Studio Work

12th

Working on a Xmas Still Life–Come join in!

Sending Holiday Cheer to everyone!

I hope everyone is getting along well with their Christmas preparations. I’m trying to beat the clock as usual!  I have lots to do yet before the 25th. This is always a very busy time of year.

I am presently working on a Christmas still life I set up in my studio. I have been posting my stages of development on my Facebook Fan Page and am really enjoying interacting with people there. So come along and join us as I head to the finish line with my painting! Would love to see you there :D

Here is the link: http://www.facebook.com/lameymacdonald

Wishing you all smooth sailing with your preparations and Holiday Cheer with Family and Friends!

Warmly,

Debbie

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26th

Inevitable Change

Inevitable Change

After last night’s rainfall, a cold chill hangs in the air.  Dark clouds warn of impending weather disturbances. Mother Nature broods over her unsettled disposition, suggesting that she is not yet finished delivering rain and clouds. A thunderous surf echoes in the distance as it moves rapidly to shore.  Peaks and rolling motion become mesmerizing to view; while roaring surf speaks of the ocean’s power.

Today the ocean is powerful, displaying forceful determination; while other days it whispers gently hiding its true strength.  Life seems to echo the ocean, presenting disturbances that demand immense inner strength and determination to press onward.  While other stretches of time stroke us with gentleness and peace.  It is these moments that lend a break from life’s ever-changing moods: embracing our soul so that we may prepare for inevitable changes ahead.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park,Nova Scotia

I painted the study for “Inevitable Change” on the last weekend the park was open. This is a studio painting I completed from my study and also a few digitals. It was a very cold and moody morning when I set up to paint.

While at the park I began to realize how in sync I have become with it.  It has a pulse I feel emotionally connected to and I have watched and experienced its many changing moods dictated by mother nature. There is a feeling of comfort and familiarity, with a sprinkle of intrigue all mixed into one.

Oh how I love this park and what mother nature has shared with me when I am quiet and attune to her offerings. It is an experience I feel great gratitude towards and look forward to capturing many more moments in the park! It is my hope that you experience some of this feeling through my sharing of words and paint.

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13th

Grand Finale! Finished Version of Time Framed

Special Thanks to all those who followed my process on “Time Framed”. I really enjoyed interacting with you during the painting process. Hope you enjoyed your visits too. Cheers to you all!

18" x 24"      Time Framed      Oil on Canvas

18" x 24" Time Framed Oil on Canvas

Time Framed

After continuous days of showers and thunderstorms the sun decided to make its debut this evening. Golden light drenched the landscape presenting dramatic stage lighting for the surrounding scenery. A profound stillness added to nature’s drama; causing one to feel as if they had stepped into an incredible photo shoot. A capsule of time preserved and quickly snapped before it faded.

It is a momentary pocket of time that must be experienced fully by one’s senses before it rapidly passes on to the next. Allowing oneself to fully experience the moment must happen quickly and with complete surrender. Becoming attune to the present allows worries to fade and a sense of self to prevail.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Powell’s Point Park,Nova Scotia

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30th

Progression of the Oil Painting “Time Framed”

After a few inquiries about posting progression shots on my blog I decided to add the stages of an 18x24in. landscape of Powell’s Pt.Park entitled” Time Framed”. You can read my earlier note about the evening I painted the sketch for this piece here.

Plein Air:

All my landscapes begin with a plein air painting study( completed on location). While there I also take a few digitals, color notes and also write my reflection to accompany the painting.

I painted this plein study quite rapidly, as the evening light was changing quickly. I gain both physical knowledge and an emotionally connection to my subject by being out on location. Honestly,you just can’t beat the experience and value of painting on location. That could be a topic in itself!

Study painted en plein air in the evening at Powell's Pt. Park.

Study painted en plein air in the evening at Powell's Pt. Park.

Stages of Progression

Stage One

Time Framed Stage One

Stage One:

After making decisions with regards to my focal point ( main area of interest) and composition (design) I begin by toning my canvas with cadium yellow medium. Next I lightly sketch out my subject with charcoal. Now I am ready to start painting!

Stage 2

Time Framed Stage Two

Stage Two:

I begin by painting in the background trees. Next I move into the focal area where I add light and shadow areas created by the drama of the evening light. I also paint the small tree on the shoreline that is in full sunlight and will help lead your eye to the strip of land above.

Stage 3

Time Framed Stage Three

Stage Three:

I am moving well into the painting now and begin to work on the varied greens of the birches in the upper portion of the painting. I begin by adding my darker greens and then adding lighter ones. It is quite amazing the variety of greens mixed at this time.As I paint the foilage I add the sky pockets within the trees. I also add the trunks of the trees, although not a finished version of them yet. I move along to the building next painting both the areas in light and shadow. Next I move into the shadow area of the bank, painting in a thin wash of dark color.

Stage 4

Time Framed Stage Four

Stage Four:

Now that a wash of dark color has been established for the bank, I begin to add the foliage in shadow on the bank as well as bits of foliage catching the evening light. Next I paint the grasses in full sunlight along the shoreline and barely begin the reflections in the water.

Stage Five

Time Framed Stage Five

Stage Five:

I have now begun to concentrate on the reflections and need to block out a segment of time as I like to work wet into wet when completing this area. Thus, creating softer edges and enabling me to blend my colors into each other much easier.I start with the darker base of reflections and then start adding some of the lighter reflections. I also paint the reflection for the little tree in light along the shoreline.

Stage Six

Time Framed Stage Six

Stage Six:

I love painting the reflections! I continue along adding reflections from the shoreline grasses, sand, bushes on bank and upper portion of trees. Working wet into wet allows me to accomplish my desired affect.On the far left hand side I skim over top of the reflections with light blue paint by lightly dragging my brush along in a swooping motion.

My next step is to add the tree trunks and shadows from upper portion of trees. Then onto the remaining water surrounding the reflections. I also have to paint in the sky and tweak the tree trunks in upper portion of trees.

Once again, thanks so much for joining me and following along. I love interacting with you and have enjoyed your comments! Stay tuned for Stage 7 to come :D

~~********~~

I’m finally back with the last 2 stages of Time Framed and have also posted the Grand Finale on a separate note! Thanks so much for your patience :D I have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and working on location as much as I can before the weather changes.

Time Framed Stage Seven

Time Framed Stage Seven

Stage Seven:

I have now began to add the water reflections from the trees and sky. As I moved along I realized I had almost forgotten the reflection from the building on the far left hand side. Oops :D

Time Framed Stage Eight

Time Framed Stage Eight

Stage Eight:

The water is almost complete after much blending, checking to make sure I had tree reflections in the correct place and going in the proper direction etc. So easy to miss something when you have been immersed in the painting process. This is when I often call in my critics from home! LOL

Okay now comes the Grand Finale with the finished painting and written reflection!
Check out the finale version of “Time Framed“.

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9th

One Last Bloom

One Last Bloom

Early summer has begun with a symphony of dramatic blooms. For three years a small peony bush taunted one with the anticipation of expansive blooms.  Finally, the day arrived and she joyfully presented an array of large bouncy blooms.  Their gentle pink hue made them appear delicate as they swayed happily in summer’s breeze.

By and by an abundance of rainy weather dulled their glorious appearance and spoke of their impending fate.  Painting this debut of life became increasingly remote. Finally one last bloom opened the doors of possibilities.  Her freshness, juxtaposed amongst the dulling blooms, gently urged to be eternalized on canvas. Her impending fate was inevitable; just as her floral companions, but her memory was to remain vividly alive through her eternal pose.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Plymouth, Nova Scotia

I was so excited when the peony bush I planted three years ago finally bloomed! I immediately thought that it would be great subject matter for a plein air study! Every day I visited to admire these huge showy blooms. My dilemma was lack of sunshine due to a rainy spell we were experiencing. Every day the glorious pale pink blooms began to fade due to an over abundance of rain and maturation. I even had my art gear outside and was already to paint  when a spurt of sunshine did arrive; only to have my hopes dashed as the sun disappeared and the rain began again.

Finally one last late bloom arrived! It was then I realized I could not wait for optimal conditions! I had to take this into my own hands. So snip, snip went my scissors; then I escorted this lovely bloom inside. Quickly, the staging was set, spotlight adjusted and paint began to flow happily. I knew the bloom’s life span was limited and her essence had to be captured quickly.

That evening we received a heavy downpour of rain. The bloom’s companions left on the bush had been pummelled by the pounding rain! Thank heavens I had followed my intuition and retrieved this one last bloom when I did! Seizing the moment when we can requires both spontaneity and the willingness to take a chance. Wishing you spontaneity and the courage to seize a moment in time that brings you great joy!

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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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26th

Within The Layers

I spotted this little pot of begonias in the grocery store one day. They reminded me of warmer days and gardening. In the summer they have been known to add a burst of bright color to any shade garden. Their interesting shaped leaves are an added bonus to their song of color.

Like roses, they boast many intricate layers of petals. Painting these layers can be tricky. I had to make sure they didn’t take  a “pasted on” appearance. Keeping some layers subtle and others more dominate helped create a more natural display.

As I painted, it occurred to me that their multi-faceted layers were much like individuals in general. As  relationships with others grow, you begin to experience more layers of their personalities. The best layers are the delicate ones inside where defenses have been dropped and their true personalities experienced.

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10th

Four Corners

This painting evolved as I went along. Initially, when I began to paint it, I was just going to do quick sketches. Then inspiration took over and I really got into more detail. I loved playing with contrasting values and trying to get the fruit to “shine”.

It stayed in development mode in between other work. I would return to each corner over different time periods. Each corner was painted alla prima (all in one session). I was really amazed that I actually started it in the fall! It was a cheerful and artistically stimulating piece to work on.

It always intrigues me how each piece of fruit is so uniquely different. Much like the human experience. Although very similar in so many ways, we each have a unique gift to offer. With the business of life, it is so easy to overlook these subtleties unless we take the time to observe and appreciate.

Off to have some fruit salad! Remember a fruit a day keeps the doctor away!

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29th

Iris Harmony/Visit to Florist Shop

Yearning for the lushness of spring and summer, I once again took a visit to my local florist.  Sometimes when I go I have a flower or color in mind that I feel like painting. This time my urge was the color purple. I love a blue-purple; it seems so regal and rich.

While in the cold florists fridge, I browsed around with a worker. She was so helpful and pulled out various types of flowers for me to consider. I thought the poor worker was going to freeze if I didn’t make up my mind in a more timely manner. Finally, I spotted a small pot of mini irises calling to me from a small ledge in the fridge. They were perfect! Perky and jolly -just what I needed in this drab March weather! We were both happy as we exited the florist fridge!

Once home I stained my canvas with a wash of cadium yellow medium. Then once a quick sketch was in place and the still life set up with its spot light; my painting frenzy began. I worked alla prima all in one session to complete this small painting.

I thought its name “Iris Harmony” was so befitting to its allure.  Being in nature with its timelessness and lush surroundings always seems to bring harmony to me. What creates harmony for you? I believe listening and finding something that creates this emotion is crucial for one’s sense of well being. Remember to take time to create a sense of harmony in your life today. You will be thankful you did!

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21st

Teatime

This is a special little teacup  my brother gave me awhile ago. I always had intentions of using it as subject matter and finally got around to painting it. I was drawn to its cheerful motifs and funnel shape.

It evokes an emotional response as I recall soothing cups of tea in relaxation or social events. The kettle boils frequently at our house as we prepare our ritualistic tea! It is a common thread that brings people together over conversation or to just sit quietly in thought.

Even when I go out en plein air, I always take my thermos of tea. After I finish painting I sit back with my cup of tea and begin writing my reflection that accompanies my work. The tea cup I take is often one that has special meaning for me and I call it my location cup. It is a personal time I relish and while there I often gain insights to life’s ever changing journey.

There is much history that surrounds the making of tea. Did you know tea was discovered accidentally in 2737BC by Chinese Emperor Shen Nung?  He discovered tea leaves that had fallen in a pot of boiling water presented a pleasing aroma. Hence, the beginning of brewed tea!

Are you a tea drinker? Does tea drinking evoke any memories or emotional responses in you? I would love to hear your stories!

Tea is steeping; off to have a cuppa!

P.S.  You can find more tea facts at: http://www.crazyfortea.com/strangeteafacts.html

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23rd

With Grace

Every now and then a painting takes you on some twists and turns.  “With Grace” was such a painting.  In the beginning these larger carnations were vibrant and bursting with life.  I happily sketched them on canvas and blocked in my values and then life got in the way and I did not get back to them as soon as I wanted.

Upon my return to my easel a dreaded event occurred! My subject was now wilting and did not look so full of life! Oh dear, what was I to do now? My favorite and usually only way to paint is from life. Luckily, my subject’s values had been blocked in and they were also fresh in my mind’s eye.  A  few digitals added to my rescue as well. I was off and painting again with determination to capture my subject at its best!

My trials and tribulations were not over yet. When I first began my still life I had a narrow strip of ribbon tied around the stems of the carnations.  After painting the ribbon in and fiddling with it a bit, I soon realized that it just   looked too contrived.   So off came the ribbon and on I went to restore the stems and background back to a pleasing presentation.

Although I went through some trials with this painting, I still enjoyed painting it.  A nice moment occurred when I discovered a new background color.  I used a greenish umber, paynes grey, alizarin crimson with touches of white and naples yellow. Together they turned out to be the color I had envisioned in my mind’s eye before I began painting “With Grace”.

As an artist one must remember to make adjustments to works in progress.  Having the courage to delete what  is not working is better than living with a mediocre piece of work.  Likewise, life can be somewhat the same as this experience. Sometimes, we just have to reajust our position or have the courage to make a change where necessary. That is what makes life interesting; change and our ability to adjust to it.

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7th

Gerber Daisy Brings Vibrancy

During this time of year I begin to miss nature’s vibrant vegetation and getting out on my plein air excursions.  So I decided to visit our local florist to consume the vibrant colors and aliveness of their ongoing supply of flowers.  In the dead of winter they seemed to energize one;  leading to visions of spring blooms and long summer days. While in the cold florist fridge I spotted this cheerful Gerber Daisy and could just envision it on a small canvas of its own.  So a friend it became as I toted it home so it would become everlasting in bright paint.

It was fun to paint and was painted alla prima ( wet into wet all in one session).  I wanted to capture its vibrancy, thus contrast in lighting was essential. Although a simple subject, it does have a presence of joy and lightheartedness.  So if you are feeling a little deprived of flora and fauna why not visit your local florist and pick up a few fresh flowers to brighten your day!

What is your favorite flower? Do you plant it, or does it just grow wild in nature?

Stay tuned for a new floral to come, as I also picked up more flowers besides Miss Gerber during my visit. Wishing you  a sunny day!

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