Fine Art of Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 10, "Gardener's Delight"

Gardener's Delight, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Gardener's Delight

"With their brilliant red hue, geraniums are a gardeners delight. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

I love red geraniums in black containers or in window boxes. They are such a showy flower and abundantly bloom into the fall. My subject was a section of geraniums from one of my planters in the front of our home.

I belong to an online drawing group and in August our challenge was to draw botanicals from life. I really enjoyed drawing plants outside around our grounds and often from my back doorstep. One of the plants I sketched was geraniums. I found this experience with geraniums heightened my painting experience with them as I had already explored their structure and color. It made me realize how valuable short sessions of drawing practice can be. It is a subtle advantage that if done regularly it applies to one's overall work.

What do you like to do with red geraniums?

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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Tuesday, September 09, 2014

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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Monday, September 08, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 8, "Carefree"

Carefree, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel. Available
Painted En Plein Air in MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Carefree

It is a gorgeous August morning. Crisp in the early morning and warmer as the hours progressed. A play of light zigzagged before me as the morning sun continued to rise. Dry grasses woven with mauves, yellows and greens swayed within intermittent breezes.

A display of airborne life prevailed today. A delicate hummingbird hovered close by. Butterflies dipped and dived; while bits of dry fluff floated about. Bees went about their business collecting nectar for future gifts. Carefree, nature hummed along allowing her participant to quietly follow her lead.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

I painted this one a bit ahead of September in MacLellan's Brook and did a few small tweaks once September arrived. My written reflections are written on location after I finish my painting. This is a natural process in my work--never forced. I just allow my experience to intuitively lead the way for both painting and writing.

I thoroughly enjoyed myself the day I painted this one. It was soooo peaceful and everything seemed to be airborne that day. I wrote a post regarding this on my other blog--Small Pauses.

Wishing you a beautiful day!

Warmly,
Debbie

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

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Sunday, September 07, 2014

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!

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Saturday, September 06, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 6, "Ruffles"

Ruffles, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board. $55

Available Here

Ruffles

"Decked out in ruffles, an African violet dances into bloom."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

African violets have been a constant vision in our family. My mom made pretty ceramic pots for them with a porous container that fits into another container filled with water. This way they have constant moisture, but do not get drowned!

My dad is the one who nurtures them and they always seem to have a glorious array of blooms in various colors. One of the tricks is to give them plant food on a regular basis. My African violets don't do as well as my parents because I don't have dad living here. Chuckles! I tend to get really busy and forget to give them food.

I loved getting up close and personal with this bloom. The little buds were also fun to paint.
Do you grow African violets?

Wishing you a blooming sort of day!

Warmly,
Debbie

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

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Friday, September 05, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 5, "Angel Wings"

Angel Wings, 2x3in. Oil on linen/board. $55
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Angel Wings

"Soft white petals float like angel wings in an evening glow."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

It was a beautiful evening when I painted these white petunias on my back doorstep. Birds fluttered about and the sky continued to change as I painted. Sometimes I think simple subjects offer the most beauty. There was something soft and gentle that I loved about these little flowers, hence the reference to angel wings.

On another note we are experiencing gorgeous weather the last couple of days. Today after I painted another miniature on my back doorstep, I escaped to Big Island beach. It was divine! I even got to swim in the ocean; something I never do in September. But that is what retirement is all about --new adventures!

Here is a photo I took the other night when I was leaving Big Island after a
plein air session. Majestic!

While I was swimming, small schools of fish dashed by and around me. They flicked in the air and were quite the acrobats. The sea gulls were out in abundance, crazily searching for and feeding on these small fish. Aww the wonders of nature!

I hope angel wings hover nearby for you. Watch for them. They may show up in unexpected places.

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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Thursday, September 04, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 4, "Hints of Fall" Diary of Plein Air Painter #29

Hints of Fall, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. $75
Painted En Plein Air, MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Hints of Fall

"With subtle hues of red emerging within bright greens, hints of fall prevail."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

It was a beautiful morning when I set out to paint this one. I ventured out to one of my favorite haunts, MacLellan's Brook, Nova Scotia. I felt like I had entered a different world. It was so peaceful as nature hummed along around me. The following is my plein air diary I wrote after I finished my painting. I hope you enjoy my account!

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #29

It has been awhile since my visit to the brook. Hints of fall prevail as subtle hues of red begin to emerge within bright greens. Summer weather has finally returned after a bout of cold and rainy weather.

When I first arrived, I took my time observing and exploring interesting spots spread out around the area. It is a larger area, so I sometimes drive my car between different locations on the old farmstead. I have selected several spots that would make good subjects. These areas are tucked away in my mind for future plein air session this fall.

Today, I decided to paint a group of trees that caught sections of the bright morning light. I like the mystic of the inner woods in the background. A thin branch with foliage steals the show, as its illumination contrasts with the forest behind it. I like its swooping motion and the lit foliage below it.

It is important to not make the dark color around the background trees too dense. Washes help maintain a sense of space and depth. As I progress in my painting, a meditative state develops. The gentle sounds of nature, the babbling brook and warmth all contribute to a state of calm. Here is where the gifts lie. The chatter of the mind slows down and only the present moment holds importance.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I believe it was a Kingfisher that came to visit several times during my stay. He nosily announced his arrival as he flew from tree to tree. Overall, it was especially quiet and peaceful here today.

P.P.S This year I am elated knowing I will not be returning to my teaching job. It is so freeing to know that I will be able to continue my plein air adventures into autumn. Doing a little happy dance here today!

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

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Wednesday, September 03, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 3, "A Cheery Presence "

A Cheery Presence, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board. $55
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

A Cheery Presence

"Wild roses add a cheery presence, as they sway in a warm breeze."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

I am totally in love with wild rose bushes! Every year when they arrive I am delighted and can't wait to paint them. I painted these in one of my favorite locations, Powell's Pt. Park. It is close to the ocean so I get great pleasure in seeing the water and listening to all of nature's sounds while I paint!

Like yesterday's post, I have included a picture of what this small painting looks like on a miniature easel. The easel is included with the painting when purchased. These little miniatures make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, weddings etc. Many collectors have bought them as a unique gift instead of big box store gifts.

Here is a picture displaying the actual width of the boards. They are awesome boards--so nice to paint on. Mine are linen covered. I purchase them from this company which provides excellent service!

Well I'm off to paint! If you are not already signed up, you can have my posts sent to you via email. The sign up link is below.

Have a great day!

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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Tuesday, September 02, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge, Day 2, "Glistening"

Glistening, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board. Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia. $55 Available

Available Here

Glistening

"A small apple slice comes alive; glistening in warm light."

This was painted En Plein Air on my back doorstep. The apple was from an apple tree that is on our property. I love how this little slice just seemed to come alive on the shiny side table while it sat in the sunlight.

I have included a picture of what this small painting looks like on a miniature easel. The easel is included with the painting when purchased. These little miniatures make great gifts for birthdays, Christmas, weddings etc. Or just to make someone feel special!

Besides participating in the 3o in 30 painting challenge, I am working on a commission. Last night I had a great painting session. Little dancing going on between painting. A plein air artist has to keep in shape to carry all their gear! lol

Have a super day! See you tomorrow.

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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Monday, September 01, 2014

30 in 30 Challenge! Day 1, "Summer Grace"

Summer Grace, 4x4in. Oil on canvas/board. Painted En Plein Air. $75 Available

Available Here

Summer Grace

"Like soft balls of cotton, hydrangea float gently on a warm summer breeze."

Happy September! Today is the beginning of firsts for me. I am beginning my first 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge hosted by Leslie Saeta. I am so excited to participate in this challenge with 854 other artists all over the world! It will be wonderful to view all the other artwork and get to know new artists. You can follow along by signing up for my posts if you haven't already done so. Cheers!

Another first is that I will not be returning to work tomorrow as an elementary teacher. I retired this past June after 32yrs. teaching elementary, with a great portion of that time teaching grade one. Although I will miss my colleagues and children I am super ready and excited to embark on this new chapter in my life as a full time artist! It is a dream come true! Due to my retirement, I am able to participate in the 30 in 30 day challenge this time.

My painting today was painted in my front yard. I love my Anabelle Hydrangea! It reminds me of giant snowballs or puffs of cotton. It has really grown over the last few years and I look forward to its display every year.

Well I'm off to paint another one! See you tomorrow--have a super day!

Warmly,

Debbie

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

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