4th

Happy New Year, New Blog and Fine Art Shop!

Iris Harmony

Available Here.

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted to let you know that all my blog posts will be posted to my new Blog. I had to shift gears as my current website needed big restructuring in order to add updated widgets etc. Sooooo I am now adding all my new work to my new Online Fine Art Shop and blog posts to my new Blog. Both areas are linked so you can go back and forth.

Many Thanks for all your support this past year!!

Cheers to a New Year–It’s going to be exciting!

May 2013 bring you much joy!!

Warmly,

Debbie

By Debbie | On January 4, 2013 – 11:58 am | Posted in News | Comments (2)
23rd

Adrift Within

adrift-within-for-blog

16x20in. (Click to Enlarge)

Oil on linen/panel.

Reserved for a Show in 2013/Spring

Please email me if you are interested in purchasing this painting.

Adrift Within

 A spring breeze whisks about within gnarled limbs; seducing feather blossoms to drift within airy pockets. Old apple trees reign over the space as their blossoms relish in their glory. Bees perform their duties carrying golden pollen from branch to branch.

Soon delicate blossoms will be carried on gentle breezes to add richness to mother earth. A pink hue will blanket the grasses below. Nature has once again out done herself as she displays her beauty for all to enjoy.

It is these moments of quiet elegance we must become conscience of during our daily haste, only a stillness can rejuvenate our spirit as nature gently delivers her gifts.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

MacLellan’s Mountain, Nova Scotia

This location is in my brother’s backyard. We were so lucky to experience a beautiful spring which enabled plants to flourish. The apple blossoms this year were amazing and so abundant! It was magical viewing them and watching them drift softly in the Spring breeze.

To complete this piece I used my plein air study as well as color notes and memory. I also referred to digitals I took that day, but only for specific information regarding placement of trees etc.  in my brother’s yard. My most important information was derived from my study, color notes, my vision and emotional response to my subject.  You can read my earlier blog post on this piece and view my study here.

During the creation of this piece I realized how much it reminded me of a sense of freedom I seem to be in continual pursuit of over the last number of years. “Freedom” seems to be my anchor word and painting on location gives this feeling of freedom and happiness I pursue on an ongoing basis. I think it is really important to feel a sense of freedom, if only for a short while in this fast paced and busy world we live in. For me this often occurs when I am quiet inside and listen to an inner voice. Unfortunately one’s “voice of wisdom” can get drowned out from the demands of life, if one is not  in full awareness. Do you have an anchor word?

Hoping you find small moments of freedom and relaxation!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I have been working like a little trooper on my New Online Fine Art Shop. Many hours later it is getting close to being launched. I am so excited to share it with you soon! Stay posted!

By Debbie | On November 23, 2012 – 12:40 pm | Posted in Studio Work | Tags , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (8)
4th

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #17

as-summer-fades-for-dpw

As Summer Fades

(Click to Enlarge)

6x6in. Oil on linen/panel.

Available here.

Sunday , September 3, 2012

Grant’s Lake, Nova Scotia.

11:15 am-3:00

Ian has accompanied me to one of my favorite places close to home. I love this old farmstead. It reminds me of childhood days when we played outside on our trips to Cape Breton. Even the sounds of flies and insects bring back fond memories of frolicking in nature on my great uncles’ property.

Today was one of those days that I ended up wiping off my panel after an hour of painting. The light had shifted and I just wasn’t happy with my efforts, thus it was better to stop rather than continue on with something I was not going to be happy with in the end.

grants-lake-set-up-sept-2012

(My Set Up.)

(Click to Enlarge Photos)

grants-lake-debbie-sept-2012

(The artist hard at work!)

After a little picnic with Ian, I decided to attempt a new subject in a different spot. This time I settled on apple trees reaching for the sky with their red fruit glistening in the sunlight. I continue to be attracted to limbs and leaves that fade up into the sky. It reminds me of when I was a child laying on the ground and gazing up into the blue above.

grants-lake-subject-sept-2012

(My second subject of the day–the one I actually finished.)

grants-lake-painting-sept-2012

(Painting of my subject on outdoor easel.)

The dance has begun, I am in sync with my subject this time. Abstract shapes and varying values take me deeper into the process. I am in rhythm with nature again. It is a beautiful place to be.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. Ian and I chuckled at the flurry of squirrels here today. They nosily jumped from one apple tree to another. One dropped a token apple directly beside Ian’s chair! lol

grants-lake-ian-sept-2012

(Ian trying to read, while squirrels dropped little apple gifts from the trees above. )

P.P. S I am amazed at how summer has faded away so quickly. It is sounding like fall and the air has that little coolness to it. The sun continues to give much warmth, but when it escapes into a cloud, it sure does feel like fall.

By Debbie | On November 4, 2012 – 10:09 pm | Posted in On Location, Plein Air Diary | Comments (4)
15th

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #16

scattered-about-for-dpw

4x4in.Oil on linen/panel

Available here.

Thursday, August  23, 2012

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia Plein Air Painter’s Group

8:00am-10:30am

It is an absolutely gorgeous morning today. The sky is clear with a slight mauve hue and accented with billowy clouds. I have two members of our plein air group with me today. Carolyn Bygrave and Lacey Morrell. Lacey is my niece and a new member to our group.

After a brief chat we go off to our selected spots and agree to meet after we are finished our maser pieces! Today was one of those days where I could not pick my subject readily. Finally after some walking about I found a great spot in the shade. I have decided to paint a small mass of trees with wild flowers and grasses in front of it. I really like the pockets of darker space with the trees. I also find the masses of shaded grasses leading into light shades very appealing.

powells-pt-park-group-2012-subject

(My Subject)

I love painting the flicks of color for the wild flowers. They always appear playful and sing of cheer!

powells-pt-park-group-2012-set-up

(Set Up)

I will start my painting by toning my miniature panel with terra rosa and quickly mapping in my drawing with this color as well. I love the rosy hue of terra rosa and how my colors appear over top of it. It is an appealing color when it peeks through in spots on the completed work. Time is ticking and the light will quickly shift soon. Let the fun begin!

Warmly,

Debbie

powells-pt-park-nspap-group-2012

(My Niece painting her first plein air painting!)

P.S. I love the shift that occurs when painting on location. The rustle of leaves and nature’s many sounds envelope the artist creating a peaceful state of mind.

P.P.S. Carolyn, Lacey and I had some great chats afterwards about observing subtle colors and simplifying all the information in front of you when painting from life. Thinking  about masses of color and geometric shapes is important in order to paint your subject in a short time frame. Carolyn also shared a paper she likes that I can use with oil paints. Here is the link.

By Debbie | On October 15, 2012 – 8:57 pm | Posted in On Location, Plein Air Diary | Tags , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)
3rd

Scattered About

scattered-about-for-dpw

4x4in. Oil on linen/panel

(Click to enlarge)

Available Here

Scattered About

“As summer draws to a close, wild flowers make one last debut, as they happily scatter about.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

By Debbie | On October 3, 2012 – 9:36 pm | Posted in Bookshelf Collection, Current Works, En Plein Air, Miniatures | Tags , , , , , | Comments (3)
30th

Studio Notes #1 Apple Blossoms

  stevies-apple-trees-photo

( Click to photos to enlarge)

(My Subject)

September, 2012

I have decided to paint a larger piece of work (16x20in.)from a plein air study I completed in my brother’s backyard this past Spring. Due to an earlier Spring and warmer than usual temperatures there has been an abundance of apple blossoms and apples this year.

stevie-apple-trees-study

(Study done in my brother’s backyard)

 I also painted another study earlier in Spring of apple blossoms and am using  my color notes from that experience as a  reference as well.

apple-blossom-study-in-maclellans-brook-2012

(Study done in MacLellan’s Brook earlier in the Spring)

I seem to be on an apple theme–totally enchanted with all the blooms and later abundance of perky red globes.

The apple trees looked magical the day I painted the study in my brother’s yard. It reminded me of a fairytale land with their gorgeous blooms. A light breeze sent some floating gently to the ground below. Nature once again displayed her joyous nature–I was grateful to witness her beauty.

apple-blossoms-stage-1

(Stage One)

stevies-apple-blossoms-stage-2_dsc2261

(Stage Two)

I will post my journey with this painting in stages so you can travel along with me. Hopefully, I can capture some of the magic of that morning.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I scared my sister-in-law out of her wits when she  stepped out to the clothesline and saw me. lol I didn’t have time to warn her that I was coming and had to set up quickly so I wouldn’t lose my light. We had a wonderful visit after I finished my study–definitely a memorable day!

By Debbie | On September 30, 2012 – 10:15 pm | Posted in Studio Notes | Tags , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (9)
23rd

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #15

a-gift-of-solitude-jpg

(Click to Enlarge)

“A Gift of Solitude”

6x6in. Oil on linen/panel

You may purchase here.

Sunday, August 25,2012

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia.

10:15am-12:45pm

I am all alone in the park this morning. My solitude amplifies the park’s serenity. It  is a time I value greatly and think of during the long months of winter. It is going to be a gorgeous summer day which will attack park visitors before the morning closes.

powells-pt-park-aug-25

(My Subject)

powells-pt-park-set-up-aug-25

(My Set Up)

As I walk up the shore I am attracted to a curvature of water which leads to the ocean beyond. The tide is going out to sea this morning leaving interesting puzzle pieces of land and water. I love the contrast of the darker foliage to the right and brightness of the distant land. Sea gulls screech around e as they relish in the treats the sandbar offers. It is time to flow with nature-the light will change quickly.

Warmly,

Debbie

powells-pt-park-person-in-water-aug-25

(Person wading looking for Quahogs)

powells-pt-park-person-in-boat-aug-25

(Someone even took their boat along to collect Quahogs.)

P.S. As I worked several people walked by with buckets. They were going to dig quahogs on the vast sandbar. It was nice having little chats with them all. One gentleman chatted at length when I had finished and gave me the scoop on another passage to the park. Woo Hoo!

P.P.S. It is so joyous to watch and listen to nature. During my visit, dragonflies whizzed by, an abundance of seagulls soared about and the gentle rustle of trees whispered softly. Definitely a day to be grateful for.

By Debbie | On September 23, 2012 – 9:53 pm | Posted in On Location, Plein Air Diary | Tags , , , , , , , , , | Comments (3)
17th

Summer Breeze

summers-breeze-for-dpw

6x8in. Oil on linen/panel (Click to Enlarge)

Sold

Click here to purchase a print of “Summer Breeze”.

Summer Breeze

“As the ocean air drifts to shore, an array of colored fabrics billow in the warm summer breeze.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Painted En Plein Air in Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia.

By Debbie | On September 17, 2012 – 9:48 pm | Posted in Bookshelf Collection, Current Works, En Plein Air, Landscapes | Tags , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (1)
16th

Springing Up

springing-up-for-dpw

3x3in. Oil on linen/panel (Click to Enlarge)

Sold

Click here to purchase a print of  ”Springing Up”

Springing Up

“As the sun warms the earth, jolly jump ups gleefully spring to life.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

By Debbie | On September 16, 2012 – 9:08 pm | Posted in Bookshelf Collection, Current Works, Miniatures, Still Life, Uncategorized | Tags , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)
15th

My Brother’s Sanctuary

my-brothers-sanctuary-good-copy

(Click to enlarge)

You may purchase here.

My Brother’s Sanctuary

I have come to my brother’s sanctuary. It is apparent that he lovingly tends to his grounds. The abundance of trees and grassy pathways create a feeling of seclusion. The space hugs the occupant offering a sense of protection and peace. Nature revels in this space, taking cover within limbs and small nooks and crannies.

A natural pathway etches between bountiful apple and fir trees; coaxing the viewer to step forth into nature’s world. Flicks of dandelions and wild flowers add a cheerful note. Visions of one frolicking through ready made pathways come to mind. It is a cheerful thought of childhood play and nature’s protective embrace. Surrendering to nature’s free spirit always brings about much needed balance and renewal.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

MacLellan’s Mountain, Nova Scotia.

You may read my “Diary of  a Plein Air Painter” posts on my three sessions of completing this piece. It was painted en plein air in my brother’s backyard.

Session One , Session Two , Session Three

By Debbie | On September 15, 2012 – 3:34 pm | Posted in Current Works, En Plein Air, Landscapes | Tags , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (4)
14th

Diary of a Plein Air Painter #14

stevies-backyard-final-painting

(Click to enlarge photos)

(Final Painting-11x14in. Oil on linen/panel)

Wednesday, August 22. 2012

MacLellan’s Mountain, Nova Scotia

My brother and sister-in-law’s backyard.

Third Session

10:00am-200pm

I have arrived for my third session of my plein air painting today. My focus will be to work on both apple trees and their shadows on the ground. It is my intention to keep the second  one less detailed so the foreground apple tree will stand out. I will add more texture to the one in the front.

stevies-subject-aug-14

(My Subject)

stevies-1st-session-blocking-in

(The beginning)

stevies-session-2-painting-stage

(Midway)

Varying my greens will be especially important to maintain interest in the apple trees. Making comparisons with colors I lay down,will be something I will have to continually be aware of. I also plan on adding little flicks of color in amongst the lawn to break up the flat surface and give a cheerful feel. Hopefully, I will complete my painting today.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. At the end of my session I felt I wanted the background to recede more, so I lightly scumbled a thin veil of sky color over the background trees to achieve this goal.

P.P.S. While at my brother’s place, I had the pleasure of visiting my sweet niece’s new cat she recently adopted from the animal shelter. We also had a lovely chat about art and music outside by my set up. Lacey is both a talented song writer and singer. It was inspiring listening to some of her new songs and viewing photos from a recent trip to Newfoundland. A lovely highlight to my plein air experience!

By Debbie | On September 14, 2012 – 10:37 pm | Posted in On Location, Plein Air Diary | Tags , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (7)
12th

Spring Arrival

spring-arrival-dsc1644

3x3in. Oil on linen/panel

(Click to enlarge)

Available Here.

Spring Arrival

“Flowering Quince announce their arrival with brilliant shades of coral.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

By Debbie | On September 12, 2012 – 9:22 pm | Posted in Bookshelf Collection, Current Works, En Plein Air, Miniatures | Tags , , , , , , , | Comments (2)