Diary of a Plein Air Painter #24

Lily Grandeur, 8x8in. Oil on linen/panel. Available 

Available Here

(I have included my written reflection below and my diary entry both written on location.  My written  reflection is attached to the back of this painting.)

Lily Grandeur

I have come to my parents beautiful flower gardens to paint this morning. Everywhere one turns is a scene waiting to be captured on canvas. Little nooks and crannies are bursting with color and cheer. Blooms have been lovingly tended creating a floral show of grandeur. 

The lilies have stolen the show with their exquisite color and size. They dominant the garden with a splash of color that will be short lived. Soon the wind and rain will carry their large petals upon a breeze allowing them to soar to new heights. There is no time for sadness regarding their demise, as they have been eternalized in paint. I smile knowing that next summer they will once again reign within the garden...if only for a short while. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

July 16 and 19, 2013

Fraser's Mountain, Nova Scotia

Painted in my parent's flower garden in two plein air sessions

My set up and painting in progress.

I have come to my parent's beautiful flower gardens to complete my plein air painting I began 3 days ago. It is predicted to be a hot day with record breaking temperatures. I must work quickly before the light shifts and my shady spot is overcome with intense sunlight and heat. 

My subject---fell in love with these giant lilies!

The lilies won as my subject as they presented themselves in a grand manner. Their exquisite color and height make them a real show stopper. I love the bird feeder nestled in alongside them and how it catches the morning light. 

Some of my favorite roses in my parents' gardens. 

I decided to mute the siding on the house as I didn't want it to be a focal point. I wanted the subject before it to take center stage. I think it seems to work this way. I would have found it too contrived if I made the siding really distinctive.

... and the gardens continue to bring inspiration.

After I finished painting I had lunch on the back doorstep with my parents. We shared a few belly laughs and enjoyed a pleasant breeze on this hot day. I admire my parents' pride and tenacity as they continue to be care takers for their gardens. Mom in her early seventies and dad in his early eighties are true inspiration. They create belief that it is possible to be blessed in this way as well.

Warmly,

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

P.S. During my painting sessions I had to move all my gear many times in order to stay in the shade. The sunlight was ignoring my presence and continued to flood the area where I was sitting. lol

P.P.S. The lilies had changed on my second sessions, some had lost many petals during our bouts of wind in previous days. I was really happy I had finished painting them on my first session. Continual change is always a given in nature!

I presently have a few auctions running on DPW. You can visit my shop page for links to each auction. Thanks for looking!

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Diary of a Plein Air Painter #21

Bends in the Journey, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel. 

Available Here 

 (You can also read the reflection I wrote on location that accompanies this painting here.)

Monday, July 8, 2013

Big Island, Nova Scotia

10:15-11:30 A.M.

When I awoke this morning a fog had blanketed the world outside. It looked as if the sun would break through. The sun was not predicted to appear today. Excitedly I knew it was a day for a plein air adventure. Quickly, I raced to get ready and get on the road before the moment faded. Big Island was on my mind with its wild and carefree personality.

Once on route, I somehow missed my turn off and had to travel an extra distance to finally reach my destination. What a treat when I arrived; not a soul in sight--the whole island to myself! After doing a couple of walk abouts and jutting to a couple of spots, I settled on a distant view. I loved the little sea path leading around a bend and the swirly sky. Strokes of light colored water streaked across a darker blue.

My Subject

The light would change fast especially near the ocean with a moving cloud cover overhead. I set up quickly and intuitively began a brush dance with my canvas. The sky appeared much lighter that the ocean today. The ocean looked cool with its darker color.

My Set Up

Beginning

As I painted visitors passed by on bikes. Tourists I could tell as they began to speak French. One proceeded to take my picture enchanted that they should come upon such a sight. One set of visitors stopped their car directly beside me and had complimentary expletives. Once again tourist were upon me, as two of the occupants spoke a foreign language to me. They were all very nice. It is these momentary encounters that add interest to a plein air painters life!

Almost finished

One of my visitors was curious about what scene I was painting as my easel was sideways and the scene before it did not look like the one I was painting, I quickly explained that I had turned my easel sideways to avoid having direct sunlight on my canvas. I told him I would make my values too dark as I over compensated for the bright sunlight on my work. (A plein air tip for today.) I have made that mistake in the past and my painting turns out much darker than I thought it would.

Looking down Big Island Road

A peek hole to the wide open ocean on the other side of the road.

As I was leaving the sun was becoming more scarce. I was so happy I had spontaneously followed my instinct this morning and ventured out into the world of plein air!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. While I was writing my reflection, I noticed a shiny spot in the long grass. It was a little ladybug twinkling in the sunlight. A sign of good luck they say. :)

P.P.S. My car made a great side table today as I had my cup of tea and snack while I wrote this entry. Adjustments; that is what plein air painting is all about. Cheers!

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. 

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Diary of a Plein Air Painter #19

4x4in. Oil on linen/panel

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First Day of Summer

"Raspberry bushes dance happily as their blossoms announce the arrival of summer."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Friday, June 21, 2013

MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

9:00-10:45 a.m.

Finally on the first official day of summer I have escaped life's duties and returned to one of my old haunts. It is my first plein air painting of the season after a cold and rainy Spring. I have decided to paint a miniature painting to get reacquainted with the rhythm of being on location again.

Raspberry Blossoms, MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia

This morning as I drove down an old lane I was attracted to the abundance of raspberry blossoms swaying in a gentle breeze. I liked the grayish background and how they rhythmically arced to and fro with flicks of white blossoms scattered along their branches. They reminded me of butterflies and seemed to be happy to dance about.

Almost Finished!

My goal was to capture their movement and wildness omitting fine detail so as not to look laboured. Fresh strokes of paint without fiddling was necessary. This was an easy painting to go " too far" in completing, which would result in losing its freshness. I had to mentally tell myself to stop painting and resist the urge to add a bit more detail or flicks of paint. Knowing when to stop painting is a discipline in itself!

 Photo of the scenery around me

It was such a joy to be back out on location! How I have missed having all my senses engaged and the solitude of nature. Cheers to future outings!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. As I painted in the open field, butterflies fluttered past me, while bees buzzed close by. A gentle breeze made the trees rustle softly and helped keep the black flies at bay.

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Featured Painting #2 to Brighten Your Day!

A High Perch, 6x12in. Oil on linen/panel. Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia. 

 Purchase Here

A High Perch

After cooler days, it is a joy to welcome summer temperatures again. I have trudged through a rickety pathway with my painting gear to arrive at one of my favourite views in the park. The distance is muted with the morning's haze. While the rising sun flicks merrily along the ocean's surface, happily touching crests of water. Seagulls dart about enthused with nature's gentle day.

I have set life aside and entered nature's world and easy rhythm. Her ignorance of man made time is a welcome relief. I will follow her lead today and gracefully move from one moment to the next.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell's Point Park, Nova Scotia

You may read my "Plein Air Diary Entry" for this painting here.

You may also enjoy the Visual Meditation I wrote for this piece and also an Inspired Space description.

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Featured Painting #1 to Brighten Your Day!

I thought I would highlight one painting and reflection from my Shop every few days. It's my way of adding a little ray of cheer to your day! So often our days are hurry, scurry and it is nice to take a short pause to catch our breath. I hope "Strokes of Light" will serve as a little escape from the bustle of your day! Enjoy!

Strokes of light, 6x6in.Oil on linen/panel, Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Purchase Here

Strokes of Light

After a few days of overcast weather, a clear evening has arrived. The park is calm tonight as the air remains still and fresh. Various winged friends rejoice in nature’s beauty. Strong light has captured my attention tonight as it strokes sides of buildings and tops of trees.

Decisions must be made quickly and brush strokes kept fresh, as the sun lowers in the blue above. There is no time for needless thought. Reacting intuitively to the moment allows time to pass unknowingly. A quiet mind quickly brings joy and refreshment to spirit.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

P.S. You can read my "Plein Air Diary" Entry for this painting here.

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Diary of a Plein Air Painter #18

 (Sharing one of my Plein Air Diary Notes I didn't get to share in September. These light filled photos made me yearn for warm autumn days! )

Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012

Plymouth, Nova Scotia

3:30-6:00 (30 min. Supper Break)

Painted En Plein Air in my own Backyard.

"Before The Frost"

"Nasturtiums glow in the autumn light, before the first frost makes its debut."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald 

3x3in. Oil on linen/panel.  Available Here

Today the sun presents warmth, but when it disappears behind a drift of clouds the cool autumn air is evident. Ian is taking down our pool while I make a stew and roast chicken. I have decided to paint in my own backyard while supper cooks.

Ian hard at work. Lots of baby powder drifting in the air as he packs up the pool. Some even drifts my way!

As I scout around our property, I am drawn to my small raised garden beds. The small nasturtiums I planted in my herb garden have ballooned to quite a size. I love their rounded mottled leaves and bright flowers that peek above their green discs.

My Set Up

My small raised herb garden. I loved the glass bird feeder I bought this year!

My subject

I have decided to do a miniature painting of the backside of a nasturtium. I love back lighting and how the values shift in direct sunlight and shadow. An earthy smell from my garden and the fresh scent of herbs permeates the space around me. It is a beautiful September afternoon to paint in my own backyard!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. While I painted bees buzzed nosily around me as they feasted on many garden delights.

P.P.S. Our Persian Cat Marlee came to visit while I painted. She hopped over my box of brushes and paints as she snooped around the garden.

(You may read more of my diary posts by clicking the link on the side bar labelled "Diary of a Plein Air Painter or the link here.)