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
Snowballs in Summer
Although it is summer, giant white snowballs have grown in my garden. Their life expectancy is enduring and even the summer heat does not seem to disturb them. They bobble gleefully in the warm breeze; taking flight with each wisp that comes along.
Their carefree nature bring smiles from those who glance their way. Once picked their longevity persists as they pair nicely with ribbon and glass. Hydrangea’s charm is unrelenting whether in masses or as individuals.
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Plymouth, Nova Scotia
As summer marches on my Annabelle Hydrangea displays an abundance of large white blooms. They are so large they remind me of white snowballs. I love taking cuttings and displaying them in vases around the house. The shape of this vase was really appealing to me and I knew it would one day make it into one of my still life paintings. I love this color of purple ribbon and thought it would pair nicely with the greens in the hydrangea leaves. I hope you are enjoying summer’s floral abundance!
Warmly,
Debbie
Believing In Magic
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! 
By Debbie
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Tagged beach, Canadian Artist, en plein air, landscape, moon, morning, oil on linen, painted on location, Powell's Pt. Park, seascape, summer
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| Photo album customized with Smilebox |
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.
Unexpected Surprises
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!
Warmly,
Debbie
By Debbie
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Also posted in On Location
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Tagged Canadian painter, floral, Flowering Quince, gardening, linen, miniature painting, original oil, perennial, red, shrub, still life
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Sheerly Pink
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?
Violas and Sweet Berries
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.
Warmly,
Debbie
Sold
Rolling Along
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!
By Debbie
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Tagged blue, Canadian Artist, green, marbles, miniature, oil on linen, original oil, painted alla prima, red, roll, still life, studio, yellow
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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.)
By Debbie
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Also posted in News
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Tagged Canadian Artist, daily painters, etsy shop, floral, gold thread, green thread, Miniatures, new work, Nova Scotia, still life, studio
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Return To The Park
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!
Hi Everyone,
I made this small video from my Powell’s Point Park Series I am working on. Hope you enjoy it
Let the tranquility of nature transport you to a realm of peacefulness.
Christmas Wonderment
The scene is set, candles lit and ornaments hung. A Christmas glow envelops all, warming hearts near and far.
Christmas heightens our sense of humanity and stirs a kindness lost in the rush of life. Mere strangers’ nods and smiles are warmly acknowledged; which would otherwise be lost to a sea of preoccupation.
Christmas brings a sense of wonderment and gratitude heightening our awareness of what truly matters. Close relationships, family and the act of human kindness become prevalent. Gifting this sense of wonderment to the world would bring us one step closer to greater peace and harmony throughout mankind.
Warmly,
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald
Christmas 2009
Every year I try to create a Christmas painting that I can use to make special cards for family and friends. I have to admit I had to have a painting marathon to bring this painting to completion due to my late start. While I worked on each stage I posted them on my Facebook Fan Page. I had a wonderful time interacting with everyone who joined in on my progression.
I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who stops by to read my blog and for your continued support!
Wishing you all a Very Joyous and Peaceful Holiday Season!
