Thoughts of Spring

Thoughts of Spring, 14x11in. Oil on linen/panel

Thoughts of Spring

As winter blankets the earth in white, thoughts of Spring bring comfort. Pussy willows rescued from last Spring stand happily in their glass encasement. Their soft texture evokes memories of childhood where  imaginations spun stories of these mini felines.

It was even said they mewed softly when unattended. 

Today they are accompanied by a spring bird and ribbon. Their companions gleefully rejoice, knowing that Spring will bring the earth to life within a short while. Patience and time will be one’s keeper as nature continues its journey bringing Spring to our door in due time.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Since childhood, I have had an adoration for pussy willows and am always delighted to see them in early Spring. They are one of the first forms of life on trees, a sign that the world is about to awaken from its winter slumber! As children we loved making up stories about them and pretended they were small kittens. Their softness always felt so comforting as we rubbed them against our cheeks. 

Last Spring I rescued these pussy willows before they turned to seed. I took them home to my studio, set up my still life and began this painting. Then the warmer weather came and if you have been following me for long, you know that nature becomes my studio! Painting on location beckons and I'm off playing in nature's vast outdoor studio. Needless, to say my painting remained unfinished until recently. 

I am so happy I decided to complete it during the time we were receiving frigid weather.  It made me happy and gave me hope that Spring would be coming along soon. 

I would love to hear your stories about pussy willows. Did you pick them as children? If you are an artist do you like painting them?

Cross your fingers for an early Spring if you live in a four season climate. 

Cheers to one of nature's beautiful offerings!

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