Summer Has Arrived & Timed Blooms!

Summer Has Arrived, 24x12in. Oil on linen/panel. 
Powell's Point Park, Nova Scotia.

Available in my Fine Art Shop

Summer Has Arrived

Summer has arrived in full force with temperatures that make one slow down. Temperatures that delineate hast and dictate a languorous pace. The air is still this morning making my set up easier and adds to a prevailing calm. 

I have come to one of my favorite spots in the park where wild roses and foliage play peek-a-boo with the ocean beyond. The charm of wild roses in full bloom captivates onlookers, adding a regal presence to the surrounding area. 

Their bubblegum pink, cheerfully scatter amongst the foliage. Throwing all cares away they bring one into a present moment, retaliating from life and its many demands. They caress the soul and nurture a place within. Nature once again delivers a gentle therapy where one’s spirit becomes renewed. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

(The above Reflection was written on location after I finished my study for this larger work.)

This is a favorite spot I love to paint every year in Powell's Point Park. There is an abundance of wild rose bushes that bloom profusely every year. I am in love with roses and especially wild ones! They just exude joy and symbolize that wonderful relaxed feeling of warm summer days. 

I completed the study a couple of years ago on a warm summer morning. This past winter I completed a larger studio painting using my study, notes and digital images as references. 

I recently visited this spot again this year! The rose bushes are just beginning to bud. I can't wait for them to burst into bloom. If you are patient, nature can be so rewarding and giving. 

Warmly, 

Debbie


P.S. (If you receive my Ezine, you would have already read parts of this blog. Thanks for indulging me! )

P.P.S ( On a personal note, Ian and I happily celebrated our 33rd Wedding Anniversary on Friday, July 3rd! I posted some wedding pics taken many moons ago on Facebook. Look what bloomed just in time for our Anniversary. Cheers!)

Peonies in my gardens. This one is huge!

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Surprise Bloom

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

Available Here

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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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

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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 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 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 7, "Pink Brilliance"

Pink Brilliance, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. $65

Available Here

Pink Brilliance

"A  pink zinnia brightens gardens with her brilliance and cheer."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I think zinnias are the neatest flower. They almost look artificial with their stacked petal layers and vivid colors. They always seem to stand out amongst the other flowers that flow around them.  My dad starts these from seeds and kindly gives me some to plant in my flower beds. This one was painted from life in my studio. 

It is now a week since the 30 in 30 day painting challenge began. Well I have to say, it is some busy painting, photographing my work and then blogging and posting to my website! Not to mention that since I paint from life, I have to choose my subject either from around my yard or travel to one of my favorite painting locations. I am now chanting ...I think I can....I think I can... Okay, off to bed. It is another painting day tomorrow!

I would love to hear if any of you plant zinnias. Do you like them?

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 5, "Angel Wings"

Angel Wings, 2x3in. Oil on linen/board. $55
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Angel Wings

"Soft white petals float like angel wings in an evening glow."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

It was a beautiful evening when I painted these white petunias on my back doorstep. Birds fluttered about and the sky continued to change as I painted. Sometimes I think simple subjects offer the most beauty. There was something soft and gentle that I loved about these little flowers, hence the reference to angel wings. 

On another note we are experiencing gorgeous weather the last couple of days. Today after I painted another miniature on my back doorstep, I escaped to Big Island beach. It was divine! I even got to swim in the ocean; something I never do in September. But that is what retirement is all about --new adventures!

Here is a photo I took the other night when I was leaving Big Island after a
plein air session. Majestic!

While I was swimming, small schools of fish dashed by and around me. They flicked in the air and were quite the acrobats. The sea gulls were out in abundance, crazily searching for and feeding on these small fish. Aww the wonders of nature!

I hope angel wings hover nearby for you. Watch for them. They may show up in unexpected places.

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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