The moon smiled softly in a violet blue sky. Its presence added a magical feel as it hovered over the park. It whispered tales of cheerful summer days, creating excitement for what lies ahead.
Magical moments present themselves regularly in nature. Children seem to innately be aware of this phenomenon. It is adulthood that silences these moments as the responsibilities of life take over. Stepping into nature restores the belief in magic and renews faith, if one is willing to listen.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia
I am returning to the park to paint again this year to add new work to my Powell’s Point Park Series. As long as I can remember I have loved and been fascinated with the moon. I love how it tauntingly appears even in the early morning hours. I remember as a child reading magical stories and poems about the moon. As children we liked to discuss the moon imagining that the dark spots were chunks of cheese. Even the saying “The Man in the Moon” revved up our imaginations; whereby, we began to string along various fun stories. The moon has a magical quality that I think can appeal to even adult imaginations! I would love to hear any of your stories about your infatuation with the moon!
Warmly,
Debbie
P.S. You can find the video post about the day I was on location painting the study for this painting here. As a little added note, the day I painted the study for this painting, I was celebrating my 28th Wedding Anniversary with Ian. Time sure does fly!
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end”. ~Scott Adams
Hi Everyone,
I am adding a New Category to my blog called, “Artists Talk”. Since I have joined the social media scene via Twitter and Facebook I have been very fortunate to meet some terrific Artists and Creatives. Many have been very generous in offering tips and resources, not to mention their support. I am very grateful for both their generous natures and friendships.
Thus, as a way to give back I will be posting any personal tips or resources I come across that I feel would be of interest or helpful to my fellow artists. Please feel free to add your own tips/resources or elaborate on the ones mentioned. Join in the talk with fellow Artists!
I recently came across two Fabulous Artists Leslie Saeta and Dreama Tolle Perry who are both professional artists who broadcast a weekly talk radio show called “Artists Helping Artists” for free. They discuss ways artists can enhance their business based on their own personal or guests experiences. I love their philosophy of artists helping other artists! Kudos to them both for their kindness and generosity! They now have a new blog for Artists Helping Artists as well. I am so happy I found these two great gals and have benefited from their sharing. I hope you do too!
On another note I would like to share a trick I learned from one of E. John Robinson‘s videos years ago. If you are an oil painter you have probably painted not only your canvas, but your clothes as well. I know I am notorious for getting paint on my face and clothes. Robinson mentioned on his video that oven cleaner works really well in getting paint out of your clothes. So being the adventurous one, I decided to give it a try. Well I was amazed at how well this trick worked, especially when you spray it on freshly painted clothing. I get paint out of my clothes often using this little trick. A new kind of “Spray and Wash” for artists clothes.
Please feel free to add a comment or elaborate on any of the ideas mentioned above. Wishing you much fun in your creative endeavors!
It is another scorcher today. Although it is early morning humidity can be felt in the air. A gentle breeze assists in dashing flies away and cooling one down. Nature’s offering today was a long forgotten rose bush with an indescribable scent. It has been left to grow wild peeking up amongst the bushes that have grown around it.
It’s determination can be felt as it strives to be seen in the sunlight. It seems to be calling out for attention; stating that although old and obscure its beauty is still strong and captivating. Reminding one that in the haste of life, beauty in others is sometimes overlooked. There is always a story to be told and beauty to be seen if an alert sensitivity exists.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
MacLellan’s Brook, Nova Scotia
It is so thrilling to be back out on location again! The horseflies were out in abundance when I painted this painting. The temperature got very hot as the morning moved on and the sun rose higher in the sky. I continue to be enamored with roses and love both their scent and beauty in the summer sunlight. Other than the horseflies it was an extremely quiet and peaceful morning. I counted my blessings to be able to stand in nature’s beauty and paint happily with her! Hoping you are getting a chance to find happiness in nature too!
Warmly,
Debbie
P.S. I would love to hear any of your rose stories or thoughts too!
Here is my latest ” Plein Air Inspirations” video of my newest study done in Powell’s Pt. Park, Nova Scotia. It was a gorgeous summer morning and while scouting for a subject to paint I looked up in the sky and saw the moon still hovering above. I love the look of the moon in the sky during the day –something magical about it! I am presently painting a larger studio painting from my study and will be finished of it soon. Hope you enjoy my little informal video. Cheers!
Happy Canada Day all my Canadian Friends! Happy Summer Everyone Else!
I just made this fun video using Smilebox. I hope you enjoy it! Now that school is out for the summer I am excited to get knee deep in paint and enjoy some lazy summer days! Stay tuned for revisions in my website coming soon!
Thanks for watching!
Warmly,
Debbie
P.S. The video doesn’t seem to have an automatic stop, so you have to exit by pressing the x in the right hand corner.
It felt like coming home when the park reopened and I returned to paint its beauty. I easily stepped in time with its rhythm and began to recall emotions I had experienced there previously. There is something very comforting about painting in a familiar location and at the same time exhilarating knowing that unexpected views will be discovered amongst its familiarity.
My heart sang as I listened to nature, smelled the sweet salty air and relished in a slower pace nature had to offer. It is an escape from a fast paced world –a place where living in the moment becomes a priority. Schedules and to do lists become a distant thought as nature envelopes my senses. May nature softly whisper of the importance of self renewal and the necessity of finding a sacred place where you too can find a peacefulness beyond the noise of life.
P.S. Although different from the surface texture I am use to, I did enjoy painting on this linen panel by RayMar.
Painting and Reflection both completed on location.
Freshness of Spring
It is such a thrill to be back painting in the park after a long winter. Spring has enveloped the park with its freshness. An array of lime greens, reds and crisp blues dance before ones eyes. A gentle breeze drifts in amongst new foliage and across the ocean.
Delightful arrays of new beginnings prevail; bringing promises of leisurely days ahead within nature’s easy going personality. Promises of renewal and the enjoyment of warm day activities bring a smile to one’s face. Renewal is essential to one’s well being; it brings new hope and obliterates the mundane of daily routines.
Several years ago I planted a little shrub called a Flowering Quince. I was new to perennial gardening and really had no idea what I was buying. Well I am so happy I decided to give this little plant a home in my front garden. It really didn’t amount to much for a few years and then began to flourish.
Initially it started with a few pretty red flowers that bloomed close to the bottom of the plant. It is now a thriving showy shrub that displays an abundance of beautiful red cupped flowers in early spring. Thus, it became my inspiration and subject for my newest miniature painting.
This Flowering Quince took on a life of its own and matured into a gorgeous shrub! It exceeded any expectations I had for it. Life is sometimes filled with surprises when you least expect them. Recognizing they have arrived is sometimes a subtle occurrence. Hoping that life brings you sweet, joyful surprises!
Many years ago, my mom gave me this delicate handkerchief along with a few others. They had belonged to her when she was really young. I love the sheerness of this one and its soft touch of pink. The drama of course is in its raised embroidered flowers and their decorative appeal.
I have always loved embroidery work and remember when I was a teenager embroidering pillowcases for Christmas gifts to give to family members. It was always so much fun going to the department store to pick out iron on patterns. I also remember being in awe at all the colors of thread that could be bought for one’s project.
I am so happy my mom knew I would love this delicate handkerchief. It has brought back special creative memories while being painted. I truly believe that our creative passion starts at a young age and is often overshadowed with life’s responsibilities in adulthood. Awakening our creativity as adults helps alleviate the stresses of life and brings much joy! Let your creative spirit sing–you won’t be disappointed!
Warmly,
Debbie
P.S. I would love to hear your stories about any childhood passions. Did they follow you into adult life?
The world is beginning to come alive again with the birth of new growth and Springtime activities. I love seeing these little violas pop up and scatter themselves cheerfully throughout my flowerbeds in early Spring. They remind me of children at play; carefree and joyful as they dance about in nature. Their cheerful presence makes me smile and dream of summer’s lushness to come.
With warmer weather come delectable treats from nature. Fresh produce from gardens and outdoor markets are always such a treat. Once barbecued, these tiny tomatoes were a sweet and juicy addition to our meal. Although this little tomato did not come from my garden, I smiled at the thought of our future garden.
Hoping you get to experience some of the small pleasures of Spring or whatever season you are experiencing at present. Noticing small gems in our life bring about quiet daily pleasures.
I have always been fascinated with marbles. It is mesmerizing to gaze into their depths. I really enjoy exploring their swirls of color, variance in values and the manner in which light dances through them.
Marbles were a special Easter gift. One bag full of shiny new marbles were a delight to behold! I remember as children we had hours of fun playing with marbles. Twirling round and round to make earth pots we would become dizzy and giddy. Careful calculation took place as we made our shots towards the earth pots, hoping to win more colors and sizes.
As with marbles we must roll along in life: moving beyond the bumps in order to experience life fully. Brushing off the dust of life and moving forward strengthens character and enables us to experience the gifts that await us. May your bumps in life be small and your journey joyful!
Warmly,
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
P.S. I would love to hear any of your stories or thoughts about marbles!
