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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The Travelling Chicken Project

T.C. Explores! 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. 

On Reserve
( A Collector contacted me to view T.C. shortly after she went up online)

T.C. Explores!

"The Travelling Chicken stops to frolic in the pansies on her visit to Nova Scotia. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

As mentioned in my previous blog post I signed up for the "Travelling Chicken Project" about two years ago. The project features a ceramic chicken and her friends who visit artists all over the world. Once T.C. and her entourage arrive, you have approximately four days to paint her and/or any of the other characters. Since I paint from life, I had to get started on my painting as soon as they arrived!

The artists are making the project more interesting and fun by adding stories about the characters' visits. I really enjoyed painting T.C. and thought it would be fun to keep the idea of painting little ceramic animals with flowers in mind for future subject matter. 

My still life set up of T.C. The pansies weren't as cooperative as T.C. as they liked to shift their positions! T.C. was a very patient model. 

A view of my subject and painting.

You can read my story about T.C.'s visit on the Travelling Chicken blog. If you are interested you can also sign up to participate in the project. There continues to be a long waiting list of interested artists. The receiving artist is responsible for shipping to the next artist on the list. The package is somewhat large as the ceramic animals are wrapped and encased in a Styrofoam box and then placed inside a cardboard box. I shipped T.C. and the gang to Delaware, U.S. 

Hope you enjoy reading and viewing my story on the Travelling Chicken Blog. If you are an artist, feel free to participate in T.C.'s adventures!

Warmly,

Debbie

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Bursts of Sunshine!

Bursts of Sunshine! 5x5in. Oil on linen/board.

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Bursts of Sunshine!

"Like bursts of sunshine, daffodils announce the arrival of new beginnings. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

A few weeks ago when I was yearning to see fresh blooms and greenery, I spotted these miniature daffodils in the grocery store. I loved how their bulbs were visible and their happy faces made me smile! I knew from the moment I saw them, they just had to be painted. 

I placed them on my window ledge and painted them from life in my kitchen. I really loved how the back lighting created a dappled and translucent affect on their blooms and leaves. 

I also took this photo of the daffodils from outside--thought it was neat to look at them from the outside in!

(If you are interested, you can read my post about these daffodils on my Creative Rituals Blog.)


Fun News!!

A couple of years ago I signed up for a project online where a little ceramic chicken and her entourage were travelling to artists all over the world to paint. Well the Travelling Chicken and her gang finally arrived on my doorstep last Wednesday. They have been enjoying Nova Scotia and I worked for a couple of days completing a miniature painting of T.C.  I will be posting my painting soon--stay tuned! In the meantime you can read my announcement that they arrived on the Travelling Chicken Blog. Enjoy! 

Here are a couple of photos of the crew! 

The little yellow bird lives at my house--the other characters are my visitors.

Frolicking in my backyard!

It is such a thrill to finally be enjoying some warmer weather!

My next post will feature The Travelling Chicken. 

Warmly,

Debbie

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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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"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

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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 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 20, "On Its Way"

On Its Way, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

On Its Way

"Autumn is on its way, weaving bits of color into the last of summer greens. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I enjoy sitting out in my screen tent in the morning as summer comes to an end. The light is really pretty and enough light comes into the tent to make it warm. The tent is on a wooden platform so it is more like a doorstep. While I was sitting with my tea, I took note of the light on the trees and bits of color in the leaves just beyond the tent. Yes, I thought this would be my subject for the day.  

The realization that fall was definitely on its way really struck me. I am in disbelief--where did the summer go?! I like the fall with its gorgeous color, as long as the weather stays warmer so that it is more pleasant to paint on location. 

My Persian cat "Marlee" came to visit while I was painting. She likes to nose around both in and outside the tent. She is good company and makes me laugh. This is a very small format for this particular subject, but in the end it seemed to work. 

A photo of Marlee in my indoor studio on the ledge. She jumps up here!

Hoping you are finding quiet times in your day to notice and take pleasure in your surroundings!

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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