30 in 30 Challenge, Day 16, "Autumn Approaches"

Autumn Approaches, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Autumn Approaches

"As autumn approaches, a gleaming red roof echoes nature's sprinkling of reds and browns."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I cannot believe how quickly reds and browns are making their way into summer's green palette. The park is showing signs of autumn's inevitable arrival. Warm sunny days are now numbered, as we make our way through September. 

I loved this high perch I painted from which overlooked the sandbar and ocean beyond. I was drawn to the little house in the distance with its red roof gleaming in the morning sunlight. Seagulls were busily cracking shells as they feasted on the many delights the sandbars offered. They soared continuously in the air and floated happily on shallow waters. 

The park continues to receive many visitors. Everyone is making sure they absorb as much of the park as they can before it closes in mid October. Oh how time marches on! Seize the moment while you can!

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 9, "Nature's Tempo"

Nature's Tempo, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Available
Painted En Plein Air in Big Island, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Nature's Tempo

"It is a quick dance moving to nature's tempo, as swirls of light change like a continuous slide show."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©



Many who follow me know how much I love Big Island. If you visit in the evening the skies are incredible and change continuously as the sun lowers in the sky. It was a beautiful evening when I painted this one on the beach. It is necessary to work really quickly and  intuitively, as the light changes rapidly.  It is like a dance with nature where one must follow her lead!

Set up at Big Island, Nova Scotia

Do you enjoy watching sunsets at the shore?

Don't forget to take time to witness nature's beauty. It is always uplifting.

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. Please feel free to comment or join in the challenge if you are an artist! 

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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. 

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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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Featured Painting #2 to Brighten Your Day!

A High Perch, 6x12in. Oil on linen/panel. Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia. 

 Purchase Here

A High Perch

After cooler days, it is a joy to welcome summer temperatures again. I have trudged through a rickety pathway with my painting gear to arrive at one of my favourite views in the park. The distance is muted with the morning's haze. While the rising sun flicks merrily along the ocean's surface, happily touching crests of water. Seagulls dart about enthused with nature's gentle day.

I have set life aside and entered nature's world and easy rhythm. Her ignorance of man made time is a welcome relief. I will follow her lead today and gracefully move from one moment to the next.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell's Point Park, Nova Scotia

You may read my "Plein Air Diary Entry" for this painting here.

You may also enjoy the Visual Meditation I wrote for this piece and also an Inspired Space description.

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Featured Painting #1 to Brighten Your Day!

I thought I would highlight one painting and reflection from my Shop every few days. It's my way of adding a little ray of cheer to your day! So often our days are hurry, scurry and it is nice to take a short pause to catch our breath. I hope "Strokes of Light" will serve as a little escape from the bustle of your day! Enjoy!

Strokes of light, 6x6in.Oil on linen/panel, Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Purchase Here

Strokes of Light

After a few days of overcast weather, a clear evening has arrived. The park is calm tonight as the air remains still and fresh. Various winged friends rejoice in nature’s beauty. Strong light has captured my attention tonight as it strokes sides of buildings and tops of trees.

Decisions must be made quickly and brush strokes kept fresh, as the sun lowers in the blue above. There is no time for needless thought. Reacting intuitively to the moment allows time to pass unknowingly. A quiet mind quickly brings joy and refreshment to spirit.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

P.S. You can read my "Plein Air Diary" Entry for this painting here.

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