Coming to Life!

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Coming to Life

After a harsh winter, mother nature is finally coming to life. Oh how I have missed the sounds of nature and fresh greens. New leaves rustle gently in the warm breeze, while birds sing their songs of praise. 

An elegant birch has weathered winter's woes. It stretches its branches beyond its core. Happily, it sways in the airy space, as it births new foliage. 

There is an easy flow in the park. One that slows down man-made time and envelops the viewers spirit. Nothing else matters---only a present moment. Mind chatter fades into the distance. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

This was the first plein air painting of the season I did when Spring arrived.  It was so thrilling to finally have fine weather and be back out on location. I love being alone in the park. I can feel every sinew of my body relax. 

I noticed I was slower painting during this session, as I warmed up to painting on location again. Painting outdoors has a rhythm of its own. In some ways its like a moving target. lol The light changes, movement occurs and decisions must be made in a timely manner. However, I love the feeling of having all my senses engaged. It is a bit like a dance--joyful and with spontaneity. 

This was my first Spring to be working at my art full time since I retired last year.  It is thrilling to be able to observe and enjoy nature on a daily basis!

Warmly,

Debbie  

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 15, "Rhythmic Voice"

Rhythmic Voice, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Tor Bay, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Rhythmic Voice

"As the sun warms the land, the rhythmic voice of the ocean, echoes in the 
surrounding space."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I was delighted to have the opportunity to stay in a cottage not far from Tor Bay Provincial Park in Guysborough County. Our family has been coming to visit and picnic in the park since I was a child. It is about a two hour drive from our home. 

It was thrilling to be able to visit the beach so early in the morning. Beyond the beach is the wide open Atlantic Ocean. We often see cormorants and sometimes seals out in the ocean by huge rocks. It is a wide open and free space, where the ocean and sky change without warning. 

My view --Tor Bay Provincial Park, Nova Scotia.

I found a great spot, high on a sandy hill surrounded by dune grass and weeds. It was a wonderful vantage point, where I could look far and wide over the ocean. The sun was so warm that morning I was able to sit wearing short sleeves. At one point when my husband went back to the cottage to get his book, I was the only one on the beach! It was so peaceful and trance like as my senses became attune to my surroundings and my brush moved intuitively. I was in the zone!

My perch

Once I was finished painting, we headed back to the cottage. It wouldn't be long and my brother and sister-in-law would be arriving to stay the night with us. We all had a great weekend, despite the rainy day that followed.  A little wood heat came to our rescue, resulting in a cozy, lazy Sunday. 

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. (You know how it always seems when you are going away you forget something? Well, after checking my painting gear several times, I managed to forget the attachment on my painting box that allows me to attach it onto my tripod!! I had taken it off the day before so the box would lie flat on a table when I was tweaking a painting. Soooo I had to paint with the box sitting on my lap. I won't forget it next time....will probably forget something though! Haha) 

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 12, "The Night of the Super Moon"

The Night of the Super Moon, 5x7in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

The Night of the Super Moon

The park is exceptionally quiet this evening. The lowering sun casts a golden glow upon the land. It is an enchanting evening, especially tonight as the super moon is scheduled to make its appearance. 

As the evening progresses, layers must be donned. The night brings crisp autumn air, creating a chill and the knowledge that soon colder days will be upon us. 

Once the land was recorded with paint, the Super Moon made its grand appearance! It shone  brightly like a huge globe in a pinkish sky. Its beauty was beyond words; causing  an awe inspiring appreciation for nature and her marvels. 

Tonight nature humbles her viewer with her grandeur. She has gifted one with yet another orchestration of beauty. It is an honor to witness her offering! 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


It was such a beautiful evening in Powell's Pt. Park when I painted this one. Witnessing the Super Harvest Moon when I was just finishing my painting was beyond words. I literally gasped when I turned around and saw that huge glowing globe in the sky!

 I immediately unpacked some of my gear again and quickly recorded the essence of the moon on a miniature painting. I just have to do some tweaking on it and will post it soon as well. 

Nature's beauty never seizes to amaze me. Being witness and experiencing her beauty on location is a wonderful gift. I will never grow tired of trying to capture her beauty in paint. Definitely a humbling experience!

I hope you have a chance to absorb some of nature's beauty this weekend! Take a few moments to pause and acknowledge your natural surroundings. You might be surprised what see and feel. 

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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Balance--the elusive one!

Balance, 4x4in. Oil on linen/panel. $75

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Balance

"With balance, comes a sense of calm and renewal."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Balance is an elusive state we all seem to be in pursuit of in our busy society. Juggling it all seems to be an ongoing process that I continually try to refine. Etching out time to reflect and just enjoying small moments, enables me to catch my breath and escape the whirlwind. I feel so grateful that my painting process provides a joyful interlude and allows me to live in the moment.

One place I love to visit, that I find very soothing and exciting, is the beach. Last summer I collected these flat stones with the intention that I could use them in a small painting to capture a sense of tranquility. Although a bit challenging at times, I really did enjoy capturing these stones in paint. I think I will incorporate them into more meditative still life paintings in the future.

I would love to hear what inspires you and how you take mini retreats from life's busyness as well!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. If you are local, you can view some of my work at the Stone Soup Cafe in Pictou, as I am the Featured Artist until about mid April. 

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