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  

If you are interested, here is a link to my newest post on my blog Creative Rituals. Thanks!

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Summer Has Arrived & Timed Blooms!

Summer Has Arrived, 24x12in. Oil on linen/panel. 
Powell's Point Park, Nova Scotia.

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Summer Has Arrived

Summer has arrived in full force with temperatures that make one slow down. Temperatures that delineate hast and dictate a languorous pace. The air is still this morning making my set up easier and adds to a prevailing calm. 

I have come to one of my favorite spots in the park where wild roses and foliage play peek-a-boo with the ocean beyond. The charm of wild roses in full bloom captivates onlookers, adding a regal presence to the surrounding area. 

Their bubblegum pink, cheerfully scatter amongst the foliage. Throwing all cares away they bring one into a present moment, retaliating from life and its many demands. They caress the soul and nurture a place within. Nature once again delivers a gentle therapy where one’s spirit becomes renewed. 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

(The above Reflection was written on location after I finished my study for this larger work.)

This is a favorite spot I love to paint every year in Powell's Point Park. There is an abundance of wild rose bushes that bloom profusely every year. I am in love with roses and especially wild ones! They just exude joy and symbolize that wonderful relaxed feeling of warm summer days. 

I completed the study a couple of years ago on a warm summer morning. This past winter I completed a larger studio painting using my study, notes and digital images as references. 

I recently visited this spot again this year! The rose bushes are just beginning to bud. I can't wait for them to burst into bloom. If you are patient, nature can be so rewarding and giving. 

Warmly, 

Debbie


P.S. (If you receive my Ezine, you would have already read parts of this blog. Thanks for indulging me! )

P.P.S ( On a personal note, Ian and I happily celebrated our 33rd Wedding Anniversary on Friday, July 3rd! I posted some wedding pics taken many moons ago on Facebook. Look what bloomed just in time for our Anniversary. Cheers!)

Peonies in my gardens. This one is huge!

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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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Surprise Bloom & New Blog

On my Easel right now.

A new miniature is on my easel. I'm just putting the finishing touches on it and will be posting it soon. My subject was a miniature orchid I received as a retirement gift last year. I honestly didn't think it would ever bloom again! I loved capturing it in paint. 

My New Blog Link: http://creativerituals.artistryofinspiration.com/

In case you didn't know, I wanted to mention that I started a New Blog called "Creative Rituals". Honestly, I can't believe I started another blog, but felt it needed a separate platform. Basically, it is being used to anecdote daily or almost daily creative explorations. You can read all about my new blog on the About page. If you would like to sign up for email updates, I would love to have you subscribe here. Thanks!

My son Brett and I are discussing some neat ways to consolidate all my blogs in the future. I'm excited about some of the ideas we came up with. I'll have to sweet talk Brett to implement our ideas in computer language! lol 

Wishing you a great day! I'm crossing my fingers that Spring will be here soon!

Warmly,

Debbie

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Waiting For Spring!

Waiting For Spring

16x12cm, Oil on Arches Paper

Donated

"Waiting for Spring" will be part of the 2015 Twitter Art Exhibit in Moss, Norway. Many thanks to David Sandum our gracious curator! All proceeds from the exhibit will be benefiting Home-Start Moss, a nonprofit organization helping families in need. This was painted from life in my studio. After enduring a snowy and very cold February, I am definitely waiting for Spring! You can read more about this exhibit here: http://twitterartexhibit.org

So I have been a bit quiet on the internet front the last couple of weeks. I have been exploring some areas of interest; some are directly art related and others indirectly. I think it is really important and beneficial to stop and catch your breath every once in awhile. Stepping back from your regular routine and considering what is really important or what direction your intuition is pointing you in, is worth listening to. 

For me this happens over time where I keep getting nudges and soft whispers to listen to what my heart truly desires. The world is a noisy place; thus, we must carve out quiet personal time where we are able to listen to our intuitive thoughts. Hopefully, after we begin to listen we can adjust our path by paying attention to what we really desire.

One of the areas I have been exploring is improving my drawing skills. I received a new art book which I am reading and really enjoying. I have been doing some of the exercises and feel continued practice will definitely aid in further developing my skills. If you are an artist I would highly recommend reading this book.

Click image for link to this book online

Another area I am enjoying learning about is a dietary one. I have always been a healthy eater, but after I retired I promised myself I would delve into this area with greater gusto. Improving your vitality through whole foods leads to a greater sense of well being which further enhances your creativity and mental abilities. 

It has been fun and interesting trying new recipes, watching videos and learning new information. Now I am not a purist--I definitely cheat, but I must say eating fresh, wholesome foods really does make a difference in your mental functioning and vitality. Here are the two books I have been enjoying reading and experimenting with the last few weeks. You can click each image for links to amazon. 

Click image for link to this book online

Click image for link to this book online

So what have you've been up to? Have you been exploring any new ideas or areas of interest?
I would love to hear your thoughts.

Wishing you an inspired day!

Warmly,
Debbie

P.S. I am not an affiliate for any of these books. Just thought I would share. 

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Winter Offerings

Winter Offerings, 4x4in. Oil on linen/board. Available 

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Winter Offerings

"In the depth of winter, mother nature continues to present her offerings."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

This was another tiny bottle my mom bought for me at a local flea market. I loved its size and shape. I picked the fir sprig and rose hips while I was on my walk. Although sparse, still life subjects can still be found in nature during this cold season. I have to admit though, I am dreaming of days when the land will be filled with blooms and lushness again!

This was a different background color for me. At first I wasn't quite sure if I was going to like it, but once I started painting the fir and rose hips it seemed to make them pop. The warm tones against the cool seemed to be a nice combination.

Here are a couple of  photos of my studio set up and work in progress.

I have been spending some cozy time in my studio these days. Between winter storms and frigid days, it is a nice place to escape the reality of winter. I have begun to work on a larger painting that I started awhile ago, but didn't get to finish. It sure is a change going from a 4x4in. to 24x12in. surface. Wink, wink. It is enjoyable to get lost in a larger format again though.

Here is an in progress shot showing my reference material, plein air painting, digitals and also my color notes written on location. The location is Powell's Pt. Park--one of my favorite places to paint.

You can join me on Facebook where I often post in progress updates. 

Wishing you a Wonderful Day! 

Warmly,

Debbie

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Orange & Plump

Orange & Plump, 3x3in. Oil on linen/board. $65

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Orange & Plump

"With vibrant color, a plump tangerine sits happily upon a ledge of glass."

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald ©

When I saw this plump tangerine in the grocery store, I knew it had to come home with me. It is not very often we see them in our area with the leaves intact; so I bought two. Of course, the leaves were not really fresh and would not stay on for long. As we shopped I carefully guarded my two prized tangerines.

When we finally reached the check out the cashier was not as gentle as  I was and off went the leaves of one of the tangerines! Now I knew it was up to me to put this one in super safe care. I managed to get "Miss Tangerine" home safe and sound, thus her one last debut occurred in my studio! She was dazzling in the spotlight aimed for her!

All and all I loved painting this plump little lady of orange!

In progress

My subject

I am working on my next Ezine (free newsletter), if you haven't already and would like to subscribe you may do so here. Thanks! 

You can also view all my available miniature paintings in my online shop.
Wishing you a great day!

Warmly,

Debbie

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