Christmas Spirit and Raffle Party!

Christmas Spirit, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Available

Available Here

Christmas Spirit

"The joy of Christmas fills the air, with simple pleasures of baubles and fir. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

I can't believe it is almost the end of November! Around this time of year, I get inspired to paint small miniatures of Christmas baubles. I love their colors and reflective nature! Do you like shiny ornaments? My mom says I'm just like a crow because I love shiny things. It is always fun to try to capture "the shine" in paint.

To show my appreciation and for fun, I thought I would have a little raffle. Join my Raffle Party for a chance to win a large magnet and two homemade floral note cards. I personally make these cards to have available when I write thank you notes etc. I think they offer a personal touch and are a way of spreading joy around. Soooo come join the fun and enter my little raffle!! Feel free to share with your friends and family! Cheers!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. When you visit my Facebook Page, if you did not already Like my page I would love it if you pressed the Like Button! Thanks!

P.P.S I will mail this little package out to the winner. :D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Just in Time

 Just In Time, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel.

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Just in Time

"In late autumn, a small hydrangea was rescued just in time. Spared from strong winds and rain, its beauty shone for awhile longer.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald  ©


My thoughtful mom called one day just before we were expected to receive quite a bit of rain and wind, to ask if I would like her to cut a few of her blooming hydrangeas. She has beautiful hydrangeas in a variety of colors and sizes. I was so happy she cut them for me when she did, because a few days later they were gone! The wind and rain swept those beautiful blooms away. I loved how they brightened up my kitchen windowsills and studio. 

Mom thought I would like them as subjects for a painting. I decided to paint a smaller one of varied blues, purples and pinks. This painting proved to be a bit of a rascal. Painting the flower went really smoothly and then the trouble began. I had the back leaf and background painted and decided I just wasn't satisfied with them. Sooooo the wipe out began of both the leaf and background! I made the leaf smaller so it didn't overpower the flower and totally changed the background color. 

It just isn't worth keeping something you are not satisfied with, even after investing a large quantity of time. I am happy with the end result now and glad I fiercely wiped out what I didn't like. I hope it brightens your day today!

I have added another Fine Art Gift Bag to my online shop. This one is a Holiday Gift Bag entitled "Visions of Christmas". It would make a wonderful gift for someone special or for yourself to brighten up your home over the holiday season! 

Visions of Christmas Fine Art Gift Bag

Available Here

On Saturday I'm happily travelling to the city for the Nova Scotia Designer Crafts Council's Christmas Show. It is a wonderful display put on by many talented artisans! Pottery, wood working, glass jewellery and so much more. Hoping to get some Christmas shopping done there as well. 

Wishing you a Wonderful Weekend!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Here is a pic of my studio helper!

Marlee in action!

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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! 

Quick Links:

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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

Quick Links:

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Charming in Pink!

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

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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:

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Music, Paint, Action!

A Burst of Cheer, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.

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A Burst of Cheer

"Pink hues add a burst of cheer, as the earth lays dormant during its winter slumber."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald


Last week, I had the day off from teaching due to a storm day.  During the early evening I decided to paint one of the tulips I had purchased to add a cheery note to our home during these wintry days.

Once I was set up I decided to share my painting journey with my Facebook and Twitter Friends. I really had a blast and loved interacting in real time with everyone! It was like a mini party right in my studio--friends, music and paint flowing! What fun! Special thanks to everyone who followed along and added nice comments or thumbs up. It was great having you with me during my studio session.


For those who missed my progress shots I have posted them below. My sweet cat Marlee even came to investigate to see what all the buzz was about in my studio. She aptly side stepped my set up and soared up to her favourite perch on the window ledge!

(Close up of my subject.)

(My studio set up and beginning of miniature painting.)

(Progressing along!)

(Getting there!)

( As I was calling it a night, Marlee came to visit. You can see her up on the window ledge.)

My finished painting is shown at the top of this post. I pretty much finished it that night and only did a bit of tweaking on another session. I loved painting this tulip with all its various shades of pink (one of my favourite colors). I don't sketch out all the the areas on the tulip that need various shades of color. I just observe and paint the detail as I move along--allows me a greater sense of freedom and an opportunity to intuitively paint my subject.

Hoping you find simple things to fill your home with cheer during these cold winter months. I would love to hear how you add cheer to your surroundings. It is sometimes the little things that bring us the most pleasure. We just have to be open and aware of their ability to do so.

Thanks for following along!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. Before I posted this blog entry this painting sold on my Fine Art Shop! A lovely surprise--feeling much appreciation for my new collector!

Some quick links: 

Fine Art Shop

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Fine Art America--for reproductions
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