Fine Art of Debbie Lamey-MacDonald: green

Fine Art Blog

Small Pauses Blog

Creative Rituals

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!

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Winter Offerings

Winter Offerings, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Available

Available Here

Winter Offerings

"In the depth of winter, mother nature continues to present her offerings."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

This was another tiny bottle my mom bought for me at a local flea market. I loved its size and shape. I picked the fir sprig and rose hips while I was on my walk. Although sparse, still life subjects can still be found in nature during this cold season. I have to admit though, I am dreaming of days when the land will be filled with blooms and lushness again!

This was a different background color for me. At first I wasn't quite sure if I was going to like it, but once I started painting the fir and rose hips it seemed to make them pop. The warm tones against the cool seemed to be a nice combination.

Here are a couple of photos of my studio set up and work in progress.

I have been spending some cozy time in my studio these days. Between winter storms and frigid days, it is a nice place to escape the reality of winter. I have begun to work on a larger painting that I started awhile ago, but didn't get to finish. It sure is a change going from a 4x4in. to 24x12in. surface. Wink, wink. It is enjoyable to get lost in a larger format again though.

Here is an in progress shot showing my reference material, plein air painting, digitals and also my color notes written on location. The location is Powell's Pt. Park--one of my favorite places to paint.

You can join me on Facebook where I often post in progress updates.

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

Warmly,

Debbie

Fine Art Shop
Fine Art Blog

Small Pauses Blog

Fine Art Shop
Small Pauses Blog

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

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

Monday, September 08, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 8, "Carefree"

Carefree, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel. Available
Painted En Plein Air in MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Carefree

It is a gorgeous August morning. Crisp in the early morning and warmer as the hours progressed. A play of light zigzagged before me as the morning sun continued to rise. Dry grasses woven with mauves, yellows and greens swayed within intermittent breezes.

A display of airborne life prevailed today. A delicate hummingbird hovered close by. Butterflies dipped and dived; while bits of dry fluff floated about. Bees went about their business collecting nectar for future gifts. Carefree, nature hummed along allowing her participant to quietly follow her lead.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

I painted this one a bit ahead of September in MacLellan's Brook and did a few small tweaks once September arrived. My written reflections are written on location after I finish my painting. This is a natural process in my work--never forced. I just allow my experience to intuitively lead the way for both painting and writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself the day I painted this one. It was soooo peaceful and everything seemed to be airborne that day. I wrote a post regarding this on my other blog--Small Pauses.

Wishing you a beautiful 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

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

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

Wednesday, August 06, 2014

Nature's Whispers

Nature's Whispers, 7x5in. Oil on linen/panel, Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Nature’s Whispers

The park is so calm today. I almost feel like I am in heaven. Not a soul in sight, just the rhythm of paint and brushes in motion. Breezes arise intermittently causing foliage to rustle and sway. Pink roses skip about within the gentle movement.

A calmness prevails. It is like time has stood still as a meditative state begins. Nature gently cradles the soul with her quiet whispers and beauty.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Powell’s Point. Park, Nova Scotia

This was a painting I completed a few weeks ago in the park when the wild rose bushes were in bloom. I am always so thrilled to witness their beauty and never tire of them. My written reflections are written after I complete my painting. I often take a snack and hot tea to drink while I write. I love this reflective time, writing and listening to nature!

Stay tuned tomorrow for my Plein Air Diary entry that accompanies this piece.

You can now subscribe to my Inspirational Blog "Small Pauses" if you would like at this link. Thanks!

Quick Links:

Fine Art Shop
Small Pauses Blog

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

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

Sunday, February 09, 2014

Aglow and New Blog!

"Aglow", 3x2in. Oil on linen/panel. Available

Available Here

Aglow

"A tiny apple sits aglow in summer's warmth."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

This was the second apple I picked from an old apple tree in our backyard this summer. I was fascinated with how it glowed on our blue tin table in the bright sunlight. It was fun to paint on my back doorstep!

In my last post I mentioned a special gift I received for Christmas and then forgot to post a picture of it. Chuckling.... must have had a distraction and moved on to my next thought.

So here is the beautiful piece of amethyst my brother and sister-in-law gave me for Christmas. It is suppose to inspire creativity. I love how it glows with a lit candle behind it. It has found a home in my studio on my apple green bureau.

A special Christmas gift --amethyst.

Last post I also mentioned my New Fine Art Gift Bags I launched just before Christmas. 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 them on my online shop here.

"Violet Heads" Fine Art Gift Bag Available Here.

New Blog: Feel free to visit my second and new blog "Small Pauses". I would love for you to join in by sharing your own small pauses or thoughts!

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!
Warmly,
Debbie

Quick Links:

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

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

Wednesday, January 08, 2014

New Inspired Space/ Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2014!! It is going to be a year of great happenings and new beginnings. It has been awhile since I posted to my blog. Life has been busy, but I'm getting back on track!

I just posted a new "Inspired Space" to my online shop and thought I would share it on my blog as well. I continue to be intrigued with space and how it affects us. I truly believe that fine art can aid in uplifting your space as well. Art evokes emotion and memory, creating a positive mental break. The piece of work featured in my new inspired space photo is titled "My Brother's Sanctuary". It was painted on location over several sessions in my brother's backyard. A wonderfully peaceful and uplifting experience!

Relish in this intimate space, where conversation flows naturally and steaming cups of your favorite beverage ensue. Fresh greens and bright drapery echo summer's vibrancy and charm. " My Brother's Sanctuary" conjures memories of times spent within nature. Moments of being tucked away beneath apple trees, while our winged friends flutter about. It is a space where you happily relinquish your cares to a world beyond.

(You can visit the "Inspired Spaces" section of my shop here.)

Featured Painting: "My Brother's Sanctuary," 11x14in. Oil on linen/panel. Painted En Plein Air in McLellan's Mtn. Nova Scotia.

On another note, it is a great time of year to take stock of where we are and the direction we would like to be taking in various areas of our life--career, personal etc. One of the more common practices this time of year is to write New Year's Resolutions. I think they are a good idea in some respects because they help focus our dreams and desires. However, they are sometimes another "thing" to do and fall by the wayside because they do not align with our internal desires, only our "shoulds"! That is why a few years ago I began picking a word of the year that I felt intuitively aligned with where or what I wanted to experience more in my life for the upcoming year.

You can fine Christine Kane's Word of the Year booklet Here.

I got this idea from Christine Kane. She also has a great little workbook you can print off to get you started on picking your word. You can find her workbook here. I like to type my word and post it around the house, in my studio etc. Thought you might like to give it a try! Good Luck!

Hoping all your Dreams come True in 2014!!

Warmly,

Debbie

Quick Links:

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

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

Sunday, October 06, 2013

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:

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter sign up--- My Recent Newsletter

Monday, July 08, 2013

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #19

4x4in. Oil on linen/panel

Available Here

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.

Quick Links: