30 in 30 Challenge, Day 22, "Layers of Pink"

Layers of Pink, 5x5in.Oil on Arches Oil Paper,
Painted from life--Alla Prima

NFS
( Will be available when I mount it or place in a mat frame)

Layers of Pink

Layers of pink merge together to create an elegant garden guest.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

Today's painting is a little different than the previous ones I posted for the 3o in 3o painting challenge. I decided to try out arches oil paper as a painting surface. It is an amazing paper that you can paint on directly using oils and it won't buckle and distort in shape. It is very durable, allowing for markings with a knife etc.

It was much different than painting on linen and definitely takes some getting use to! It does absorb the paint to a certain degree, so I felt this was an area I had to make adjustments. I also found I worked more transparently in some passages. I knew I could go back later and place more opaque paint on these areas if needed.

I can see great promise for this paper for me in the future! I thought it would be great for painting quick oil sketches and for jotting down color notes etc. beside the sketch. I could then place all these studies in a binder when dry. For example, I could see myself painting quick oil studies on location of evening clouds etc. These studies would be really beneficial for both practice and future studio work.

I found a wonderful tutorial by Peter Fiore on creating an oil painting on arches paper. Also, on the bottom of that page there is a link for a tutorial on mounting your paper on hardboard by Michael Chesley Johnson.  There are also other methods of mounting oil paper to hardboard different than Michael's approach. 

If you are interested, here is a link for a video on Arches Oil paper. Quite a fascinating paper if you are an oil painter!

The pink rose was picked from my garden and painted from life. Some of my roses are still blooming! I'm enjoying viewing their beauty as fall marches on.

Warmly,
Debbie


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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 21, "Sparkling Red"

Sparkling Red, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted from life Alla Prima

Available Here

Sparkling Red 

"Red berries sparkle on the forest floor as rays of light strike upon them."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I have a fondness for any red berries. They always attract my attention, especially if they are the type of berry that appear translucent. I love how they are illuminated when light shines through them. Hues of various reds are created, adding interest to these little red globes. 

I found these ones on my morning walk when I ventured off my usually route to visit a nearby pond. They were illuminated by light and sparkled in comparison to the other vegetation that was beginning to wane due to colder temperatures at night. 

Once home, I placed them in a small vase on a windowsill. I loved the way the light made them sparkle once again. I know my love affair with red berries will continue for some time yet. Who knows--maybe forever!

Do you have a fondness for red berries?

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 20, "On Its Way"

On Its Way, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

On Its Way

"Autumn is on its way, weaving bits of color into the last of summer greens. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I enjoy sitting out in my screen tent in the morning as summer comes to an end. The light is really pretty and enough light comes into the tent to make it warm. The tent is on a wooden platform so it is more like a doorstep. While I was sitting with my tea, I took note of the light on the trees and bits of color in the leaves just beyond the tent. Yes, I thought this would be my subject for the day.  

The realization that fall was definitely on its way really struck me. I am in disbelief--where did the summer go?! I like the fall with its gorgeous color, as long as the weather stays warmer so that it is more pleasant to paint on location. 

My Persian cat "Marlee" came to visit while I was painting. She likes to nose around both in and outside the tent. She is good company and makes me laugh. This is a very small format for this particular subject, but in the end it seemed to work. 

A photo of Marlee in my indoor studio on the ledge. She jumps up here!

Hoping you are finding quiet times in your day to notice and take pleasure in your surroundings!

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 19, "Adorned"

Adorned, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. Painted Alla Prima 

Available Here

Adorned

"Adorned with touches of fuchsia, small zinnias brighten summer gardens. "

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

My mom ordered these from Vesey's Seeds Company and my dad did his magic and grew them from seed. They are such a cheerful little flower that looked really nice in amongst my pansies and violas. They are called Zahara Starlight Rose Zinnias; a different type of zinnia than we were use to growing in our gardens. 

Although annuals are more work than perennials, it is nice to have them scattered about in my flower beds for color. Even though it is getting late in the season, these little flowers are blooming happily.

Warmly,

Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 18, "A Burst of Light"

"A Burst of Light", 4x4in. Oil on linen/board.
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

A Burst of Light

"September light bursts through a moody sky, illuminating tree tops before its evening departure."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


This was one of those paintings that if you did too much monkeying around you would loose the spontaneity and freshness! I had to make sure I tossed my brush aside when I had the affect I was looking for; it would have been easy to add one brush stroke too many.

My Set Up

It was so quiet in the park the night I painted this, you could hear people's footsteps before I actually saw them. I love how dramatic and moody the skies get this time of year. It is breathtaking when the sunlight bursts through towards the end of the day.

Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

When I first arrived to paint, an eagle flew so close to me I could see him perfectly. You could hear his wings swooshing through the air. What an amazing looking bird!


I hope you are getting a chance to witness dramatic skies and beautiful light. Nature never seizes to reward those who are attune to her beauty!

Warmly,
Debbie

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 17, "Nature's Pincushion"

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

Available Here

Nature's Pincushion

"Floating on  willowy stems,  pincushions beckon fluttering wings to savor their sweet nectar."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I think this is one of the neatest flowers in my flower garden. I love their willowy stems and charming centers that resemble pincushions. Their color is also captivating! 

Pincushion in my garden.

I am crossing my fingers that mine will survive the winter. Do you have pincushions in your garden?

Warmly,
Debbie

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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 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 14, "Super Moon"

Super Moon, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board
Painted En Plein Air in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Super Moon

"The drama has begun, as a Super Moon arrives for a stellar performance."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I painted this one on the same night as I painted "The Night of the Super Moon" . It was an exceptionally calm and beautiful evening in the park. I almost missed painting this one, as my gear was pretty much packed up when I turned around and saw this huge bright moon. It felt surreal to witness such an amazing sight. 

Super Harvest Moon, September 8th in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

I thought that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and that I shouldn't let it pass by. So I worked quickly, (basically in the dark) to capture the essence of my subject. I especially loved the turquoise blue and pink sky colors. They reminded me of the rainbow popsicles we use to eat as children. 

By the time I left the park, it was dark and the moon shone brightly on the calm ocean. It was breathtaking. A moment in time I will not forget!

Super Harvest Moon, September 8th in Powell's Pt. Park, Nova Scotia

I hope you were able to witness the super moon too. I would love to hear some of your stories about your reaction to it.

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. I am in a cottage on Farm Lake as I write this post. Yesterday, I was able to paint a miniature of the Atlantic Ocean. I was the only one on the beach at Tor Bay. I loved sitting high up on a sandy hill nestled amongst the dune grass! Today it is raining heavily--although I can't paint on location it sure is cozy relaxing with a wood heat going and listening/watching the rain on the lake. I'm crossing my fingers the sun will come out this afternoon. 

( I missed yesterday's post for the 30 day painting challenge, due to my travels and not having a quality photo of "Super Moon". I'm still hoping to get 30 done, I just might be off by one or two days. )

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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 13, "Sending Cheer"

Sending Cheer, 3x2in. Oil on linen/board
Painted En Plein Air in Plymouth, Nova Scotia.

Available Here

Sending Cheer

"A  cheery little pansy, waves happily to all that pass her by."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©


I picked this little pansy from one of my planters. Pansies are such a cheerful flower; they always make me smile. They seem to bob along happily with an easy going manner. They are a great addition to any garden, adding color and cheer!

Do you find pansies cheerful too?

Warmly,
Debbie


P.S. By the time you receive this email, I will be on my plein air adventure to Tor Bay. It is a wild and free location by the open Atlantic Ocean where my family has had an annual picnic for years. My husband and I are staying not too far from Tor Bay in a cottage on Farm Lake. I am so excited to be able to paint on location here. I will have more photos and hopefully, paintings to share in the near future. Cheers!

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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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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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