Winter Offerings

Winter Offerings, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Available 

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Winter Offerings

"In the depth of winter, mother nature continues to present her offerings."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

This was another tiny bottle my mom bought for me at a local flea market. I loved its size and shape. I picked the fir sprig and rose hips while I was on my walk. Although sparse, still life subjects can still be found in nature during this cold season. I have to admit though, I am dreaming of days when the land will be filled with blooms and lushness again!

This was a different background color for me. At first I wasn't quite sure if I was going to like it, but once I started painting the fir and rose hips it seemed to make them pop. The warm tones against the cool seemed to be a nice combination.

Here are a couple of  photos of my studio set up and work in progress.

I have been spending some cozy time in my studio these days. Between winter storms and frigid days, it is a nice place to escape the reality of winter. I have begun to work on a larger painting that I started awhile ago, but didn't get to finish. It sure is a change going from a 4x4in. to 24x12in. surface. Wink, wink. It is enjoyable to get lost in a larger format again though.

Here is an in progress shot showing my reference material, plein air painting, digitals and also my color notes written on location. The location is Powell's Pt. Park--one of my favorite places to paint.

You can join me on Facebook where I often post in progress updates. 

Wishing you a Wonderful Day! 

Warmly,

Debbie

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Rescued and Word of the Year

Rescued, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Sold

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Rescued

"Rescued from icy conditions, tiny crab apples relax upon a bowl of turquoise."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald 

I really enjoyed painting this one. I bought the turquoise bowl with my miniatures in mind. Loved the color and shape! I rescued these crab apples from icy branches and tucked them in my freezer when I got home. My family of guys just grinned and shook their heads when they saw them in the freezer. They have become accustomed to their resident artist. Never a dull moment! lol 

Clusters of crab apples hanging from the trees. They looked like Christmas baubles. 

 I knew I wanted to paint them sometime, but wasn't sure when, due to my busy schedule. A month and a half later they came out of hiding to debut in this little still life. 

The apples became darker from being frozen, but I thought they looked really rich beside the turquoise. I was also happy I had kept the branch intact as well. It created nice movement in the painting. 

Up close and personal!

On another note, January is a great time of year to take stock of where we are and the direction we would like to be taking in various areas of our life--career, personal etc. One of the more common practices this time of year is to write New Year's Resolutions. I think they are a good idea in some respects because they help focus our dreams and desires. However, they are sometimes another "thing" to do and fall by the wayside because they do not align with our internal desires, only our "shoulds"! That is why a few years ago I began picking a word of the year that I felt intuitively aligned with where or what I wanted to experience more in my life for the upcoming year. 

You can fine Christine Kane's Word of the Year booklet Here.

 I got this idea from Christine Kane. She also has a great little workbook you can print off to get you started on picking your word. You can find her workbook here. I like to type my word and post it around the house, in my studio etc. My word this year is "Expansion" and last year's was "Joy" -- it led me well throughout 2014. Thought you might like to give it a try! Good Luck!

Hoping all your Dreams come True in 2015!!

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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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 23, "Color Parade"

Color Parade, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Color Parade

"With one last procession, nature's color parade, marches into autumn."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

As the month progresses, green foliage has continuously changed into an array of colors. Reds, oranges and yellows are becoming the predominate colors; replacing summer greens. I love how the light makes the leaves appear translucent. Leaves are beginning to float in the air on windy days; while, deep blue skies serve as a wonderful backdrop for nature's brilliant colors. 

MacLellan's Brook is one of my favorite places to paint. This space made me feel  like I had been tucked away in a room within the woods. It reminded me of the spaces we use to seek out as children. They were magical little spots, where we thought no one could find us. We thought they belonged to our own private world. 

I hope you are getting a chance to enjoy quiet spaces whether in your home or nature! Everyone needs to create their own private world; if only for a short while.

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 18, "A Burst of Light"

"A Burst of Light", 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

A Burst of Light

"September light bursts through a moody sky, illuminating tree tops before its evening departure."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


This was one of those paintings that if you did too much monkeying around you would loose the spontaneity and freshness! I had to make sure I tossed my brush aside when I had the affect I was looking for; it would have been easy to add one brush stroke too many.

My Set Up

It was so quiet in the park the night I painted this, you could hear people's footsteps before I actually saw them. I love how dramatic and moody the skies get this time of year. It is breathtaking when the sunlight bursts through towards the end of the day.

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

When I first arrived to paint, an eagle flew so close to me I could see him perfectly. You could hear his wings swooshing through the air. What an amazing looking bird!


I hope you are getting a chance to witness dramatic skies and beautiful light. Nature never seizes to reward those who are attune to her beauty!

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 16, "Autumn Approaches"

Autumn Approaches, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Autumn Approaches

"As autumn approaches, a gleaming red roof echoes nature's sprinkling of reds and browns."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I cannot believe how quickly reds and browns are making their way into summer's green palette. The park is showing signs of autumn's inevitable arrival. Warm sunny days are now numbered, as we make our way through September. 

I loved this high perch I painted from which overlooked the sandbar and ocean beyond. I was drawn to the little house in the distance with its red roof gleaming in the morning sunlight. Seagulls were busily cracking shells as they feasted on the many delights the sandbars offered. They soared continuously in the air and floated happily on shallow waters. 

The park continues to receive many visitors. Everyone is making sure they absorb as much of the park as they can before it closes in mid October. Oh how time marches on! Seize the moment while you can!

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 15, "Rhythmic Voice"

Rhythmic Voice, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Tor Bay, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Rhythmic Voice

"As the sun warms the land, the rhythmic voice of the ocean, echoes in the 
surrounding space."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I was delighted to have the opportunity to stay in a cottage not far from Tor Bay Provincial Park in Guysborough County. Our family has been coming to visit and picnic in the park since I was a child. It is about a two hour drive from our home. 

It was thrilling to be able to visit the beach so early in the morning. Beyond the beach is the wide open Atlantic Ocean. We often see cormorants and sometimes seals out in the ocean by huge rocks. It is a wide open and free space, where the ocean and sky change without warning. 

My view --Tor Bay Provincial Park, Nova Scotia.

I found a great spot, high on a sandy hill surrounded by dune grass and weeds. It was a wonderful vantage point, where I could look far and wide over the ocean. The sun was so warm that morning I was able to sit wearing short sleeves. At one point when my husband went back to the cottage to get his book, I was the only one on the beach! It was so peaceful and trance like as my senses became attune to my surroundings and my brush moved intuitively. I was in the zone!

My perch

Once I was finished painting, we headed back to the cottage. It wouldn't be long and my brother and sister-in-law would be arriving to stay the night with us. We all had a great weekend, despite the rainy day that followed.  A little wood heat came to our rescue, resulting in a cozy, lazy Sunday. 

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. (You know how it always seems when you are going away you forget something? Well, after checking my painting gear several times, I managed to forget the attachment on my painting box that allows me to attach it onto my tripod!! I had taken it off the day before so the box would lie flat on a table when I was tweaking a painting. Soooo I had to paint with the box sitting on my lap. I won't forget it next time....will probably forget something though! Haha) 

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 14, "Super Moon"

Super Moon, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Super Moon

"The drama has begun, as a Super Moon arrives for a stellar performance."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I painted this one on the same night as I painted "The Night of the Super Moon" . It was an exceptionally calm and beautiful evening in the park. I almost missed painting this one, as my gear was pretty much packed up when I turned around and saw this huge bright moon. It felt surreal to witness such an amazing sight. 

Super Harvest Moon, September 8th in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

I thought that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that I shouldn't let it pass by. So I worked quickly, (basically in the dark) to capture the essence of my subject. I especially loved the turquoise blue and pink sky colors. They reminded me of the rainbow popsicles we use to eat as children. 

By the time I left the park, it was dark and the moon shone brightly on the calm ocean. It was breathtaking. A moment in time I will not forget!

Super Harvest Moon, September 8th in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

I hope you were able to witness the super moon too. I would love to hear some of your stories about your reaction to it.

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. I am in a cottage on Farm Lake as I write this post. Yesterday, I was able to paint a miniature of the Atlantic Ocean. I was the only one on the beach at Tor Bay. I loved sitting high up on a sandy hill nestled amongst the dune grass! Today it is raining heavily--although I can't paint on location it sure is cozy relaxing with a wood heat going and listening/watching the rain on the lake. I'm crossing my fingers the sun will come out this afternoon. 

( I missed yesterday's post for the 30 day painting challenge, due to my travels and not having a quality photo of "Super Moon". I'm still hoping to get 30 done, I just might be off by one or two days. )

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 9, "Nature's Tempo"

Nature's Tempo, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Available
Painted En Plein Air in Big Island, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Nature's Tempo

"It is a quick dance moving to nature's tempo, as swirls of light change like a continuous slide show."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©



Many who follow me know how much I love Big Island. If you visit in the evening the skies are incredible and change continuously as the sun lowers in the sky. It was a beautiful evening when I painted this one on the beach. It is necessary to work really quickly and  intuitively, as the light changes rapidly.  It is like a dance with nature where one must follow her lead!

Set up at Big Island, Nova Scotia

Do you enjoy watching sunsets at the shore?

Don't forget to take time to witness nature's beauty. It is always uplifting.

Warmly,
Debbie

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

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30 in 30 Challenge! Day 1, "Summer Grace"

Summer Grace, 4x4in. Oil on canvas/board. Painted En Plein Air. $75  Available

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Summer Grace

"Like soft balls of cotton, hydrangea float gently on a warm summer breeze."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Happy September! Today is the beginning of firsts for me. I am beginning my first 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta. I am so excited to participate in this challenge with 854 other artists all over the world! It will be wonderful to view all the other artwork and get to know new artists. You can follow along by signing up for my posts if you haven't already done so. Cheers!

Another first is that I will not be returning to work tomorrow as an elementary teacher. I retired this past June after 32yrs. teaching elementary, with a great portion of that time teaching grade one. Although I will miss my colleagues and children I am super ready and excited to embark on this new chapter in my life as a full time artist! It is a dream come true! Due to my retirement, I am able to participate in the 30 in 30 day challenge this time. 

My painting today was painted in my front yard. I love my Anabelle Hydrangea! It reminds me of giant snowballs or puffs of cotton. It has really grown over the last few years and I look forward to its display every year. 

Well I'm off to paint another one! See you tomorrow--have a super day!

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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