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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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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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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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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30 in 30 Challenge, Day 7, "Pink Brilliance"

Pink Brilliance, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. $65

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

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

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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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