Surprise Bloom

Surprise Bloom, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Painted from life in my studio.

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Surprise Bloom

"After many months of greenery, a miniature orchid brings delight with one surprise bloom!"

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald 

This is a miniature orchid that was given to me by one of my students, when I retired last year. I had been admiring these little orchids for quite some time, so it was really nice to receive one as a gift. 

In the beginning it had a couple of blooms that lasted for awhile. Then all went green! I really wasn't sure if it was ever going to bloom again. At Christmas time I placed it in our bathroom and voila after a few weeks a tiny bud arrived. I guess it liked the humidity in that room!

The bloom arrived in the midst of winter, so it was even more delightful to witness. Finally, I acted quickly and decided to paint it this time before all went green again. lol I'm going to keep it around to see if I might have another surprise bloom in the future. 

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. If you would like to read my earlier entry on my Creative Rituals Blog you can do so here. 

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Surprise Bloom & New Blog

On my Easel right now.

A new miniature is on my easel. I'm just putting the finishing touches on it and will be posting it soon. My subject was a miniature orchid I received as a retirement gift last year. I honestly didn't think it would ever bloom again! I loved capturing it in paint. 

My New Blog Link: http://creativerituals.artistryofinspiration.com/

In case you didn't know, I wanted to mention that I started a New Blog called "Creative Rituals". Honestly, I can't believe I started another blog, but felt it needed a separate platform. Basically, it is being used to anecdote daily or almost daily creative explorations. You can read all about my new blog on the About page. If you would like to sign up for email updates, I would love to have you subscribe here. Thanks!

My son Brett and I are discussing some neat ways to consolidate all my blogs in the future. I'm excited about some of the ideas we came up with. I'll have to sweet talk Brett to implement our ideas in computer language! lol 

Wishing you a great day! I'm crossing my fingers that Spring will be here soon!

Warmly,

Debbie

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Orange & Plump

Orange & Plump, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. $65

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Orange & Plump

"With vibrant color, a plump tangerine sits happily upon a ledge of glass."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

When I saw this plump tangerine in the grocery store, I knew it had to come home with me. It is not very often we see them in our area with the leaves intact; so I bought two. Of course, the leaves were not really fresh and would not stay on for long. As we shopped I carefully guarded my two prized tangerines.

When we finally reached the check out the cashier was not as gentle as  I was and off went the leaves of one of the tangerines! Now I knew it was up to me to put this one in super safe care. I managed to get "Miss Tangerine" home safe and sound, thus her one last debut occurred in my studio! She was dazzling in the spotlight aimed for her!

All and all I loved painting this plump little lady of orange!

In progress

My subject

I am working on my next Ezine (free newsletter), if you haven't already and would like to subscribe you may do so here. Thanks! 

You can also view all my available miniature paintings in my online shop.
Wishing you a great day!

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 ".

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 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 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 11, "Roadside Finds"

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

Available Here

Roadside Finds

"Picked by the roadside, wildflowers add charm to one's space."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I picked these wildflowers on my morning walk recently. Some would just regard them as weeds, but they are easily transformed into a delightful display when tucked into a pretty container.

While I was on my way home from my walk, I met my husband in his car and asked him to safely transport my finds home and place them in water. When I arrived he had tucked them into a little turquoise bottle that I love. Soooo instantly I knew I had to include the bottle top in my miniature painting.  This little painting was painted from life on my back doorstep in the afternoon light.

I love exploring and finding subject matter when I am on my walks. It is fun to take my specimens home and paint them from life. Pretty soon I will be picking subjects that speak of autumn. Right now I am taking advantage of these last blooms before the growing season passes.

Do you like picking wildflowers? What do you like to display them in?

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

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 10, "Gardener's Delight"

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

Available Here

Gardener's Delight

"With their brilliant red hue, geraniums are a gardeners delight. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I love red geraniums in black containers or in window boxes. They are such a showy flower and abundantly bloom into the fall. My subject was a section of geraniums from one of my planters in the front of our home. 

I belong to an online drawing group and in August our challenge was to draw botanicals from life. I really enjoyed drawing plants outside around our grounds and often from my back doorstep. One of the plants I sketched was geraniums. I found this experience with geraniums heightened my painting experience with them as I had already explored their structure and color. It made me realize how valuable short sessions of drawing practice can be. It is a subtle advantage that if done regularly it applies to one's overall work. 

What do you like to do with red geraniums? 

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

Warmly,
Debbie

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

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