Summer days are numbered in the park, but today nature has rewarded us with one more. Waterfowl nosily dart and dive in glass like water, feasting on early morning delicacies. The tide has moved large quantities of water out to sea revealing the ocean bottom and small living creatures.
Patterns of land and water draw one into a tranquil space that seems to encapsulate a space of pure freedom. Time becomes stretched and drawn out. There are no man made restrictions and a natural rhythm strums on at its own pace. It is an endlessness one could live in forever: surely a heaven on earth.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia
It was one of those special days in the park when the water is like a sheet of glass and an absolute peacefulness reigns! My husband Ian joined me on this particular trek and helped me carry my gear. It was nice having his company and it allows him time to escape the hustle and bustle too.
I always take such delight in watching all the various types of birds going about their business. I love how free and uninhibited they feel as they occupy the space around me. I can’t help but think how fun it would be to zoom around like that without a care in the world!
Wishing you carefree days ahead in nature’s playground too!
Billowy clouds blanket the sky this morning allowing small pockets of blue to appear periodically. From a tall sand dune the distance spans before one’s eyes. Muted blues and greens seem to travel deep into infinity. Sporadically, the sun peeks out and splashes brilliant color patches on land and trees.
The clouds shimmer in smooth water captivating the viewer. It is as though this pocket of time could go on forever. Its allure maintains a sense of presence creating a long moment in time. There is no escape as the present punctuates this moment.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Big Island, Nova Scotia
It was so peaceful the morning I arrived in Big Island to paint. A large cloud cover loomed overhead, but the ocean was like a sheet of glass. I loved how the clouds shimmered in the still water. They allowed quick pockets of light to spotlight sections of the land and foliage. It was fun being perched up high on a sand dune and being able to see miles of distance.
While I was painting a truck that paints the lines on the road drove by. They dodged around my car and did not paint the lines on that section of the road. I remember thinking that they will probably finish this section of the road on their way back. But when they passed by a second time they did not finish painting the lines they missed! Oops! There always seems to be interesting events that occur while plein air painting!
I love watching clouds and remember making up all kinds of stories about them when we were younger. Did you? I would love to hear your stories!
A taste of summer has finally returned after experiencing a string of fall like days. Still content to embrace summer warmer air is a welcome visitor. Hummingbirds whiz in and out of trees and wildflowers scatter themselves throughout the field. I have found a most intimate corner in nature tucked away in amongst an expansive field.
Memories of childhood come to mind of playing hide and seek in large fields and tall grasses. Giggling and dodging for flat ground we had high expectations of never being found! Nature was a safe haven as we allowed ourselves to form a unison with her lazy flow. Minutes stretched into hours until we were beckoned back to reality. Hesitate we departed, but took comfort in knowing there would be many more days to experience nature’s joy!
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
MacLellan’s Brook, Nova Scotia
This is a little whimsical painting I did while sitting in a large field surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers. I love these little intimate spots in nature! They bring back childhood memories of the joy we had as children playing in nature’s open playground. With our curiosity and imagination nature provided hours of entertainment.
I sometimes feel our youth miss out on these simple pleasures with the advent of technology and the need to be externally entertained. Guiding them into the wonders of nature helps evoke an emotional response I am sure they would not have imagined. Nature quietly encourages compassion and a respect for the cycle of life. I would love to hear any of your stories or memories you have of playing in nature as a child.
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!
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!
After a long hiatus I have come back to visit the park. Immediately, I am reminded of its allure and hear an inner voice scolding me for my lengthy absence. Life’s responsibilities can get in the way and what brings much delight can soon become a fading memory.
A gentle breeze rustles amongst the foliage; allowing it freedom of movement as it gently rocks back and forth. Wild roses provide delight to the eye as they cheerfully dance about within summer greens. Their laughter fills the space around them with joy and the promise of languid summer days ahead.
We must remember to take nature’s lead and move at a slower pace, remembering to quiet the mind so that self renewal becomes evident.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia
After a long winter, I still remember the feeling I experienced when I returned to the park for the first time last summer. My heart sung as I witnessed its beauty and one of my favorite sights, wild rose bushes! They always make me smile as they cheerfully bobble about in summer’s breeze. I especially loved the lighting that morning as the sun was making its appearance above the treeline.
In the midst of winter, I am once again yearning to paint in the park in summer’s warmth. I am earnestly awaiting the day when artist and park can merge in spirit once again. Wishing you many sunny and cheerful days ahead no matter what the season!
It is a gorgeous September morning causing one to recall past languorous summer days. Birds noisily flutter in and out of the old apple tree as a gentle breeze appears intermittently.
I have come to paint in my best friend’s backyard while she is traveling. Like the apple tree our friendship has matured over the years. Its weathered the storms of life and always bears fruit. No matter what the circumstances our friendship is unconditional. As the years march on a sweetness is gently sprinkled over our friendship as we realize how fragile life can be.
I giggle at the anticipation of her arrival home. A special gift will be bestowed to a very special friend for her 60th birthday. A smile spreads softly, as I think of the years we have ahead to nurture a friendship that only years of acceptance could create.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Riverton, Nova Scotia
“Sweetness In Friendship” was a special gift for a dear friend. It was painted in her backyard while she was away traveling. It was a gorgeous day in September, where I was transported into the tranquility of nature. Like a small seed in nature, true friendship occurs and blossoms over time if attended with loving care.
Wishing you many happy moments with new and old friends in 2010!
Plant a seed of friendship; reap a bouquet of happiness. –Lois L. Kaufman
It is well into autumn now. Leaves have been stripped from trees baring skeletal structures beneath. Glimpses of areas unseen before, make their appearance between negative spaces once occupied by greenery.
Mauves and grays have overtaken the land as nature prepares for her slumber ahead; while straw colored grasses soften the appearance of autumn’s grayness. Even the light has becomes less intense and seems to be filtered into a cooler light.
As evening approaches a stillness engulfs the land. Warmer temperatures are a welcome relief to previous damp weather. It won’t be long before the land will be hushed with a blanket of white.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Grant’s Lake, Nova Scotia
This past weekend we were fortunate to receive warmer temperatures and drier weather. I decided to take advantage of the finer weather and head out on location. I knew I would not be blessed with many more days to paint en plein air before it got too cold.
It was amazing how much the light had changed since early autumn. The warmth of the sun quickly disappeared as the sun began to fade. Unfortunately I had forgotten my small gloves, so a rapid clean up occurred before I trudged back to my car! Admittedly, my thermos of tea was a welcome relief when I got back into my car!
The air is clear and crisp this morning. We have been blessed with another gorgeous autumn day. Today the park tantalizes one with an array of subject matter. Decisions must be made before the noon sun fades autumn’s brilliance.
Finally, across the ocean a strip of land beckons to be captured on canvas. Slats of light drape gracefully over land and foliage; while pockets of shadow add to its drama and mystic.
Senses engaged, a rhythm of paint and motion begins as an intuitive voice guides the way. Directed thought gently disappears as the mind quiets and the present takes precedence. A state of utter solitude occurs, interrupted only by nature’s activity within the area.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia
This weekend I took full advantage of the weather when the sun decided to visit! The park will be closing soon, therefore I am trying to paint on location as much as possible. I also took some time to explore new nooks and crannies at the park that I had not viewed before.
It continues to amaze me how many angles and different vantage points I can find as new subject matter to paint. There is an endless array of subjects and inspiration! Visiting at different times of day add to the abundance of subjects.
Today, I met a person kayaking in the bay. We chatted about the absolute beauty of the park. It was one of those perfect autumn days you wish could go on forever!
The wind is unforgiving today. It gusts about whipping grasses and foliage relentlessly. The ocean air permeates the space with its salty breath. Fall has suddenly arrived with its bright clear colors and crisp air.
I have found a sheltered corner on the beach avoiding some of the wind’s power. Memories of roses prevail as the remaining rose hips bobble in the wind. Their circular forms are smooth and shiny in the bright sunlight. Before long a frosty hand will gently turn their leaves crimson as autumn spreads its charm over the land.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Big Island, Nova Scotia
During the long weekend in September, my husband and I ventured down to Big Island, one of my favorite places to paint en plein air. It was an extremely windy day! I really wasn’t sure if I would be able to paint with comfort. Luckily, I found a small corner on the beach, somewhat sheltered from really huge gusts of wind. I became captivated with the swaying of tall grasses and their silhouette against the bright clear sky. Happily, I was able to complete a small plein air painting at one of my favorite painting locations!
