30 in 30 Challenge, Day 22, "Layers of Pink"

Layers of Pink, 5x5in.Oil on Arches Oil Paper,
Painted from life--Alla Prima

NFS
( Will be available when I mount it or place in a mat frame)

Layers of Pink

Layers of pink merge together to create an elegant garden guest.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Today's painting is a little different than the previous ones I posted for the 3o in 3o painting challenge. I decided to try out arches oil paper as a painting surface. It is an amazing paper that you can paint on directly using oils and it won't buckle and distort in shape. It is very durable, allowing for markings with a knife etc.

It was much different than painting on linen and definitely takes some getting use to! It does absorb the paint to a certain degree, so I felt this was an area I had to make adjustments. I also found I worked more transparently in some passages. I knew I could go back later and place more opaque paint on these areas if needed.

I can see great promise for this paper for me in the future! I thought it would be great for painting quick oil sketches and for jotting down color notes etc. beside the sketch. I could then place all these studies in a binder when dry. For example, I could see myself painting quick oil studies on location of evening clouds etc. These studies would be really beneficial for both practice and future studio work.

I found a wonderful tutorial by Peter Fiore on creating an oil painting on arches paper. Also, on the bottom of that page there is a link for a tutorial on mounting your paper on hardboard by Michael Chesley Johnson.  There are also other methods of mounting oil paper to hardboard different than Michael's approach. 

If you are interested, here is a link for a video on Arches Oil paper. Quite a fascinating paper if you are an oil painter!

The pink rose was picked from my garden and painted from life. Some of my roses are still blooming! I'm enjoying viewing their beauty as fall marches on.

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 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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New Fine Art Gift Bags/New Blog!

Violet Heads part of  a New Fine Art Gift Bag! Available

Just before Christmas I launched my "Fine Art Gift Bags. I was very humbled and thrilled at how well received they became. The idea grew after visiting a new shop in my area. I loved the way in which the shop owner/artisan had artistically set up her new shop. I also loved how her wares were packaged. We had a wonderful chat the day I visited.

That visit along with my love for teaming with other like minded entrepreneurs/artisans helped my vision evolve for these new Fine Art Bags. My intention was to make each bag personal and unique; to hold a special energy of their own. This would greatly align with my philosophy that I take to the creation of my miniature work. Each miniature is like a small meditation; thus these new bags needed to mimic this intention as well. I really enjoy assembling each one and am always delighted to see what my two counterparts come up with in their interpretation of my miniature oil painting. 

You can read more about my bags here. The collection below is available as a Fine Art Gift Bag. 

"Violet Heads" Fine Art Gift Bag Available Here.


On another note, I have started a New Blog entitled "Small Pauses". As an artist I often take note of my everyday surroundings and occurrences. These happenings and subjects often weave themselves into my work. The blog is about taking small pauses within your busy days. Taking time to acknowledge everyday happenings create subtle joy and a sense of well being. I would love for you to join me, by offering your own experiences or thoughts. Or you can just come visit, read and follow me quietly.

New Small Pauses Blog

You can read about my thinking behind this blog here and follow my posts on the Home Page.

Thanks so much!
Warmly,
Debbie

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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.)