On Location

14th

Invitation to Freedom

Invitation To Freedom

There is a chill in the air as a cool breeze drifts in; causing one to don long sleeves and pants. A shift occurs as the lazy days of summer begin to fade. The park is quieter today as people move on to other responsibilities with September’s anticipated arrival.

Still the park’s allure prevails.  Unaware of our man made world it bustles along stepping in time with nature’s pace. Seagull’s gleefully jostle about in the breeze causing one to imagine how joyful it must be to soar without cares in an endless expanse of space.  Nature happily stretches out her arms in invitation to join her in a freedom that only she can provide.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

I visited the park a few days before we were to experience yet another weather disturbance. The last one had brought with it much cooler air, bringing about the realization that summer was falling into the past. I love this view in the park. It is part of a well worn path that leads to the beach. As you trudge along there are little peek holes that allow views of the wide open ocean. The height of the path above the ocean adds to its appeal.

I always find that a shift occurs in September which makes me a bit melancholy knowing that summer will soon be over. On another note the anticipation of fall is stimulating as I love its brilliance. Wishing you a wonderful autumn or new season wherever you live!

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24th

Spirits Merge

Spirits Merge

It is a humid and very breezy day in August. Everything is in motion as a steady breeze drifts over the ocean surface. It dashes throughout pockets of space within swaying foliage. An intimate perch above the shoreline beckons for company. It creates a protected space for the viewer, enabling one to nestle in as a creative spirit becomes one with its environment.

A merging of spirits occur as the dance begins and nature sings her song of praise. She joyously triumphs over her ability to seduce the viewer; allowing one to live within a present moment uninhibited by worry or care for the future. It is a meditative moment where time stands still and a magical blending of spirits occur.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

It was the day before Hurricane Bill was predicted to pass over parts of Nova Scotia when I decided to venture out on location to Powell’s Pt Park again. The humidity hung heavy in the air as the wind whipped to and fro. I was being lured to the ocean front that day and knew it would be a day to remember.

With it being so hot, it was necessary to seek shelter out of direct sunlight. Imagine my delight when I saw a wonderful view  from a perch under an old oak tree! Oh it was heavenly, warm wind, serene and a moment in time I think I could stay in forever.

Nature has a way of gently caressing our soul, without any expectations from us. Let’s reciprocate her selflessness and honor her gifts. Wishing you peaceful moments in nature’s late summer embrace.

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25th

The Unexpected In Plein Air

A  Harmonic Existence

Every year I gleefully anticipate the arrival of wild rose bushes. They brighten summer greens and cheerfully inhabit the surrounding space. Their nature is pleasant and easy going.  Bobbling in the breeze they sway about effortlessly. Resistance is set aside as they adjust to nature’s ever-changing state. Without resistance an existence of harmony surfaces; paving the way for a greater sense of joy and contentment. Negating resistance is not an easy task and one that must be revisited often.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

My Park Story

On this beautiful summer morning I had etched out some time to paint in the park. I truly love the appearance of wild rose bushes every year and knew my time was limited in capturing them from life. Once I got settled in an unexpected event occurred! Now I need you to picture this to set the scene. I am quietly sitting painting and thoroughly enjoying the peacefulness and solitude of nature. The park is very quiet and not many visitors are apparent.

Suddenly, a camper truck rolls in and a gentleman gets out. He saunters down to where I am painting and gestures to the picnic table right beside me and asks if I would mind if he set up for a little outside party. Now you need to know that this park is large and there are many picnic tables available! Not to mention that they were all free in every area of the park that morning.

Of course I was dumbfounded and stumbled over my words as I nod towards the table beside me saying “Oh you mean this picnic table right here?!” I am diplomatically saying that I will be  an hour or so. Of course it is hard to be assertive in a public park; so in the end he ended up pulling his camper truck right up beside the table and busily started getting ready for his two companions to appear.

My first thoughts were “Oh no how am I going to get this plein air painting finished before his wife and daughter arrive?” Determination set in and I continued to work on my painting with the intent of completing a greater portion of it. I must admit my visitor was quite quiet as he went about his preparations.

Finally his company arrived! Oh my goodness! Quiet they were not!! Loud talk began, country music filled the park for a country hoe down and pounding began as lobsters were cracked opened! Thank goodness I was almost finished of my painting and knew I was going to have to pack up and retreat to another location in the park in order to write my reflection.

All in all I had to laugh at the event! They were friendly people and well intended I am sure. I actually chuckled at the bizarre happening on my way home and had fun tweeting about it on Twitter later. Thank goodness I was able to concentrate and actually only had to tweak my painting a bit once home.

It is unexpected events like this and our reactions that make life harder or smoother. I like to take the road of least resistance and find a solution rather than trudge against the tide. One Park Lesson I did learn from this event though is to always occupy the  picnic table beside me–never leave it empty! Secondly, expect the unexpected in plein air painting–you just never know what adventures await you!

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2nd

Seasonal Journey

Seasonal Journey

Spring is upon us and has brought a renewal of life.  Nature adorns her space with an abundance of blooms, lime greens and reddish umbers.  The air is crisp as I nestle down beside a low lying tree limb.  Before me is a treasure to behold. Fresh blossoms rejoice in spring’s return with intricate layers of whites and pinks.  They join each other in groups and happily scatter themselves amongst leaves and limbs.

Their allure is unmistakable as their grandness beckons one to move closer to experience their beauty more intimately.  Their journey has just begun as they prepare to bear fruit and present their offerings to the world.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Plymouth, Nova Scotia

A couple of  weekends ago, I was lured into my backyard by beautiful apple blossoms bursting into bloom. Every spring they entice me to admire their birth. When life is too busy it is easy to miss the best part of their presentation! Their blooms are fleeting and one must be fully conscious in order to witness their full drama!

I was especially glad that I had visited our apple trees when I did. This past weekend their beauty was wilting. Blossoms had made their debut and nature was moving onward to its next stage.

Being fully present in a moment is not always an easy task. However, when accomplished, living in a moment in time can bring about much peace and harmony. Wishing you small present moments this joyous Spring!

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18th

Final Days

Final Days

It is a crisp October morning. Mist hangs in the air from last night’s moisture; while sunlight adds drama to the land and sea. I can hear a chorus of Canadian Geese announcing their arrival as they inhabit the space overhead. They arrive in formation moving quickly into the expansive space beyond. A few stranglers appear a few seconds later, working furiously to fall in line with the others.

Gratitude whelms inside for making such a rich discovery so close to home. Subject matter abounds and the seas’ expansiveness enlivens the spirit! Soon the park gates will be closing as the season comes to an end. A foreboding sense of melancholy creeps into the crevices of the mind. With the closing of the gates a longer journey would have to be made in order to reach this small sanctuary. Visitors are arriving one last time to witness nature’s treasures. Although the park shall close, nature will march on, sailing into the next season, oblivious to man’s restrictions beyond.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

When I painted the study for “Final Days” it was a bittersweet moment for me. My uncle had suddenly passed away the day before my visit. He was a lovely,gentle man. I knew a new chapter was about to begin for both he and his family. Once again nature brought solace in a challenging time. I envisioned his spirit soaring into an expansiveness as beautiful as that day! Nature has always been a friend and never ceases to bring comfort.

The park is now open and I joyfully visited again yesterday! So many paintings to paint there: I will have to get busy before the gates close! Wishing you peaceful days ahead in nature’s wonderful playground.

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18th

First of Series

Sold

I just finished ” Marching Into Autumn”. It is the first painting in my Powell’s Point Park  Series.  My plein air study was used has a reference, as well as my written impressions and color notes. I began this painting by toning the canvas with cadmium yellow light. I tried to do sections at a time so I could work wet into wet. The sky was completed during one session.  Then I moved into the upper land section, down to the water in the far left hand distance and from there I did the water in the foreground. Finally, I moved to the lower portion of the painting. This painting has a bit of lightheartedness and free flow to it. There is a  S curve in its presentation as well.  I loved painting it and remember the day at the park clearly.  I have also included my reflection I completed on location as well.

Marching Into Autumn

There is such a sense of freedom today as I explore a new location to paint.  We have been blessed with a bright clear October morning.  The sun penetrates downward adding welcome warmth to the open shoreline.  Seagulls are out in abundance this morning clamoring back and forth from narrow strips of land nestled amidst the ocean.  Low tide has given them more areas to scatter upon.  They are a very noisy and busy lot as they dart about.  Bright light defines areas in the distance adding interest and drama. Fine weathered days are numbered now as we march further into autumn.  Colored leaves are reaching their peak and colder air will arrive without warning on a regular basis.  It is time to relish the moment stretching it to last beyond the hands of a clock. Negating segmented time and smoothing this moment today into one long pause.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park, Nova Scotia

Now to continue with my series.  I still have a couple more studies left that  I did of the park. I will try to develop them into a couple of larger paintings as well. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and I will be able to get back out on location to get a couple of studies of the park in winter. I hope “Marching Into Autumn” brought memories of some of your past carefree days!

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28th

Red Appears/ Studio Work

I have been so busy working on location and also finishing up a  studio painting that I did not get a chance to get back to my third sketch.  Well I finally finished my apple sketch!  It was tricky working wet in wet as red is such a strong color!  It is really easy to get it smeared into areas you don’t want it! I did enjoy the process of completing this healthy looking apple.  Now I just have to choose one more apple to paint a sketch of and my foursome will be complete!

I also finished a studio painting using an earlier study I did.  The study for Upwards was posted under the title Back Out Again, Sept. 26/08.  I did manage to paint one of the chickadees that were out in abundance that evening.  It seems to fit without being contrived.  I will be posting this painting in my current work section of my site with its reflection when my husband takes a good digital of it.  Stay tuned!

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13th

Powell Point Park

Prior to Thanksgiving weekend I found a treasure trove of subject matter in a park close to home.  I have visited the park many years ago, but had a nudge to return.  I was so delighted that I listened to that nudge.  I was like a child with a new toy.  There are so many paintings just begging to  be painted here.  I could do a whole show just from this one location.

My first study was done early in the morning.  It was a bright clear October morning.  The sun added a welcome warmth.  Seagulls clamored amongst strips of sandbar, enjoying feasts from the shallow waters. I found a little niche around a bend on the shoreline and was quite intrigued with the lighting in the distance.  I really liked how the light shone on the small buildings.  The red rooftops added interest to the scene, especially with autumn’s colors. I relished in the moment and wished I could freeze it so that time would stand still for a long welcomed pause.   The gates will be closing soon and driving into the park will be impossible.  A long hike would have to be made in order to reach my new found sanctuary.

The next day I was off again to paint two more studies in Powell’s Point Park.  One in the morning and one in the evening.  I loved the little strip of land before me and have found several angles it could be painted from. While I was painting a gaggle of geese arrived.  I could hear them long before they came around the bend! They were awesome to see and were quite close to me in the sky.  It didn’t take them long to vanish into the expansive distance though.  Visitors were arriving throughout the morning.  They too were trying to absorb these last few fine days in the park.

The evening  was glorious with its strong light against the fall colors!  I had to work extremely fast as the light was rapidly disappearing and October’s brisk air was moving in!  I was able to get a quick study in about forty minutes.  I had to pack up quickly as I was concerned that the gates would be closing by dusk and I couldn’t drive out.  While completing my reflection for this study a funny thought occurred to me.  I wondered if the seagulls found comfort in their daily routine.  Did they sometimes find it monotonous?  Routine can be comforting, but then again it can encourage complacency.  The danger then is to move through our day in auto pilot never being totally aware and forgetting to appreciate small present moments.

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26th

Back Out Again!

Since the weather was so good today.  I decided to take advantage of it and head out on location again this evening.  I headed to MacLellan’s Brook where I was going this morning before I found a new location on my way.  It is cloudy tonight and the sun is a bit fleeting. I decided to paint a subject I never tire of and am totally enchanted with year after year.  It is a bush with gorgeous red berries that dangle from its branches.  I could paint these berries and entwined branches over and over.  I think I am obsessed with this subject!  They always look so brilliant and rich in the autumn light.  The sky is incredible tonight–marbleized and changes by the minute!  The chickadees love these trees and berries.  They flit in and out of the tangled branches nibbling on the crimson berries along their way.  I have caught a digital of one in flight.  I have posted it above.  I think I will try to incorporate it into my studio work of this location.  I had to work really fast as the light was escaping and the flies were terrible!  Some are actually embedded in the paint on my study–you can see them if you look closely.

I am very inspired to paint a larger piece of work from my experience.  I will add greater detail and paint on a gallery wrap canvas (sides of 2in. wide).  I can’t wait to get it started!

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26th

New Location

I ventured out early in the morning with the intentions of painting a study in one of my favorite locations.  However, on my way I discovered a new spot I had never painted.  Usually it is shrouded by dense foliage, but with Mother Nature weeding out her foliage the spot became quite visible from the road.  A calm brook awaited my arrival.  It was gorgeous with its surrounding fall colors, contrast in lighting and deep reflections.  The ground around the brook was extremely muddy and it squished up and around my sneakers.  I had to lay some large ferns under my feet where I was painting so I didn’t have to squish down in so much mud as I painted.  I got quite a workout lugging all my gear over the bank and stumbling over limbs and brambles!  I did a larger study this time (9x12in.) and was happy with the results.  It will make a nice resource for a larger piece of studio work.

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21st

A Beautiful September Morning

It was one of those beautiful autumn mornings where the air was fresh , but not too cold.  It was a more pleasing morning today as the wind from yesterday had disappeared.  Moisture filtered in the air and clung to foliage.  I decided to go to MacLellan’s Brook today as I love this area and it is always so peaceful.  As I drove into the old farm area, a deer bounced out in front of my car.  We both stopped and watched each other for a few minutes.  I took a digital, but by the time I was taking the picture she was darting away.  The scene I decided to paint today was breathtaking with its strong back lighting.  It is amazing how quickly the summer greens are disappearing.  The greens now hold traces of red, orange and deep yellows.  Lots of greyed colors are present now as one season passes into the next.  Wildlife was out in abundance today.  While I was setting up to paint, a deer bounded up into the hills.

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27th

Back to Big Island

During a run on fine days I ventured down to Big Island on two separate occasions.  The first morning was gorgeous, still and warm.  The ocean was like a mirror.  While I was sitting on the beach, I began to observe the grasses before me.  What I found interesting was the way they arched as if still swept by strong breezes.  Their marks could also be seen etched in the sand where they swept back and forth during breezy days.  I loved the shadow affect on the light colored sand. I painted this small 5x7in. study on my lap as my reference point was better at that level.  I think I might do a studio painting of this one for my Bookshelf  Collection.

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