A Study at Grant's Lake, N.S.

Study completed in Grant's Lake, Nova Scotia.

NFS

(Presently unavailable as I will be using it as reference for larger studio work. My reflection below was written on location.)



Coolness in the Air

The air has become cooler, even on sunny days. The sun's rays add appreciated warmth, while adding drama to autumn's palette. Strips of reflections in the lake mimic autumn's brilliance. Geese have gathered in the lake, milling about and honking noisily by times. They startle their visitor with loud flaps and abrupt noises.  Soon they will make their journey to warmer temperatures, returning once we have endured the long winter months. 

Autumn is marching along quickly, thus, every opportunity to capture her beauty must be taken.  Already leaves are floating continuously from their branches, drifting in the air before they float down to their destination. It won't be long and the landscape will be undressed, baring all its skeletal structure. Beauty will come from its basic structure and its ability to project calm within its simplicity. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald



It had been awhile since I had painted in Grant's Lake. I especially love painting the lake and its beautiful reflections. It is such a treat to view this location in the fall with all its brilliant colors. 

Ready to dive into my painting. 
Dressed in layers for the chilly morning.

I decided to paint a study which I could later use as reference for a larger studio painting. I jotted down color notes and any impressions I had of my subject. I also made mental notes regarding the areas that were in shadow and light. While painting my study I made mental decisions about what I would like to achieve in a larger work.

My subject earlier in the morning. See the leaf floating in the air?!

When I arrived in the morning it was quite cool, but as the day progressed it really warmed up. Typical of early autumn weather. What a surprise I received upon my arrival! Geese were gathered in sections all over the lake. They swam, honked, flapped their wings and flew in the air. Quite a busy lot for sure! They even startled me a few times while I was painting.

Artist and Subject together

As soon as I was setting up to paint, I realized I had forgotten the attachment needed to attach my pochade box onto my tripod. I quickly called home and luckily my son Brett was able to drive it out to me. Yay!! Brett also took a few pictures while he was visiting me. 

Having a good laugh with my son!

Beautiful reflection and branches in the lake.

The nice thing about being on location is that you often get to meet and chat with the local residents. Today I chatted with several locals and even had an invitation to paint the lake from someone's property. This will give me a whole different perspective on the lake. So nice of them to extend an invitation!

All and all, I had a great day on location and am looking forward to using my study and notes for further studio work. 

Warmly,
Debbie

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!

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

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!

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

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!

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. 

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!

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

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!

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

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!

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 13, "Sending Cheer"

Sending Cheer, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Sending Cheer

"A  cheery little pansy, waves happily to all that pass her by."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I picked this little pansy from one of my planters. Pansies are such a cheerful flower; they always make me smile. They seem to bob along happily with an easy going manner. They are a great addition to any garden, adding color and cheer!

Do you find pansies cheerful too?

Warmly,
Debbie


P.S. By the time you receive this email, I will be on my plein air adventure to Tor Bay. It is a wild and free location by the open Atlantic Ocean where my family has had an annual picnic for years. My husband and I are staying not too far from Tor Bay in a cottage on Farm Lake. I am so excited to be able to paint on location here. I will have more photos and hopefully, paintings to share in the near future. Cheers!

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!

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!

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 3, "A Cheery Presence "

A Cheery Presence, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board. $55
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

A Cheery Presence

"Wild roses add a cheery presence, as they sway in a warm breeze."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

I am totally in love with wild rose bushes! Every year when they arrive I am delighted and can't wait to paint them. I painted these in one of my favorite locations, Powell's Pt. Park. It is close to the ocean so I get great pleasure in seeing the water and listening to all of nature's sounds while I paint!

Like yesterday's post, I have included a picture of what this small painting looks like on a miniature easel. The  easel is included with the painting when purchased. These little miniatures make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, weddings etc. Many collectors have bought them as a unique gift instead of  big box store gifts. 

Here is a picture displaying the actual width of the boards. They are awesome boards--so nice to paint on. Mine are linen covered. I purchase them from this company which provides excellent service! 

Well I'm off to paint!  If you are not already signed up, you can have my posts sent to you via email. The sign up link is below. 

Have a great day!

Warmly,

Debbie

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!

30 in 30 Challenge! Day 1, "Summer Grace"

Summer Grace, 4x4in. Oil on canvas/board. Painted En Plein Air. $75  Available

Available Here

Summer Grace

"Like soft balls of cotton, hydrangea float gently on a warm summer breeze."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Happy September! Today is the beginning of firsts for me. I am beginning my first 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta. I am so excited to participate in this challenge with 854 other artists all over the world! It will be wonderful to view all the other artwork and get to know new artists. You can follow along by signing up for my posts if you haven't already done so. Cheers!

Another first is that I will not be returning to work tomorrow as an elementary teacher. I retired this past June after 32yrs. teaching elementary, with a great portion of that time teaching grade one. Although I will miss my colleagues and children I am super ready and excited to embark on this new chapter in my life as a full time artist! It is a dream come true! Due to my retirement, I am able to participate in the 30 in 30 day challenge this time. 

My painting today was painted in my front yard. I love my Anabelle Hydrangea! It reminds me of giant snowballs or puffs of cotton. It has really grown over the last few years and I look forward to its display every year. 

Well I'm off to paint another one! See you tomorrow--have a super day!

Warmly,

Debbie

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!