Just taking a moment to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Thanks so much for your support and presence this past year. I have also really appreciated all your kind comments on this blog. They have been like special gifts from you to me.

Last night we had our traditional family gathering at my house. Lots of food, laughter and presents were shared by all. We were all so grateful to have everyone healthy and happy! Today we are heading to my brother’s for our family Christmas dinner. More food and laughter to be shared by all!

Wishing you and your family a Beautiful Holiday Season filled with joy and the comfort of family and friends!

May 2012 be filled with Happiness!

Warmly,

Debbie

I was recently introduced to a  cool new Email Application through the “Art Marketing Association“ that I am subscribed to! Doug Farrick of  AMA is constantly searching for better ways to help artists market their work.

The app is called WiseStamp and is literally used to personalize your email signature. There are lots of  ways to personalize it to your liking. You can add social media buttons, a preview of  your latest blog post and even random inspirational quotes. It is so neat! The only recommendation I would have is not to make your signature too spammy. Otherwise, if you make it tasteful, it is an awesome way to reach more people when you are sending or replying to emails.  Check WiseStamp out!  I think you will enjoy it!

I would love to hear your comments if you have used this application or are planning to in the near future.

Below is an example of my email signature I made with WiseStamp.

Warmly,

Debbie

 

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald Fine Art

Email: lameymacdonald@gmail.com

Follow my Auctions/Gallery on Daily Paintworks

 

My latest post:Clip Airing on Local TV! (Click to Enlarge) Autumn’s Bounty 5x7in. Oil on linen/panel Painted “Alla Prima̶…

P.S. You can check out The Art Marketing Association by clicking here. Or you can click on the button on the right hand top of  this page. It is worth a look!  If you enjoyed this post, I would love it if you could press one of the Share Buttons at the end of this post. Thanks!

(Click to Enlarge)

Autumn’s Bounty

5x7in. Oil on linen/panel

Painted “Alla Prima” for East Link TV Taping

 I heard from Danny Harvie today about the little clip that was going to be airing on East Link TV about my art and life. It will be airing all week on East Link Magazine. So if you are local and you see East Link Magazine listed on Channel 10, it will be on that show all this week. I am going to ask him if it will be on You Tube as well so others could view it.

Danny was a really nice guy and did a great job piecing our session together for the clip. He arrived at my house in October and stayed for about three hours. The TV clip is about 6 minutes long. Isn’t that amazing how much taping he has to do to get enough footage to choose from for a short clip?! The painting I have posted was the demo I did while he taped me painting. Quite an interesting experience I must say! lol

If you are local and you watch the clip, I would love to receive your comments! I will happily send them along to Danny as well. He is a great young camera man!

Warmly,

Debbie

(Click to Enlarge)

3x3in. Oil on linen/panel

You can bid on this painting here.

You can also buy prints of this painting here.

I have just added “Baubles and Ribbon  to the Daily Paintworks Auction website. It was painted from life in my studio. I love painting these little miniatures, especially these shiny festive baubles. This would make a unique Christmas gift for someone special. Please click on the link above if you are interested in bidding on this painting. I would be grateful if you could click the Like button on the auction page. Thanks!

Thanks so much for looking!

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

Warmly,

Debbie

(Click to Enlarge)

You can Bid on this painting here. 

Moon Glow

A crescent moon smiles softly in an evening glow.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia.

I painted “Moon Glow” on  a beautiful late summer evening in Powell’s Point Park. It was fun sitting at a park picnic table to paint this little miniature. I had to make quick decisions because the light was changing quickly. I continue to be enchanted with the moon and its storybook tales!

The holiday season will soon be here! These small miniatures make unique gifts for special people in your life! The above written reflection is attached to the back of the painting on laminated card stock.

OTHER NEWS:

My son is adding a new feature to my blog. We will now have a plugin that allows me to add Asides to my blog posts. Asides are small bits of information or status updates that you can add without a full blog post. They do not have a title and are similar to a tweet or facebook status update. I thought this was a great way to keep my blog more current without having to always write a full blog post. It would make sharing links and information much faster as well.  I teach 80% therefore, my time is sometimes limited with regards to writing substantial blog posts. I thought this sounded like a great idea. We’ll see how it goes!

During my last blog post I mentioned that East Link TV were coming to my studio/home to interview my husband and I regarding my art/life, tape me painting a demo and also take shots of my work. I definitely had the jitters before they came, but Danny Harvie was a great guy and really made us feel at ease. Taping went well and all will be part of a small clip on East Link Magazine. Danny is going to let me know when it will be aired. He is also going to upload the clip to You Tube for those who don’t have access to the East Link Station.  I’ll give you a heads up when it will be aired.

Wishing Everyone a Great Week!

Warmly,

Debbie

Kaleidoscope Skies (Click to Enlarge)

I just wanted to tell you about a new event that is going to take place this Friday in my home. My local Cable TV Company recently contacted me and asked if they could do a Feature on my Art and Life as an Artist. I was so surprised to hear from them and I have to admit a bit camera shy. However, I appreciate their interest and kindness towards me…. sooooo I have agreed to participate in this feature.

They will be coming on Friday to do an on camera interview with both myself and my husband, take shots of me working and of my finished works!  The clip will be broadcast sometime in the future on the Eastlink Magazine Feature Show at 4:00 p.m. I’m not sure when it will be aired, but I’ll give you a heads up when I know.

Needless, to say I have been busily preparing for my visitors, cleaning and making things presentable!

Wish me luck!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. You can now sign up for both my newsletter and new blog posts on my website on the top right hand corner.

You can bid this painting here.

Just wanted to share with local artists a list of Visual Arts Activities that are part of the Celtic Colors International Festival in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia this week.  There are paint outs scheduled in various locations in Cape Breton this week on Oct. 12-14th. I am hoping to attend the paint out in Marble Mountain on Friday, October 14th. I’m hoping the weather will cooperate and the autumn colors will be at their best!  The paintings will be displayed unframed, and many will be available for sale on October 15th at the “Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion” in Sydney. You can find the Paint Out Schedule here.

I’ll share my experience if I am able to participate. Keeping my fingers crossed for good weather!

I would love to hear any of your stories if you have attended the “Celtic Colors International Festival” in the past.

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I have been updating my Fine Arts America website where you can treat yourself to fine art reproductions.

]]> http://www.lameymacdonald.com/paint-outs-part-celtic-colors-international-festival/feed/ 0 http://www.lameymacdonald.com/life-auction/ http://www.lameymacdonald.com/life-auction/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 23:59:49 +0000 Debbie http://www.lameymacdonald.com/?p=2093

(Click to Enlarge)

6x6in. Oil on linen/panel

You can bid on this painting here.

I have just added “New Life” to the Daily Paintworks Auction website. It was painted en plein air in MacLellan’s Brook, Nova Scotia. You can read my blog post about my experience while painting this one here. Please click on the link above if you are interested in bidding on this painting. Feel free to click the Like button on the auction page. Thanks!

Thanks so much for looking!

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. If you enjoyed this post please click the Like button above. Thanks! You may also sign up for my free E-Newsletter in the right hand column. Here is a link to my latest E-Newsletter.

Watch this video on YouTube.

My son and I recently posted two new videos I made while on location in Powell’s Point Park. They are just short little videos that hopefully will give you an idea of what serves as my inspiration while  painting in nature’s playground. You can also visit my You Tube Channel to view more of these short videos. Thanks!

As some of you already know I have launched a New Plein Air Group and Website. I am thrilled that our members so far have really enjoyed their plein air experience! Some members were totally new to plein air painting. I have made a few posts about our outings and a welcome note.  My son and I put up a slide show with photos of our members painting on location as well as their studies. You may view the “Nova Scotia Plein Air Painters” Website here.  We are still continuing to add new features to our website, so stay tuned for more information/resources in the future.

I am finally getting around to adding more images to Fine Art America where you can purchase reproductions of my work.  These make great unique gifts or serve as an economical way to decorate your space! Also my gallery is building on Daily Paintworks. I would love if you could LIKE  my pages in these two locations as it will help get the word out there! Thanks! Phew! Lots of online typing and posting! Brett and I have plans to update my personal website this fall as well. Did I say I needed an assistant? Maybe, I could clone myself!

I am just getting ready to send out my E-Newsletter at the first of the week. If you are interested in joining it, I would love to have you sign up on the top right hand corner of this page.

Many Thanks for your continued Support!!

Warmly,

Debbie

“A Grand Entrance”, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel

Bid on this painting here.

A Grand Entrance

In the midst of winter, Amaryllis make a grand entrance. They evoke memories of bright spring greens and vibrant blooms.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

I am very happy to be apart of Daily Paint Works. It is a website that displays a wonderful variety of original fine art by many awesome artists. DPW now has an Auction component similar to Ebay, but is only for original fine art. I love this idea! It is also a much friendlier auction due to its Auto Extending feature. This serves as a very convenient and user friendly way to collect fine art. The web manager David Marine is the husband of  Carol Marine. She is a fabulous artist on the site too! David has done a super job on DPW. He is very friendly and great to answer any questions promptly.  I am looking forward to this new adventure!

I have just listed “A Grand Entrance” 6x6in oil on linen/panel. You can bid on this painting here.

Thanks for looking!

Warmly,

Debbie

Fine Art Readings

I thought I would try something new today using a new program called Cinch. It allows me to add audio to my written reflections that accompany my original paintings. I have been wanting to do this for awhile now and Cinch allowed me to do it quite easily.

I picked “Snowballs in Summer” as my first painting to accompany with an audio reading. I hope you enjoy it and that  it adds a new dimension to my work online.

If you do enjoy this format please share by clicking a social media button above.

Thanks for listening!

Warmly,

Debbie

]]> http://www.lameymacdonald.com/fine-art-readings/feed/ 4 http://www.lameymacdonald.com/twitter-charity-art-exhibit-moss-norway/ http://www.lameymacdonald.com/twitter-charity-art-exhibit-moss-norway/#comments Mon, 17 Jan 2011 02:13:46 +0000 Debbie http://www.lameymacdonald.com/?p=1643

Mild Day in November

It was a mild day in November when I ventured out to paint en plein air. My goal was to paint a small oil painting on acrylic paper so I could send it to Norway for a charity event organized by David Sandum. David is an artist friend I met on Twitter. When David heard that funding had been cut for children’s books in his local library, he decided to reach out to his Twitter Artists Friends for help.

It is heart warming and amazing to see how many artists were willing to create and donate one or more pieces of work for this cause. Being a teacher of young children this was a cause close to my heart. I am pleased that “Mild Day in November” has been sold. To date 100 cards have been sold and $3350 raised for childrens’  books. Amazingly, 200 artists participated from 23 countries! David has does a tremendous job organizing and maintaining this exhibit!  The exhibit will be on display until February 1st, 2011.

You can stay up to date on David’s Twitter Art Exhibit here. You can also follow David on twitter under his Twitter name @DavidSandumArt .

I had a wonderful time painting ” Mild Day in November”. The light was gorgeous and the temperature was extremely mild for November. It was fun being on location –usually it is gray and cold in November! It made my heart sing and long for warmer days spent outdoors. Nature is always good for the soul!

Warmly,

Debbie

Awaiting Christmas

“Gleaming in anticipation one lone bauble awaits its place upon a tree aglow.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

I decided to do an old fashioned draw for my Christmas give away. So I ran off everyone’s name on my Mailing List and placed them in a Christmas Box. Then I shuffled them around and had my husband take a photo of my hand drawing out the winner. Even our cat Marley decided to get in on the action!

I am happy to finally announce the winner. Congratulations goes out to Janet Matheson, the lucky winner!! May “Awaiting Christmas” bring you much cheer and peace over the Christmas Season Janet!

I want to extend a special thank you to everyone who has signed up for my Mailing List. I greatly appreciate your support, kind words and interest in my work!

Wishing Everyone a Wonderful Christmas with Family and Friends

and

A Prosperous New Year in 2011!!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I hope to do more fun draws in the future for different items representing my work! Stay tuned!

Awaiting Christmas

I am having a fun Christmas Draw for anyone who is on my Mailing List or for those who join!  You will be eilgible to WIN this Original Miniature Oil Painting titled: “Awaiting Christmas”, 3x2in. Oil on linen/panel.  A reflection is included on the back on laminated card stock.

“Gleaming in anticipation one lone bauble awaits its place upon a tree aglow.”

It was painted alla prima (wet into wet in one session). I loved painting this little miniature and am happy to spread some Christmas Cheer by having one of my subscribers win it. It is my way of expressing my appreciation for your kindness and support of my work!

Many Thanks and Good Luck!!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. You can sign up for my Mailing List on the side bar of this page.

If you like this painting you may also enjoy “Baubles and Ribbon” another Miniature Christmas Painting. View it here.

International Artist Day

In recognition of International Artist Day I would like to honour Eric Carle, a beloved and incredible illustrator and writer of young children’s books. He creates illustrations for his books in his own unique style, where he incorporates collage techniques, creating bright and cheerful pictures. Some of his most familiar and loved books are “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and “Brown Bear, Brown Bear”.

As both an Artist and Grade One Elementary teacher, I love sharing Eric Carle’s books with my young students. We love reading his stories and discussing how he creates his illustrations. With this in mind my students and I embarked on a project where we would employ Carle’s collage techniques creating our own personal illustrations.

We started our journey by reading and observing many of his books. Then over a span of a few weeks groups of students painted large sheets of paper, often adding varying colors and texture. Once we felt we had enough large sheets of painted paper we cut the sheets up into small rectangles so that every student would get a collection of art papers to use in their own creation.

I was amazed at how focused and patient the students were when completing their own personal pages! Many cut small repetitive items such as squares etc. and patiently glued them onto their sheet of heavy card stock. The room was transformed into a wonderful artistic community. Often students shared left over pieces of painted paper or admired their classmates’ creations.

I love viewing children’s artwork!! It is so truthful and free of restrictions. Their work is often bright and cheerful just like Eric Carle’s illustrations. I agree with Eric Carle’s sentiments when he says “I believe that children are naturally creative and eager to learn. I want to show them that learning is really both fascinating and fun.” I thoroughly enjoyed working on this project with my young students and was really proud of their efforts and participation. I hope you enjoying viewing their bright and cheerful artwork!

You can visit Eric Carle’s website to learn more about him and his work.

You can find more information about International Artist Day here.

Shining Stars

“With a blue haze and potter’s glaze shining stars are born.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

I have had the desire to paint blue plums for awhile and a couple of weeks ago I picked up a box at the grocery store.  Before I could get to paint them they withered! Oh dear, I thought I would not get another chance to paint them for a whole year as their presence is seasonal in our grocery stores. Well you can imagine my delight when I happened to stumble upon them again at a different store!  I quickly picked up a box and didn’t waste any time setting up my new still life where a single plum would be eternalized. I even found a box where one plum had a few tiny leaves attached.

Another love of mine is glazed pottery. It occurred to me that a small bowl I owned and one of the blue plums would make good companions. I decided to try something a bit different and crop my still life so only half the bowl would be visible. I really loved painting both the plum and pottery bowl!

In the future I would love to team up with a local potter and paint still life of their treasures!

Featured Artist

I am very happy to be one of the Featured Artists on two online galleries.  You can view my feature on Daily Painters International Art Gallery and  Artists International Gallery.  A big thank you to K.  Madison Moore– site administrator and talented artist as well.

Warmly,

Debbie

]]> http://www.lameymacdonald.com/news-shining-stars/feed/ 1 http://www.lameymacdonald.com/sales/ http://www.lameymacdonald.com/sales/#comments Sun, 19 Sep 2010 22:26:26 +0000 Debbie http://www.lameymacdonald.com/?p=1452 Hi Everyone,

I thought it would be nice to share photos of my most recent sales on my blog. I hope to add a section for recent sales and collector comments on my website in the near future. I soooo appreciate my collectors and value your support and interest in my work! It means a lot to me to know that my work has resonated with you on a personal level and that it adds upliftment to your personal space. Thanks so much!

]]> http://www.lameymacdonald.com/sales/feed/ 0 http://www.lameymacdonald.com/artists-helping-artists/ http://www.lameymacdonald.com/artists-helping-artists/#comments Sat, 17 Jul 2010 18:24:20 +0000 Debbie http://www.lameymacdonald.com/?p=1091 “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!

Warmly,

Debbie

New Spring Arrivals!

I would like to share some new work I have been doing that I am really jazzed about! A few weeks ago I started painting miniature paintings ranging in sizes from 3x2in. to 4x4in.  They are painted on linen covered archival panels and can be ordered from Art Boards. I discovered that I really love painting on linen and am contemplating painting on linen for larger works as well.

I love the intimacy these small works create. For some  reason their personal quality remind me of short lines of poetry. Careful planning is still necessary when setting up these little paintings.There is not a lot of room for error, so I often do a quick thumbnail or gesture sketch before I begin painting my still life.

For awhile I have had small nudges to explore this area of smaller works.  I am so happy I finally listened to that little voice. My admiration of some daily painters such as Duane Keiser, Julian Merrow-Smith and Justin Clayton have also inspired me to begin this new painting adventure.

In keeping with my artwork/reflections process, I am accompanying each small painting with a line of prose or poetry. I hope these mini paintings will add a ray of sunshine to your day. I have felt most joyful when painting them.

Happy Spring Everyone!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I have begun adding these to my Etsy Shop.  I will also be adding  Buy It Now buttons to my blog as well. For your reference, pricing is as follows: 3x2in $50.00 +S/H, 3x3in. $58.00 +S/H and 4x4in. $75.00 +S/H.

P.P.S. You can now sign up for my future Ezine where I will be sharing, paintings, happenings and thoughts about my work. Love to have you! (Sign up is on this page on the side panel.)

Special Announcement!

“Blooms in Winter” is now up for bids on the Haiti Relief Auction sponsored by 140hours. It’s a great way to purchase original art at bargain prices! Come see and join in on the bidding fun. One hundred percent of the money raised is being donated to help the Haitian people!

You can bid on “Blooms in Winter” 5x7in. Original oil painting  here.

You can also bid on other original works of art here

This is a wonderful way for everyone to extend their hearts to the Haitian People!

People around the world are coming together for a common purpose to help those in need in Haiti after a devastating earthquake. Visual Artists are one of such groups who have opened their hearts by donating work to be auctioned in 140 Hours Art Auction Benefit for Haiti. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the humanitarian efforts in Haiti.

I am honored to be part of such a worthy cause and am proud of all the visual artists who donated beautiful works of art. I would also like to congratulate 140 Hours for presenting a platform in which to carry out this event!

If you are an artist and would like to donate work you can do so here.

If you are an art collector and would like to purchase wonderful art please join here.  Together we can make a  difference!

Warmly,
Debbie

The Chronicle Herald (A local newspaper in Nova Scotia)was strewn on top of one of the tables. I suddenly had an urge to check the paper–something I don’t usually do at this location. Suddenly in the Arts and Life section of the paper I found a bit of press about my participation in the Twitter 140 show. It was a delightful and unexpected surprise!

I had sent in a Press Release about the show a while ago and really didn’t know if it would get any coverage. Special thanks to Bob Howse-Editor-In-Chief and Margaret MacKay-Editor of Arts and Life for coverage in the Chronicle Herald.

Here is the published article in the Arts and Life Tattler section:

TATTLER

Thu. Sept 24 – 4:46 AM

New Glasgow artist among those all a-Twitter

New Glasgow artist Debbie Lamey-MacDonald is participating in The TWITTER 140 Art Exhibition in Flagstaff, Arizona.

The TWITTER 140 show, on view to Sept. 30, is a group exhibition featuring a collection of work by 24 international artists from the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia who use Twitter, the social networking service. The work reflects the technology and use of Twitter.

Since Twitter messages have to be 140 characters or less, all works in the show are 140 square inches or less. Each artist’s statement and bio contains 140 characters or less. Lamey-MacDonald’s still lifes are called Tweet Me, of a little blue glass bird, and Between the Layers, of orange flowers.

You can also read more about the show in an earlier blog post: http://www.lameymacdonald.com/twitter-140-art-show/

Artist Statement:  Relationships bloom, tweet by tweet. Many tweets later, defenses drop; revealing delicate layers of multifaceted personalities.

Biography:  Debbie Lamey-MacDonald is a Nova Scotian artist who works from life to capture the essence of her subject. Musings accompany her paintings.

I am very happy and excited to be a part of an upcoming art show entitled Twitter 140. Twitter is a free social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read messages known as tweets that can be no more than 140 characters. All artists involved in the show are members of  Twitter and have completed artwork with a twitter theme in mind. The artists span the globe; thus it is an international showing of interesting artwork! Our Artists Statements and Biography also had to abide by the 140 requirement and the artwork could be no larger than 140 square inches.

The show is being hosted by the Grandon Art Gallery in Flagstaff, Arizona on Sept. 4th, 2009 for the entire month. All the artists and one of their entries can be viewed here.   Also, this is what the gallery looks like from the outside.   All artwork is either on route or at the gallery now!

Many thanks and praise go to Sheree Rensel for her vision in masterminding this event. She worked very diligently to acquire a gallery that would host our show! Kudos to Sheree!! Special thanks also goes to David Grandon(Gallery owner) for hosting our show.

I have found an amazing community of artists on twitter who are both talented and resourceful. Many wonderful relationships have been developed one tweet at a time. Wishing all the Artists and Grandon Gallery a wonderful opening and show!

I finally got my Facebook Fan Page up and running! I tepidly decided to create a presence on Facebook, but now am quite pleased to be there. It has been fun connecting with local and internet friends as well as former students. Having a Facebook Page also sets the stage for informal discussions and interactions with people kind enough to follow my artistic journey. If you haven’t joined my page yet, I would love to connect with you there as well!  Just press the button on my blog with the Facebook label. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Recent events reminded me that it is always good to maintain an open mind of where one can display their artwork.   Using traditional galleries is great, but other venues besides regular galleries can also prove to be a good fit for one’s work as well.  I recently had the opportunity to hang a collection of my work at Laura’s Day Spa).  The atmosphere at Laura’s is such a good fit for my work! Both parties maintain a philosophy of soothing and uplifting their clientele.

If you are local, I would highly recommend a visit to Laura’s to pamper yourself.  Laura and her staff are so warm and welcoming, I am sure you would enjoy them pampering you.  I am so guilty myself of not always taking personal pampering time! You can visit her at www.laurasdayspa.ca

As a result of this recent opportunity, I was once again reminded of the fact that it is a good idea to have a body of work ready that could be displayed  in short notice! It prompted me to be on my toes and update all my work as soon as it is completed.  Ex. Recording it in your inventory, getting a good digital, info on the back of the painting, framing etc. You just never know what opportunities are just around the corner!

I have started 2009 by launching a new “Minimalist Series” of small works.  They will be a part of my” Bookshelf Collection” on my website http://www.lameymacdonald.com This series will run no larger than 6x8in. They are so enjoyable to paint and at the same time hone my skills.   An abundance of ideas for these small works are bubbling over in my head!  I have decided to add short anecdotes with each one- no need to write lengthy reflections.

All works continue to be painted from life.  The works are painted alla prima (wet into wet) and usually in one session. The first painting is titled “Blooms in Winter” ; second is “A New Angle”. Hope they add a smile to your day!

Thoughts and Plans for 2009

It is always great to take a few moments to jot down future plans and ideas.  Putting thoughts to paper always seems to bring about greater clarity and focus.  I am excited about bringing these new ideas or plans into action during 2009.  Hopefully, by 2010 some will have come to fruition.

1. Create a greater online presence.
2. Revise my current website-adding e-commerce, adding audio to some of my reflections and other features.  http://lameymacdonald.com
3. Continuing with and revising my Blog.  http://lameymacdonald.com/blog
4. My most exciting idea : to create a separate and totally new Website and Concept.  I have been scheming since the summer of ’08 on this idea.  I even registered the domain name already. My new site will have a Special Section for local clientele, For Everyone it will have:  Collections of work for sale, By products from my artwork and an educational component as well.  I will need my technologically minded son to pull this one off! I’ll let you know how we are doing on my blog-lots of behind the scenes activity so far!
5. Introduce and continue my “Minimalist Series” as well as my “Bookshelf  Collection”.
6. Begin working on another Series of paintings of Powell’s Point Park.  I posted some of my studies on an earlier blog post titled “Powel Point Park”
7. Explore the idea of producing a small coffee table book.  I found a neat site that provided the software to actually assemble your book online at www.blurb.com I just need to make sure the digital images will be of good quality.
8. Remain open to any new experiences, ideas etc. that come along in 2009!
9. Lastly and most importantly, to continue learning as an artist; always striving to create the best work I can, thus providing works of quality for others.

Why not take a few moments of your own to jot down your ideas or thoughts for 2009.  It really helps to refocus and get a grasp on what is most important to you.  Let’s make 2009 the best yet!

Finally getting my Xmas painting posted.  All  I need to do now is  run off photos. Then cutting and pasting begins.   I give these cards out for gifts to family, friends etc.  Often the people receiving them frame them as keepsakes.  I thought that was such a neat idea and one I had not thought of when I started giving them a number of years ago.  I really enjoy giving them out and feel it’s my small way of sharing with everyone.  Adding a little sparkle to their day makes me happy!

I am now scheming again and am thinking about painting a  minimalist series of small paintings.  Some thoughts were orange wedges, garlic etc. one or two items, but adding drama with color, texture and lighting.  Hmmm we ‘ll see.  Hope to start one soon.

I want to take a moment though to wish everyone a Very Happy Holiday Season! Special thanks for visiting my site and following my blog! I always love receiving your comments. Thanks!

Merry Christmas!

The following is my reflection for inside my Xmas cards from the painting above:

Simplicity

For years many beliefs have surrounded the holly plant. Some believed it to be a symbol of peace and harmony.

While others believed it possessed a mystical quality. It has adorned many a household with its fresh glossy leaves and vibrant red berries.

Whatever the belief, its simplicity speaks of Christmas’ true meaning. It speaks of the real magic of Christmas when one attains a heightened awareness of humanity; an awareness of our ability to lift another’s spirit. The true meaning of Christmas lies within the human spirit. May this heightened sense touch one and all and sustain us throughout the coming year.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Christmas 2008

]]> http://www.lameymacdonald.com/merry-xmas-everyone/feed/ 2 http://www.lameymacdonald.com/twitterjoined-online-gallery/ http://www.lameymacdonald.com/twitterjoined-online-gallery/#comments Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:10:21 +0000 Debbie http://www.lameymacdonald.com/?p=223 I just joined Twitter and have an icon on my sidebar so you can keep up to date with short quips from me regarding news and new work posted. Join Twitter today so you can follow along! It is fun and entertaining! Cheers!

On another note I just spent a lot of time getting set up for e-commerce on an online gallery titled boundless gallery.  I now have a profile and work for sale on this site.  My intention is to increase my market to a larger audience.  Not sure how it will go, but time will tell.  It is a nice site to navigate around.

My local buyers can still contact me direct.  This is more for distance buyers.  Check my store out at lameymacdonaldart.boundlessgallery.com

Hope everyone is surviving the Xmas rush! I always find this time of year a bit hectic. I really love it when I can sit with a cup of tea and look at the Xmas lights and just breath a sigh of relief! Good luck with all your Xmas preparations!

On our way home I went into Chapters to purchase a few art magazines.  I sure was inspired and motivated by the time I left the city.  I am definitely getting out on location tomorrow morning!

On June 27th a piece of my work titled “A Cheery Note” was part of a group show called, “It’s My Party” at the Destination Gallery, Parrsboro Nova Scotia.
Here is a visual of it. I set this still life up in my studio and painted it from life. Time was of the essence as tulips actually grow taller when in water. Believe it or not they actually grew taller overnight and of course disturbed the ribbon I had woven in amongst the foliage!
Four other pieces are on display at the Destination Gallery as well. Two are from my “Bookshelf Collection”.

Please check back often as we continue to add new features and additions to the site. We are thinking we might add audio to a few of the written reflections. With Brett’s ingenuity you never know what might appear! Your comments and personal stories regarding my work are always welcome. I love hearing how some works evoke memories or resonate with you on some level.