to the winner. :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Just in Time

 Just In Time, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel.

Available Here

Just in Time

"In late autumn, a small hydrangea was rescued just in time. Spared from strong winds and rain, its beauty shone for awhile longer.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald  ©


My thoughtful mom called one day just before we were expected to receive quite a bit of rain and wind, to ask if I would like her to cut a few of her blooming hydrangeas. She has beautiful hydrangeas in a variety of colors and sizes. I was so happy she cut them for me when she did, because a few days later they were gone! The wind and rain swept those beautiful blooms away. I loved how they brightened up my kitchen windowsills and studio. 

Mom thought I would like them as subjects for a painting. I decided to paint a smaller one of varied blues, purples and pinks. This painting proved to be a bit of a rascal. Painting the flower went really smoothly and then the trouble began. I had the back leaf and background painted and decided I just wasn't satisfied with them. Sooooo the wipe out began of both the leaf and background! I made the leaf smaller so it didn't overpower the flower and totally changed the background color. 

It just isn't worth keeping something you are not satisfied with, even after investing a large quantity of time. I am happy with the end result now and glad I fiercely wiped out what I didn't like. I hope it brightens your day today!

I have added another Fine Art Gift Bag to my online shop. This one is a Holiday Gift Bag entitled "Visions of Christmas". It would make a wonderful gift for someone special or for yourself to brighten up your home over the holiday season! 

Visions of Christmas Fine Art Gift Bag

Available Here

On Saturday I'm happily travelling to the city for the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council's Christmas Show. It is a wonderful display put on by many talented artisans! Pottery, wood working, glass jewellery and so much more. Hoping to get some Christmas shopping done there as well. 

Wishing you a Wonderful Weekend!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Here is a pic of my studio helper!

Marlee in action!

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Orange Globe and Gift Giving

Orange Globe, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold

Sold 

Orange Globe

"A miniature orange globe celebrates harvest time with ribbon and cheer."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald 

This was a mini orange pumpkin I bought as a fall decoration for my front doorstep. Of course I knew it would most likely end up as subject matter for a painting. It was just too cute and cheery not to! 

It sold to a good friend and new collector before I could post it online. She really loves pumpkins, so this little painting was a good fit for her. I think pumpkins are so cheery and interesting! Love their bright color and interesting shapes. 

I mentioned in my last post that I will be highlighting a few of my available works over the next while. I thought it might help give you ideas for your future holiday gift giving. 

Today I am featuring "Nature's Power", 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel. It was painted on location at one of my favorite haunts...Big Island, Nova Scotia. This would make a great gift for a beach lover or someone who loved the outdoors. 

It was so windy the day I painted this, I had to hold onto my easel while I painted at times. When I was packing up to leave, a young gentleman helped me carry some of my belongings to the car, because everything kept blowing away on me. I am sure he thought, "This is one crazy artist!". 

Nature's Power, 6x6in. Oil on linen/board. $125

Available Here

You can also view more small plein air paintings here. Thanks for looking!

Today that white stuff was floating down from the sky!! Where did autumn go?!

Warmly, 

Debbie

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November Skies & Gift Giving

November Skies, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia. 

Available Here

November Skies

"In late autumn, November brings an abundance of moody skies and the donning of extra layers."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

The beginning of November seemed to be an endless stream of gray, cloudy days.  On the day I painted this one, the sun had finally peeked out for longer moments. So I decided to head out on location close to home. By the time I had set up and began painting, heavy cloud cover moved in again. I was lucky that the sun was lower in the sky and began to illuminate the abundance of clouds.  By the time I was packing up to leave, I was quite cold. This time of year sure does get chilly when the sun disappears!

Holiday Gift Giving
The festive season is fast approaching! Some of you are probably beginning to think about your gift giving dilemma. I know many of you like to try to get special gifts for those who are close to you or difficult to buy for. Since fine art is unique and handmade, I thought I would start selecting some of my work to highlight. I thought this might spur some ideas for you, or you might like to purchase my work for that special someone! 

Today, I am featuring my Fine Art Gift Bags. They are totally one of a kind and are put together with love. Last year I teamed up with two other gifted entrepreneurs to create these special bags using my miniature paintings. Many were sold for Christmas Gifts, where they were delightfully received!

The following Fine Art Gift Bag is available in my Shop. I painted these little chive flowers from my garden. This would make a wonderful gift for someone who loved gardening, baking, or is interested in natural healing. More photos, details and purchasing information can me found here. Local collectors feel free to message me.

Fine Art Gift Bag featuring Original Miniature Oil Painting"Violet Heads", 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.

You can read all about my Fine Art Gift Bags on my shop. If you see a miniature you would like us to use to create a Fine Art Gift Bag, just send me a message. I will be creating a few more bags in the near future to post in my online Shop.  You can view previously purchased bags here.

Thanks so much for your continued support and interest in my passion!

Warmly,
Debbie

You may also be interested in reading my latest post on my Inspirational Blog

 "Small Pauses ".

Sweet Berry & Little Nooks

Sweet Berry, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board. $55

Available Here

Sweet Berry

"Juicy and sweet, tiny tomatoes are a welcome visitor to the palate."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

This was a tiny, sweet tomato that had to be captured as a miniature painting! It was also a lovely addition to a tossed green salad. I loved painting its long skinny stem. 

Miniatures make wonderful unique and original gifts. With the festive season just around the corner, you may find my miniature paintings to be the perfect gift choice for that special person on your list. My Fine Art Gift Bags were also very popular last year. I will be putting a few new ones together again soon. You can also select a miniature of your choice and I will have Bonnie and Cindy do their magic to make the bag complete. Read all about them here and to see ones presently in stock.

I have added a new section to my website under the Miniatures tab. I now have a tab labelled Displaying Miniatures. In this section I will be adding photographs to give you ideas on how to display miniatures. If you purchase them for gifts you can also send the recipient to my website for ideas on how to display their new gift. I hope you find this section helpful and enjoyable!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I am presently writing my next Ezine (online newsletter). If you are not subscribed you may do so here.  Love to have you join me!

You may also be interested in reading my latest post on my Inspirational Blog

 "Small Pauses ".

"Memories" A Special Commission!

Memories, 20x16in. Oil on linen/ panel. Commissioned

NFS 

Memories

Planted with care, a special cherry tree brought life to the space it inhabited. Every year delicate blooms awakened the space with cheer and visual appeal. Year after year it delighted its owner with an abundance of blooms. Finally, after many years there came a time for it to return to the earth.

Preserving its memory was the intention of the owner. Thus, that special tree was rebirthed artistically, creating lasting memories for those familiar with its natural beauty.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


This was a very special commission I completed for a wonderful collector and person. My collector named Clinton, planted this cherry tree in his backyard. It grew beautifully over the years and delighted his family with its gorgeous blooms. Finally after about 15 years, it became diseased and had to return to the earth. Missing his symbolic tree, Clinton asked if I would eternalize it artistically. It was an honor to paint this for him and his family.

During the creation of this painting, I included Clinton in the process by sending him photographs shot quickly in my studio while I was painting. It was fun including him in the development of "Memories" and he enjoyed watching his painting transform from loosely sketched beginnings to its finish. 

Stages of development while I worked on "Memories".

Clinton gave me permission to mention his name and share his story on facebook. I always like to respect my clients wishes regarding publication on social media. I appreciated his easy going manner and willingness to share his wonderful story online.

Here is the lovely message I received from Clinton, after I shared his painting and story. 
I love it when I can be of service to others by adding upliftment or stirring memories they cherish. 

" Debbie. Thanks for dropping off the painting today. It felt like Christmas as Lisa and I unwrapped the coverings ..... it was amazing. We are very pleased with your work and I am amazed at how you were able to capture a very special part of our lives. The title "Memories" sure does resonate with our family as that cherry tree was front and centre in all our family photos over the years.You truly are talented and I am hoping you are able to spend more time with your paintings now that you have officially retired from teaching. Thank you again for taking the time to help recreate a part of our lives that will be hung proudly in our house. All the Best!!"

Thanks for reading! 

Warmly,

Debbie

“The earth has music for those who listen.” ~William Shakespeare

P.S. I am presently writing my next Ezine (online newsletter). If you are not subscribed you may do so here.  Love to have you join me!

A Study at Grant's Lake, N.S.

Study completed in Grant's Lake, Nova Scotia.

NFS

(Presently unavailable as I will be using it as reference for larger studio work. My reflection below was written on location.)



Coolness in the Air

The air has become cooler, even on sunny days. The sun's rays add appreciated warmth, while adding drama to autumn's palette. Strips of reflections in the lake mimic autumn's brilliance. Geese have gathered in the lake, milling about and honking noisily by times. They startle their visitor with loud flaps and abrupt noises.  Soon they will make their journey to warmer temperatures, returning once we have endured the long winter months. 

Autumn is marching along quickly, thus, every opportunity to capture her beauty must be taken.  Already leaves are floating continuously from their branches, drifting in the air before they float down to their destination. It won't be long and the landscape will be undressed, baring all its skeletal structure. Beauty will come from its basic structure and its ability to project calm within its simplicity. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald



It had been awhile since I had painted in Grant's Lake. I especially love painting the lake and its beautiful reflections. It is such a treat to view this location in the fall with all its brilliant colors. 

Ready to dive into my painting. 
Dressed in layers for the chilly morning.

I decided to paint a study which I could later use as reference for a larger studio painting. I jotted down color notes and any impressions I had of my subject. I also made mental notes regarding the areas that were in shadow and light. While painting my study I made mental decisions about what I would like to achieve in a larger work.

My subject earlier in the morning. See the leaf floating in the air?!

When I arrived in the morning it was quite cool, but as the day progressed it really warmed up. Typical of early autumn weather. What a surprise I received upon my arrival! Geese were gathered in sections all over the lake. They swam, honked, flapped their wings and flew in the air. Quite a busy lot for sure! They even startled me a few times while I was painting.

Artist and Subject together

As soon as I was setting up to paint, I realized I had forgotten the attachment needed to attach my pochade box onto my tripod. I quickly called home and luckily my son Brett was able to drive it out to me. Yay!! Brett also took a few pictures while he was visiting me. 

Having a good laugh with my son!

Beautiful reflection and branches in the lake.

The nice thing about being on location is that you often get to meet and chat with the local residents. Today I chatted with several locals and even had an invitation to paint the lake from someone's property. This will give me a whole different perspective on the lake. So nice of them to extend an invitation!

All and all, I had a great day on location and am looking forward to using my study and notes for further studio work. 

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge Collage and My Thoughts

Presenting my collage of all the paintings I completed in the 30 in 30 day painting challenge!

Miniatures in collage available Here.
Small Paintings in collage available Here.


Well my family and I made it through the 30 in 30 Day Painting Challenge! It was definitely a fast pace and the month is a bit of a blur. lol I definitely got more paintings completed than  if I hadn't been involved in the challenge.

 It was challenging due to the fact that I work from life, either at my home or by travelling to a location to paint En Plein Air. I did enjoy picking many of my botanical subjects from my gardens or while I was on my morning walks. It was also enjoyable painting during the beautiful month of September in some of my favorite painting locations.

Painting daily really creates momentum and muscle memory. It eliminates any hesitation artists experience sometimes, after taking long breaks in between paintings. I will continue to paint almost everyday, but not necessarily finish a painting a day. I enjoy being reflective and also tackling larger works which take longer than one day. 

It was not just the painting that took time in this challenge, but all the behind the scenes work. Just blogging, adding work to my website and adding a link to our host Leslie Saeta's blog took quite a bit of time. However, I am happy I participated. Now that I can work at my art full time, it made me realize how I can fit daily painting into my schedule. I realized that I really enjoy balance in my schedule, time to be reflective and time to explore new ideas. The insight that I gained from the challenge was very beneficial. It was also fun being a part of an "art movement" with such a large group of global artists. Great camaraderie! Many thanks go to Leslie Saeta for once again hosting this challenge.

I would like to especially thank my family for their patience and support during the challenge. Big thanks goes to my son Brett who took photographs of my work almost daily!
Thanks to all my followers who received my work via email, commented or liked my posts on facebook. Your support and cheering kept me going!

Next on my agenda is more painting and publishing my next ezine!

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 27, "Magic"

Magic, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Big Island, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Magic

"Magic occurs, as a golden glow sweeps over the land. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


We had one last blast of summer yesterday! The temperature was so warm I could wear summer clothing. Yes, I'll take more of these days please! After finishing some domestic chores, Ian and I decided to escape and go for a nice drive. I wanted to try to get a painting completed on location, since the weather was so gorgeous.

After a bit of a drive we landed in Big Island--a favorite painting haunt for me! I loved this scene in the golden evening light. We parked the car on the side of the road and left the trunk up, which acted as a wind break while I painted. The light really changed quickly as I got further into my painting. 

My Subject at Big Island, Nova Scotia.

While I was painting, Ian and I were thrilled to both see and hear geese flying in formation in the wide open space beside us. Several groups of them filled the air during my painting session. 

The geese were honking loudly as they flew by--such an awesome sight. This is one of my favorite scenes on the Island--would make a wonderful larger painting.

It is looking like I will have 27 out of 30 paintings completed by the time this challenge is over. I am going to keep my count until I hit 30, even though my days won't be consecutive and in the same month. It was quite a commitment, but I learned from this experience in many ways. I will elaborate in a future blog post. I really appreciated all those who commented here, liked my posts on facebook etc. It was great encouragement and really kept me going. Big Thanks!

Cheers to more fun painting times!

Warmly,
Debbie

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