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
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.
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!
I just finished this 5x7in painting. The tricky part in this painting was making sure my ellipse was correct and maintaining the symmetrical proportions of the egg cup. I found this little egg cup in my cupboard and have wanted to paint it for awhile. I just loved how cheerful it looked with its bright orange design.
I remember as a child having these little egg cups for our boiled eggs. They were always so cute and unique. My mom always made “toast fingers” that I could dip into the yolk. I loved the yolk and didn’t bother to eat the white part of the egg. LOL I am on the look out for more that I can paint in the future. Did you have a special egg cup? Love to hear about it!
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!
Happy New Year Everyone!
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.
- Create a greater online presence.
- Revise my current website-adding e-commerce, adding audio to some of my reflections and other features. http://lameymacdonald.com
- Continuing with and revising my Blog. http://lameymacdonald.com/blog
- 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!
- Introduce and continue my “Minimalist Series” as well as my “Bookshelf Collection”.
- 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”
- 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.
- Remain open to any new experiences, ideas etc. that come along in 2009!
- 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
It’s been awhile since my last post! This is such a busy time of year!! I recently finished a new studio painting–just a small one, but fun to do. It measures 9in.x 7in. I set the still life up in my studio and then painted from life. I loved, loved painting the design on the pottery vase! Really fun to paint! I used an old varnished water bed board to set my still life on. It made for a nice shiny surface so that I could paint great reflections from my set up. I have to come up with a title for this one yet though. I have posted my set up and the completed painting.
Now that this still life is complete I dismantled it and now have a new set up for my Xmas painting. I will make cards off it when it is complete. Paint has to really get flying as my days are getting numbered! I will post my set up and Xmas painting when complete.
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!
A couple of weeks ago, I began quick painting sketches in my studio to further develop my observation skills and brushwork. My objective was to set up simple still life and work intuitively completing mini paintings within an hour or less. I added interest by focusing direct lighting on my subject; thus, creating contrasting areas of light and shadow. I am really enjoying these small works and find I must work both intuitively and decisively. No time to fiddle or over think areas. I just have time to react spontaneously to my subject: much like when I am out on location.
I started my sketches with 11x14in. canvas divided into 4 equal sections. Then I set up the pear on the upper right hand side and worked quickly. When I was ready to paint another section this pear was quite ripe, but made for a juicy snack! So I set up another pear of a different shape and changed the direction of the light source. They were fun to paint and I was pleased with the end result. The next 2 sections will be completed in the same manner, but I am going to paint 2 apples. I will post those when completed.
My son put together a slide show of some of the painting stages “Years Gone By” went through before it was brought to completion. I began with a small pencil thumbnail sketch (not shown) to determine my focal point and values. Then thin washes of color were painted over the entire canvas. I worked on my focal area first–a soft S-shape leading up to the apple tree. The painting had a very light sunny mood; therefore, I needed to work this mood into my focal point before I determined the values of the surrounding areas. In the end the painting seemed to ellicit a poetic voice with its soft impressionistic colors and distant shapes. It felt a bit nostalgic for me as I have visited this area many times over the years.
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!["Egg Cup" Studio Set Up](http://www.lameymacdonald.com/wp-content/gallery/egg-cupminimalist-series/egg-cup-studio.jpg ""Egg Cup" Studio Set Up")
