30 in 30 Challenge, Day 23, "Color Parade"

Color Parade, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Color Parade

"With one last procession, nature's color parade, marches into autumn."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

As the month progresses, green foliage has continuously changed into an array of colors. Reds, oranges and yellows are becoming the predominate colors; replacing summer greens. I love how the light makes the leaves appear translucent. Leaves are beginning to float in the air on windy days; while, deep blue skies serve as a wonderful backdrop for nature's brilliant colors. 

MacLellan's Brook is one of my favorite places to paint. This space made me feel  like I had been tucked away in a room within the woods. It reminded me of the spaces we use to seek out as children. They were magical little spots, where we thought no one could find us. We thought they belonged to our own private world. 

I hope you are getting a chance to enjoy quiet spaces whether in your home or nature! Everyone needs to create their own private world; if only for a short while.

Warmly,
Debbie

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Together

Together
2x3in. Oil on linen/board
Available on DPW Auction
 
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Together

"Happily rolling along together."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald


Painting is really like a sport. It takes continuous practice to stay in tune with  your skills.  I loved painting these marbles, but had 3 starts before I got rolling along. In my first start I realized after I had the drawing done I had drawn it upside down when I looked at the notch for possible hanging on the backside. On my second drawing and after I started painting I felt they were too big. Finally on my third attempt all worked out; they were "just right". Needless to say I felt a bit rusty after the holidays. Happily it doesn't take much time to get back in sync with an old love!

(My still life set up)

I continue to be enamoured with marbles. They bring back a plethora of childhood memories. My friends and I had fun playing for hours with them! I remember every Easter I would be delighted to receive a new bag of marbles. 

As many of you know I am in love with reflections and anything shiny! Marbles hold all these characteristics. I love their glassy look and how one can see depth when you peer into  these glassy globes. I am also fascinated with their appearance and reflections on a glass table top. They are a bit mesmerizing!

When I was a child it was these simple pleasures that created cherished life long memories. Marbles existed before the advent of technology and brought hours of fun!

Do marbles hold special memories for you?

Wishing you cherished childhood memories!

Warmly,
Debbie 

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.)