Nature's Whispers

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

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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Diary of a Plein Air Painter #20

Summer Has Arrived, 12x6in. Oil on linen/panel. A Study for larger work.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

9:00-10:30 a.m.

I escaped the heat of the house and my to do list today by coming to the park to paint. Summer has arrived in full force with temperatures that make one slow down. As I made my way to the park, I anticipated the vision of wild rose bushes in full bloom. Sure enough when I arrived I was not disappointed. I always take delight in their bubble gum pink color and cheerful disposition.

My Subject at Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

When I arrived I walked around viewing the roses from different angles and admired the ocean view peeking through the foliage. This is one of my favourite scenes to paint this time of year. One cannot help being mesmerized by its charm.

My Set Up

I found a shady spot to paint my subject. It is a perfect view and a most comfortable location. I must set up quickly before the light shifts. It is  time to dance with nature.

During my painting session, I had several visitors as I was completing my painting. I enjoyed two interesting conversations. One was with an old acquaintance from childhood. I am sure we solved all the problems of the world! My second conversation was with a gentleman of native descent. We talked about nature and he shared some native terms for various months. The month of July was the month the birds lost their feathers. He came to the park to bird watch and find feathers which he will use for a creative project. 

 I think I will make a larger painting of this scene using my study as reference. Such an interesting session today and a most beautiful day to be in the park!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. My first visitor was in awe of my painting palette and the whole process of how I could create a painting. Many questions pursued! He had a great appreciation for art and artists. I even had my picture taken while I painted. Wink, wink. It is special how some people think we create magic as artists!

P.P.S Two ladies arrived with two sweet little girls. They sat in the picnic table beside my subject and carried on a most intense conversation. I felt like a statue on the sidelines privy to all. A bit of an odd feeling. I guess I really blended in with my subject. People are a most interesting species indeed! 

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Diary of a Plein Air Painter #19

4x4in. Oil on linen/panel

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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.

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