Surprise Bloom

Surprise Bloom, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Painted from life in my studio.

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Surprise Bloom

"After many months of greenery, a miniature orchid brings delight with one surprise bloom!"

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald 

This is a miniature orchid that was given to me by one of my students, when I retired last year. I had been admiring these little orchids for quite some time, so it was really nice to receive one as a gift. 

In the beginning it had a couple of blooms that lasted for awhile. Then all went green! I really wasn't sure if it was ever going to bloom again. At Christmas time I placed it in our bathroom and voila after a few weeks a tiny bud arrived. I guess it liked the humidity in that room!

The bloom arrived in the midst of winter, so it was even more delightful to witness. Finally, I acted quickly and decided to paint it this time before all went green again. lol I'm going to keep it around to see if I might have another surprise bloom in the future. 

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. If you would like to read my earlier entry on my Creative Rituals Blog you can do so here. 

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The Travelling Chicken Project

T.C. Explores! 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. 

On Reserve
( A Collector contacted me to view T.C. shortly after she went up online)

T.C. Explores!

"The Travelling Chicken stops to frolic in the pansies on her visit to Nova Scotia. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

As mentioned in my previous blog post I signed up for the "Travelling Chicken Project" about two years ago. The project features a ceramic chicken and her friends who visit artists all over the world. Once T.C. and her entourage arrive, you have approximately four days to paint her and/or any of the other characters. Since I paint from life, I had to get started on my painting as soon as they arrived!

The artists are making the project more interesting and fun by adding stories about the characters' visits. I really enjoyed painting T.C. and thought it would be fun to keep the idea of painting little ceramic animals with flowers in mind for future subject matter. 

My still life set up of T.C. The pansies weren't as cooperative as T.C. as they liked to shift their positions! T.C. was a very patient model. 

A view of my subject and painting.

You can read my story about T.C.'s visit on the Travelling Chicken blog. If you are interested you can also sign up to participate in the project. There continues to be a long waiting list of interested artists. The receiving artist is responsible for shipping to the next artist on the list. The package is somewhat large as the ceramic animals are wrapped and encased in a Styrofoam box and then placed inside a cardboard box. I shipped T.C. and the gang to Delaware, U.S. 

Hope you enjoy reading and viewing my story on the Travelling Chicken Blog. If you are an artist, feel free to participate in T.C.'s adventures!

Warmly,

Debbie

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Bursts of Sunshine!

Bursts of Sunshine! 5x5in. Oil on linen/board.

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Bursts of Sunshine!

"Like bursts of sunshine, daffodils announce the arrival of new beginnings. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

A few weeks ago when I was yearning to see fresh blooms and greenery, I spotted these miniature daffodils in the grocery store. I loved how their bulbs were visible and their happy faces made me smile! I knew from the moment I saw them, they just had to be painted. 

I placed them on my window ledge and painted them from life in my kitchen. I really loved how the back lighting created a dappled and translucent affect on their blooms and leaves. 

I also took this photo of the daffodils from outside--thought it was neat to look at them from the outside in!

(If you are interested, you can read my post about these daffodils on my Creative Rituals Blog.)


Fun News!!

A couple of years ago I signed up for a project online where a little ceramic chicken and her entourage were travelling to artists all over the world to paint. Well the Travelling Chicken and her gang finally arrived on my doorstep last Wednesday. They have been enjoying Nova Scotia and I worked for a couple of days completing a miniature painting of T.C.  I will be posting my painting soon--stay tuned! In the meantime you can read my announcement that they arrived on the Travelling Chicken Blog. Enjoy! 

Here are a couple of photos of the crew! 

The little yellow bird lives at my house--the other characters are my visitors.

Frolicking in my backyard!

It is such a thrill to finally be enjoying some warmer weather!

My next post will feature The Travelling Chicken. 

Warmly,

Debbie

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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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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 11, "Roadside Finds"

Roadside Finds, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Roadside Finds

"Picked by the roadside, wildflowers add charm to one's space."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I picked these wildflowers on my morning walk recently. Some would just regard them as weeds, but they are easily transformed into a delightful display when tucked into a pretty container.

While I was on my way home from my walk, I met my husband in his car and asked him to safely transport my finds home and place them in water. When I arrived he had tucked them into a little turquoise bottle that I love. Soooo instantly I knew I had to include the bottle top in my miniature painting.  This little painting was painted from life on my back doorstep in the afternoon light.

I love exploring and finding subject matter when I am on my walks. It is fun to take my specimens home and paint them from life. Pretty soon I will be picking subjects that speak of autumn. Right now I am taking advantage of these last blooms before the growing season passes.

Do you like picking wildflowers? What do you like to display them in?

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

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 #25

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Bursting With Color

"Bursting with color, zinnias add radiance to summertime gardens."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

July 23, 2013

Fraser's Mtn. Nova Scotia.

I have ventured up to my parents' flower gardens once again. I decided to get out early this morning as it is predicting overcast skies this afternoon.

After having a chat with my mom, I began my walk about searching for my inspiration for the day. At last I spotted vibrant colored zinnias. I have always been intrigued with shadows against walls or buildings and loved how the zinnias cast a shadow on my parents' house.

My Subject--Zinnias

Zinnias' petals are so dense and solidly shaped that they almost look artificial. Even their vibrant colors make them appear almost "plastic" in nature.

Set up in front of my subject.

Adding the finishing touches.

I tried to make every brush stroke count so as not to loose their vibrancy and shape. Taking time to really observe before I applied paint was a good working method. Looking at darks and lights helped me form their shape. I have to say they were super fun to paint. I think I would like to paint more zinnias in the future in a larger format. 

As I finished up the day changed drastically. The clouds rolled in, the wind came up and the sun totally disappeared. I left feeling grateful and satisfied that I was able to paint this little painting today.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. While I worked my dad scared me as he came up from his garage. We had a nice chat.

P.P.S. Just before I cleaned up, I took a break to have lunch with my parents. My aunt and her granddaughter also arrived at the same time. So overall it was a great painting session and visit. Working art into my everyday life leads to greater productivity. 

Spring is.....

With Easter comes a feeling of renewal. It seems to bring a sense of anticipation, knowing that Spring is just around the corner. As a child I remember feeling the excitement of shedding winter coats in exchange for light spring jackets and new rubber boots!

Come along as I take you on a  journey of what

                                          

                                               Spring is....

              Spring is... 

                                                  pink rubber boots and enticing mud puddles!

"Together" Available

... shiny new marbles and twirling earth pots. 

"Rolling Along", Prints Available

                          Spring is... 

                                                                 muddy fingers, earthy mud pots...

and the sight of our winged friends' arrival!

"Announcing Spring", Prints Available

                                  Spring is ...

                                             the softness of pussy willows 

"Thoughts of Spring", Available , Prints Available

and their timelessness captured in glass bottles. 

                            Spring is ... 

             a rainbow of blooms...

"A Burst of Cheer",  Prints Available

...and delicate petals of varied hues.

                             Spring is ...

             renewal of spirit,

"A Sweet Scent",  Prints Available

...blossoms unfolding,

and mother nature's rebirth.

"Spring Dance", Prints Available

Wishing you a Happy Easter,
and 
May the sights and sounds of Spring 
bring you joy and upliftment!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. Featured work is available as prints and/or an original painting. Just click on the links below the photo. :D

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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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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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