Coming to Life!

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Coming to Life

After a harsh winter, mother nature is finally coming to life. Oh how I have missed the sounds of nature and fresh greens. New leaves rustle gently in the warm breeze, while birds sing their songs of praise. 

An elegant birch has weathered winter's woes. It stretches its branches beyond its core. Happily, it sways in the airy space, as it births new foliage. 

There is an easy flow in the park. One that slows down man-made time and envelops the viewers spirit. Nothing else matters---only a present moment. Mind chatter fades into the distance. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

This was the first plein air painting of the season I did when Spring arrived.  It was so thrilling to finally have fine weather and be back out on location. I love being alone in the park. I can feel every sinew of my body relax. 

I noticed I was slower painting during this session, as I warmed up to painting on location again. Painting outdoors has a rhythm of its own. In some ways its like a moving target. lol The light changes, movement occurs and decisions must be made in a timely manner. However, I love the feeling of having all my senses engaged. It is a bit like a dance--joyful and with spontaneity. 

This was my first Spring to be working at my art full time since I retired last year.  It is thrilling to be able to observe and enjoy nature on a daily basis!

Warmly,

Debbie  

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Just in Time

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

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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

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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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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 26, "Touched By Color"

Touched by Color, 5x7in. Oil on linen/panel.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here
(I will have to get a better photo of this one yet.)

Touched by Color

It is a very warm September morning. We have been blessed with a beautiful weekend forecast. Foliage in the park has been touched with nature's brilliant array of colors. It is apparent that autumn has arrived. 

This morning, I am struck by the drama of light and shadow. Bright colors come alive as the sun makes its journey higher into the clear blue. Geese noisily honk from the ocean, as they bobble along on the waves; while tall grasses rustle about as the breeze tosses them to and fro. Nature is alive and active this morning!

The light is changing quickly. Paint and observations must be made without pause. A record of time recorded; a moment in time lived.  An experience that will not be forgotten after winter's cold hand sweeps over the land. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I spent a great portion of my day in the park, scouting around for future painting spots and painting. The park is really abundant with autumn colors.  I found a secluded spot just off the beach and around a bent in a marshy area. It was a good job I didn't set up my easel where I initially was going to, as by the time I finished painting, the tide had come in and that area was covered with water. 

My location later in the day.

Just about finished.

I loved nature's activity today; seagulls feasting on the sandbars and geese honking and floating on the ocean! There were not many people in the park today, just the occasional walker out for their morning stroll. 

It was nice to have my husband join me after I had been painting for awhile. I forgot my camera card so he took that, along with lunch for me! We really enjoyed the peacefulness and warm temperatures. It won't be long and the park will be closed. If I want to paint here I will have quite a hike with my gear, as the places I like to paint are a distance from the gate. Staying in shape is a must for a plein air artist!

Thanks for following my adventures and for supporting me in my 3o in 30 day painting challenge!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. The above written reflection is attached to the back of the painting on laminated card stock. 

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 12, "The Night of the Super Moon"

The Night of the Super Moon, 5x7in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

The Night of the Super Moon

The park is exceptionally quiet this evening. The lowering sun casts a golden glow upon the land. It is an enchanting evening, especially tonight as the super moon is scheduled to make its appearance. 

As the evening progresses, layers must be donned. The night brings crisp autumn air, creating a chill and the knowledge that soon colder days will be upon us. 

Once the land was recorded with paint, the Super Moon made its grand appearance! It shone  brightly like a huge globe in a pinkish sky. Its beauty was beyond words; causing  an awe inspiring appreciation for nature and her marvels. 

Tonight nature humbles her viewer with her grandeur. She has gifted one with yet another orchestration of beauty. It is an honor to witness her offering! 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


It was such a beautiful evening in Powell's Pt. Park when I painted this one. Witnessing the Super Harvest Moon when I was just finishing my painting was beyond words. I literally gasped when I turned around and saw that huge glowing globe in the sky!

 I immediately unpacked some of my gear again and quickly recorded the essence of the moon on a miniature painting. I just have to do some tweaking on it and will post it soon as well. 

Nature's beauty never seizes to amaze me. Being witness and experiencing her beauty on location is a wonderful gift. I will never grow tired of trying to capture her beauty in paint. Definitely a humbling experience!

I hope you have a chance to absorb some of nature's beauty this weekend! Take a few moments to pause and acknowledge your natural surroundings. You might be surprised what see and feel. 

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to comment or join in the challenge if you are an artist! 

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