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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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 25, "Mingling"

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

Available Here

Mingling

"Mingling together in gardens, zinnias and violas add charm and cheer. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I have a row of violas and Zahara Starlight zinnias in my front flower bed. The violas popped up this year on their own accord and I planted the zinnias around them. I like how cheerful they look along our front walkway. They just make me smile. 

It's a short post today, as we are heading out to supper to celebrate my brother's birthday. His birthday is tomorrow, so we are just a few hours early. I am sure a few good laughs will ensue! 

It sounds like it is going to be a gorgeous weekend. I hope to get out and paint a few studies this weekend. Wishing you a relaxing and inspiring weekend as well!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. I couldn't post this painting yesterday as scheduled, due to it being too wet. We just couldn't get a proper photo of it. Also, we had a great birthday celebration for my brother. Lots of laughs and fun made for a great evening! 

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 24, "Spiky Attraction"

Spiky Attraction, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted from life-Alla Prima

Available Here

Spiky Attraction

"Scattered about in tall grasses, thistles attract a variety of winged friends. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

I picked this thistle alongside the road, while I was on my walk one morning. Although a weed, thistles add charm with their violet color and ability to attract all sorts of winged pollinators. I like how carefree they look as they dance about in the breeze. 

I have enjoyed using a variety of weeds and flowers still in bloom as my subjects before the frost nips their beauty. They have kept me busy this past month. My near future plans are to paint studies to paint larger works this winter. The leaves are becoming really beautiful now and will reach their peak very soon. I am looking forward to capturing autumn`s beautiful colors before they begin to fade. 

Well I`m off to paint another one! Nearing the end of the 30 in 30 day painting challenge!

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 22, "Layers of Pink"

Layers of Pink, 5x5in.Oil on Arches Oil Paper,
Painted from life--Alla Prima

NFS
( Will be available when I mount it or place in a mat frame)

Layers of Pink

Layers of pink merge together to create an elegant garden guest.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Today's painting is a little different than the previous ones I posted for the 3o in 3o painting challenge. I decided to try out arches oil paper as a painting surface. It is an amazing paper that you can paint on directly using oils and it won't buckle and distort in shape. It is very durable, allowing for markings with a knife etc.

It was much different than painting on linen and definitely takes some getting use to! It does absorb the paint to a certain degree, so I felt this was an area I had to make adjustments. I also found I worked more transparently in some passages. I knew I could go back later and place more opaque paint on these areas if needed.

I can see great promise for this paper for me in the future! I thought it would be great for painting quick oil sketches and for jotting down color notes etc. beside the sketch. I could then place all these studies in a binder when dry. For example, I could see myself painting quick oil studies on location of evening clouds etc. These studies would be really beneficial for both practice and future studio work.

I found a wonderful tutorial by Peter Fiore on creating an oil painting on arches paper. Also, on the bottom of that page there is a link for a tutorial on mounting your paper on hardboard by Michael Chesley Johnson.  There are also other methods of mounting oil paper to hardboard different than Michael's approach. 

If you are interested, here is a link for a video on Arches Oil paper. Quite a fascinating paper if you are an oil painter!

The pink rose was picked from my garden and painted from life. Some of my roses are still blooming! I'm enjoying viewing their beauty as fall marches on.

Warmly,
Debbie


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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 21, "Sparkling Red"

Sparkling Red, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted from life Alla Prima

Available Here

Sparkling Red 

"Red berries sparkle on the forest floor as rays of light strike upon them."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I have a fondness for any red berries. They always attract my attention, especially if they are the type of berry that appear translucent. I love how they are illuminated when light shines through them. Hues of various reds are created, adding interest to these little red globes. 

I found these ones on my morning walk when I ventured off my usually route to visit a nearby pond. They were illuminated by light and sparkled in comparison to the other vegetation that was beginning to wane due to colder temperatures at night. 

Once home, I placed them in a small vase on a windowsill. I loved the way the light made them sparkle once again. I know my love affair with red berries will continue for some time yet. Who knows--maybe forever!

Do you have a fondness for red berries?

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 19, "Adorned"

Adorned, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Painted Alla Prima 

Available Here

Adorned

"Adorned with touches of fuchsia, small zinnias brighten summer gardens. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

My mom ordered these from Vesey's Seeds Company and my dad did his magic and grew them from seed. They are such a cheerful little flower that looked really nice in amongst my pansies and violas. They are called Zahara Starlight Rose Zinnias; a different type of zinnia than we were use to growing in our gardens. 

Although annuals are more work than perennials, it is nice to have them scattered about in my flower beds for color. Even though it is getting late in the season, these little flowers are blooming happily.

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 17, "Nature's Pincushion"

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

Available Here

Nature's Pincushion

"Floating on  willowy stems,  pincushions beckon fluttering wings to savor their sweet nectar."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I think this is one of the neatest flowers in my flower garden. I love their willowy stems and charming centers that resemble pincushions. Their color is also captivating! 

Pincushion in my garden.

I am crossing my fingers that mine will survive the winter. Do you have pincushions in your garden?

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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