30 in 30 Challenge, Day 4, "Hints of Fall" Diary of Plein Air Painter #29

Hints of Fall, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. $75
Painted En Plein Air, MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Hints of Fall

"With subtle hues of red emerging within bright greens, hints of fall prevail."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

It was a beautiful morning when I set out to paint this one. I ventured out to one of my favorite haunts, MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia. I felt like I had entered a different world. It was so peaceful as nature hummed along around me. The following is my plein air diary I wrote after I finished my painting. I hope you enjoy my account!

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #29

It has been awhile since my visit to the brook. Hints of fall prevail as subtle hues of red begin to emerge within bright greens. Summer weather has finally returned after a bout of cold and rainy weather. 

When I first arrived, I took my time observing and exploring interesting spots spread out around the area. It is a larger area, so I sometimes drive my car between different locations on the old farmstead. I have selected several spots that would make good subjects. These areas are tucked away in my mind for future plein air session this fall.

Today, I decided to paint a group of trees that caught sections of the bright morning light. I like the mystic of the inner woods in the background. A thin branch with foliage steals the show, as its illumination contrasts with the forest behind it. I like its swooping motion and the lit foliage below it. 

It is important to not make the dark color around the background trees too dense. Washes help maintain a sense of space and depth. As I progress in my painting, a meditative state develops. The gentle sounds of nature, the babbling brook and warmth all contribute to a state of calm. Here is where the gifts lie. The chatter of the mind slows down and only the present moment holds importance.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I believe it was a Kingfisher that came to visit several times during my stay. He nosily announced his arrival as he flew from tree to tree. Overall, it was especially quiet and peaceful here today.

P.P.S This year I am elated knowing I will not be returning to my teaching job. It is so freeing to know that I will be able to continue my plein air adventures into autumn. Doing a little happy dance here today! 

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

Quick Links:

Fine Art Shop
Small Pauses Blog

Twitter 

Facebook

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter/Blog Posts sign up--Love to have you join me on my artistic journey!

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #27

Cheery Hello!

It has been awhile since I posted to this blog. So much has happened in my life since my last post! In June I retired from teaching elementary school after 32 years of service. Soooo I am now a full time artist! WooHoo! You will definitely be hearing more from me in the near future. I thought I would begin posting again with a "Plein Air Diary" post.  I am really enjoying being back out on location!

On another note I started an inspirational blog titled "Small Pauses" that you can view here. Please feel free to share your own Small Pauses. Be sure to sign up for my free Ezine, which will be sent out more frequently as well. I hope life is being kind to you. Thanks for sharing this artistic journey with me!

Warmly,

Debbie

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

This painting Sold before it left my easel!

Dancing About

"Wild rose bushes dance merrily in a warm summer breeze."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Saturday, July 12, 2014
Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

10:45-12:00 p.m.

Oh, how I missed painting on location. Life's responsibilities and happenings have kept me away too long. It was a pleasure to be immersed in nature once again today. 

I returned to Powell's Pt. Park, one of my favorite locations to paint. I was thrilled to discover that the wild rose bushes were in full bloom. I scouted about looking at various clumps of roses. I love how both light and shadow make them come alive. 

After much debate, I finally decided upon a section of rose bushes that caught my eye. They danced merrily in a light breeze. A beautiful view of the ocean gave my eyes an enjoyable break as I painted. 

Luckily, I found a cozy shaded spot to sit while I painted. Nature hummed and bustled around me. Visitors came to walk their dogs and I enjoyed little chats with them. It is always so interesting to meet new people and hear their stories.

I decided to make a miniature painting as the light was beginning to change due to all my little conversations with visitors. I had a really enjoyable session and look forward to my return soon.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I had a lovely conversation with a lady who was walking her two dogs. At one point in our talk, we discussed how important it was to find a creative outlet that eased the stress of everyday living. I feel very grateful for my art and nature!

P.P.S I also met a sweet young lady who just moved to our area from British Columbia. She came to work as a nurse at our local hospital. A profession I have great respect for. When you have an ill family member, their kindness is so appreciated!

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #26

A Pristine Moment, 8x10in. Oil on linen/panel. Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here


A Pristine Moment

We have been graced with an exceptionally beautiful day. Not a a cloud in sight, only calmness and a crystal blue sky. I have come to the park to immerse myself in its beauty. It is these types of mornings, that one yearns for in the midst of winter. Its serene nature and quiet allow the mine to settle. 

A new angle and an opening to the sea allow the eye to wander amongst the haze. Back lighting adds a dramatic touch, emphasizing nature's pristine presentation. I wish I could freeze this moment allowing it to envelop my soul for an endless pause. But like all things, it will only last a short while, as time passes on. It shall become a sweet memory to daydream upon, when the land rests like Sleeping Beauty.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Wed., August, 7, 2013

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

9:15-12:05 p.m.

Last night I planned my outing, getting my materials organized, replenishing some and preparing my outdoor picnic. I awoke to a chilly, but fresh morning with a crystal blue sky and calmness. This is one of those days one wishes they could package and retrieve at will!

After arriving in the park and driving around I decided to perch myself on the top of a hill overlooking a breath taking view. This was a new angle I had not painted before. The lighting was incredible this morning. A haze veiled the scene and back lighting added drama.

Powell's Point Park, Nova Scotia.  Aug. 2013

I began by toning my panel thinly with terra rosa and then quickly began sketching in my lay out with the same color. This is a great way to move around the canvas while making decisions about what will be included. This quick sketch also heightens my awareness and observation of values and how I will deal with them. 

Putting on the finishing touches.

After I was painting for about an hour and a half, I was struck at how the scene had changed. The haze had lifted and the lighting was not near as dramatic. I was happy I had also blocked in sections that were in strong light earlier.

Afterwards, I enjoyed my little picnic with a hot cup of tea of course. At the same time I wrote my reflection and this diary entry. I hope it transports you to a peaceful place and brings a smile to your day.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. While I painted three tiny dogs arrived before their owners. They scolded me profusely, annoyed that I was taking up space in "their" park.

P.P.S. Many rustlings from birds and squirrels surrounded me. Boats left trails of white foam and crows cawed nosily. Nature is a very busy place, but in a most peaceful way.

Quick Links:

Fine Art Shop

Twitter 

Facebook

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter sign up--- My  Recent Newsletter 

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #25

Available Here

Bursting With Color

"Bursting with color, zinnias add radiance to summertime gardens."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

July 23, 2013

Fraser's Mtn. Nova Scotia.

I have ventured up to my parents' flower gardens once again. I decided to get out early this morning as it is predicting overcast skies this afternoon.

After having a chat with my mom, I began my walk about searching for my inspiration for the day. At last I spotted vibrant colored zinnias. I have always been intrigued with shadows against walls or buildings and loved how the zinnias cast a shadow on my parents' house.

My Subject--Zinnias

Zinnias' petals are so dense and solidly shaped that they almost look artificial. Even their vibrant colors make them appear almost "plastic" in nature.

Set up in front of my subject.

Adding the finishing touches.

I tried to make every brush stroke count so as not to loose their vibrancy and shape. Taking time to really observe before I applied paint was a good working method. Looking at darks and lights helped me form their shape. I have to say they were super fun to paint. I think I would like to paint more zinnias in the future in a larger format. 

As I finished up the day changed drastically. The clouds rolled in, the wind came up and the sun totally disappeared. I left feeling grateful and satisfied that I was able to paint this little painting today.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. While I worked my dad scared me as he came up from his garage. We had a nice chat.

P.P.S. Just before I cleaned up, I took a break to have lunch with my parents. My aunt and her granddaughter also arrived at the same time. So overall it was a great painting session and visit. Working art into my everyday life leads to greater productivity. 

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #23

"A Touch of  Elegance" 7x5in. Oil on linen/panel.

Available Here


A Touch of Elegance

"Basking in summer sunlight, wild roses add a touch of elegance."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

July 12, 2013

Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

3:30-7:00 p.m.

It was a beautiful day with comfortable temperatures. I was feeling especially productive today as I completed all my domestic chores. My house was looking tidy and sparkly clean. It was time to pull out my paints and be creative.

I wanted to stay close to home, so I decided to paint a still life in natural light on my back doorstep. Wild roses were on my mind. They would not last much longer and I knew where a beautiful patch lived not far from my home. So I got all my materials, easel etc. set up before I drove to the rose patch to get clippings.

 My subject --Wild Roses 

I was feeling proud of myself on how organized I was: getting set up before I left, filling a small jar with water and even taking a glass of water and scissors with me for my clippings. When I arrived on site I was delighted to see a beautiful patch of roses. Just as I was about to wander into the bushes, I looked down at my feet and realized I had worn my flip flops instead of sneakers! So much for being totally organized. Wink, Wink. Flip flops were not the best footwear for treading amongst rose bushes. At any rate, I did manage to retrieve a few nice clippings.

In Progress

Once I had my clippings in my jar, all was a go. I had the green light and began my painting session. I wanted to create a bit of a dreamy feel, thus I took care to not use too many hard edges. I loved the rose colors, lighting and the shadow cast on the table top. It was getting late in the day, so I knew my light would be changing soon. In the end I did have to rely on visual memory. By the time I was finished painting, the evening was upon me and the light had definitely changed. 

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. The bottle I used in my still life was saved from a small jar of apple/raspberry jelly I gave my son for Christmas in his stocking. When I was washing it I thought it would make a great prop for still life set ups. I cheerfully added it to my still life collection. Still life artists are always on the hunt for items they think might come to life in paint someday!

P.P.S. Painting outside is so refreshing--not only is the light beautiful, but the sounds of nature are very soothing.

Quick Links:

Fine Art Shop

Twitter 

Facebook

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter sign up--- My  Recent Newsletter 

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #20

Summer Has Arrived, 12x6in. Oil on linen/panel. A Study for larger work.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

9:00-10:30 a.m.

I escaped the heat of the house and my to do list today by coming to the park to paint. Summer has arrived in full force with temperatures that make one slow down. As I made my way to the park, I anticipated the vision of wild rose bushes in full bloom. Sure enough when I arrived I was not disappointed. I always take delight in their bubble gum pink color and cheerful disposition.

My Subject at Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

When I arrived I walked around viewing the roses from different angles and admired the ocean view peeking through the foliage. This is one of my favourite scenes to paint this time of year. One cannot help being mesmerized by its charm.

My Set Up

I found a shady spot to paint my subject. It is a perfect view and a most comfortable location. I must set up quickly before the light shifts. It is  time to dance with nature.

During my painting session, I had several visitors as I was completing my painting. I enjoyed two interesting conversations. One was with an old acquaintance from childhood. I am sure we solved all the problems of the world! My second conversation was with a gentleman of native descent. We talked about nature and he shared some native terms for various months. The month of July was the month the birds lost their feathers. He came to the park to bird watch and find feathers which he will use for a creative project. 

 I think I will make a larger painting of this scene using my study as reference. Such an interesting session today and a most beautiful day to be in the park!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. My first visitor was in awe of my painting palette and the whole process of how I could create a painting. Many questions pursued! He had a great appreciation for art and artists. I even had my picture taken while I painted. Wink, wink. It is special how some people think we create magic as artists!

P.P.S Two ladies arrived with two sweet little girls. They sat in the picnic table beside my subject and carried on a most intense conversation. I felt like a statue on the sidelines privy to all. A bit of an odd feeling. I guess I really blended in with my subject. People are a most interesting species indeed! 

Special Note: If you had signed up for my blog posts to arrive in your email inbox, I finally have that enabled! Thanks so much for your patience.