Fine Art of Debbie Lamey-MacDonald: home decor

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter/Blog Posts 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

Sunday, August 25, 2013

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!

Quick Links:

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter sign up--- My Recent Newsletter

Saturday, August 03, 2013

Dairy of a Plein Air Painter #22

Purple Trails, 3x3in.Oil on linen/panel.

Available Here

Purple Trails

"Petunia trail happily, spilling over floral bins in the warm summer breeze."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

My car was in for repairs, so I decided to paint en plein air on my back doorstep. With my flower gardens in bloom, there is never a loss for subject matter. I love how these miniature petunias happily trailed over top of a flower bin and how the light created varied violet hues in their petals.

My Subject

My Set Up

I view these little miniatures as meditation in motion. With nature strumming on around me it is a wonderful feeling to feel present while a peaceful shift occurs. As I painted, our beautiful sunny day turned into a cold and cloudy one. Such strange and unpredictable weather! I'm glad I seized the moment when I did as it passed quickly. Truly something to keep in mind as we navigate through life; screening out what is really important and enjoying small moments that are right in front of our eyes.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. While I painted hummingbirds nosily zoomed to and fro to my feeder hanging on the deck. They really are quite entertaining for such small creatures!

P.P.S. Visual memory really does come in handy when the weather decides to change in the midst of a painting. It is important to not change what you have already completed and continue on your initial plan for your painting.

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.

Quick Links:

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter sign up--- My Recent Newsletter

Sign up for new blog posts in the side bar at the top of this page. Then enjoy special delivery to your email box!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

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.

Quick Links:

Imagekind --for reproductions

Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter sign up--- My Recent Newsletter

Sign up for new blog posts in the side bar at the top of this page. Then enjoy special delivery to your email box!

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:

Imagekind --for reproductions
Fine Art America--for reproductions

Newsletter sign up--- My Recent Newsletter

Sign up for new blog posts in the side bar on this page. Then enjoy special delivery to your email box!

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Spring's Here!

Spring's Here, 3x2in. Oil on linen/panel. $50 Available

Available Here

Spring's Here!

"Pussy willows captivate young and old with their softness and charming appeal."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

One of the most pleasurable signs of Spring, is when I see pussy willows swaying on branches. They are just so delightful and charming! Their softness beckons to be touched and they exude hope that Spring is finally on its way.

As an added feature, I decided to add a few photos of things that inspired this painting. I love how magazines do this and I thought it would be a nice added touch on my blog. My life, magazines, everyday objects and nature are a few of the things that inspire my work. It is a journey of the soul!

I would love to hear what inspires your work or creative endeavors!

Happy Spring!

Warmly,

Debbie

Charming in Pink!

"Charming in Pink", 3x3in. Oil on linen/panel. Sold

Sold

Prints Available Here

Charming in Pink

"With long lasting blooms and pink ruffles; carnations possess a charming allure. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

My Subject

I love the delicate look of carnations with their frilly edges and most importantly their longevity. I often take them home from the super market to add a burst of life to our home, especially in the midst of winter when I am longing for lushness again! This bunch had a delightful clove scent and variegated petals that stayed in bloom for over a week!

Did you know that carnations became the official flower for Mother's Day in the early 20th century? Their botanical name literally translates to the "flower of the gods" or the "flower of love." This little miniature would make a unique gift to celebrate someone special in your life on Mother's Day!

Do you have a special flower you like to bring inside your home to add a cheery note? Feel free to share an interesting fact about your favourite flower.

Warmly,

Debbie

Quick Links: