(Click to enlarge)

Bid on this painting here.

Last One

“Savoring a citrus moment with one last segment.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

“Last one” is my newest miniature painting. I have also included the still life set up , so you can get an idea of how I painted it from life. It was a fun little painting to do. My subject was left over clementines from the holiday season. It sure did make my studio smell nice when I peeled this one for my set up. Nothing like the smell of citrus to perk up the senses!

I am presently, working on a larger painting of change houses in Powell’s Point Park. My panel is a 16x20in. and I am enjoying working large again! Hopefully, it will be finished soon and I will be able to post it for you to view.

I’m really excited about my New Online Shop my son and I are working on. In my upcoming Ezine I discuss  the philosophy behind my shop.  My Ezine will be going out by the end of the month. I would love to have you join me there! You may sign up for it here.

Wishing you a Wonderful Day!

Warmly,

Debbie

Debbie’s Fine Art Prints

 A Wonderful New Marketing Resource for Artists!

3x3in. Oil on linen/panel

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Sunny Disposition

“With their sunny disposition dandelions scatter gleefully about, dotting the countryside with cheer.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

(Click to Enlarge)

Autumn’s Bounty

5x7in. Oil on linen/panel

Painted “Alla Prima” for East Link TV Taping

 I heard from Danny Harvie today about the little clip that was going to be airing on East Link TV about my art and life. It will be airing all week on East Link Magazine. So if you are local and you see East Link Magazine listed on Channel 10, it will be on that show all this week. I am going to ask him if it will be on You Tube as well so others could view it.

Danny was a really nice guy and did a great job piecing our session together for the clip. He arrived at my house in October and stayed for about three hours. The TV clip is about 6 minutes long. Isn’t that amazing how much taping he has to do to get enough footage to choose from for a short clip?! The painting I have posted was the demo I did while he taped me painting. Quite an interesting experience I must say! lol

If you are local and you watch the clip, I would love to receive your comments! I will happily send them along to Danny as well. He is a great young camera man!

Warmly,

Debbie

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Welcoming Spring!

With its softness and gentle nature a lone tulip welcomes Spring!

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

When I spotted these pretty and delicate pink tulips in the grocery store, they made me smile. It has been a long winter and they seemed to sing a song of Spring’s return. I loved both their color and layers. When examined closely, it is amazing to see all the subtle color that exists in their petals. Sometimes, it is easy to overlook small details that may bring pleasure in our fast paced world! Cheers to Spring’s return and days of  painting outside again!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S.  Photography by my son Brett. I love his artistic interpretation of my set up!

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Notions Ready

With notions ready repairs begin. Renewing used items become a ritual often forgotten. Bringing the old to reusable condition sheds new light on a long forgotten treasure.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

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A New Project Awaits

The yarn has been picked, needles ready as a new project awaits. Visions of one’s creation brings excitement. The act of handmade brings a sense of wonder and fulfillment as one’s vision becomes a reality.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Gifts From Nature

Gifts from nature drift softly down from the blue above. It is only with stealth awareness that they can be retrieved. Relish in small occurrences for they are what bring  joyful moments.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Although a noisy and aggressive bird, the blue jay is undeniably beautiful! Its rich blue feathers sparkle in the sunlight and can be detected far in the distance.

I had been longing to paint these striking feathers for awhile and had forgotten that my dad had given me these some time ago. You can imagine my delight when I recently discovered them tucked away in a drawer.

Nature quietly offers daily gifts, but if  one is in a state of unawareness they often go undetected. It is with heightened awareness that nature’s gifts bring  pleasurable moments in time.

I would love to hear your stories about the gifts nature has bestowed on you.

Warmly,

Debbie

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

Special Announcement!

“Blooms in Winter” is now up for bids on the Haiti Relief Auction sponsored by 140hours. It’s a great way to purchase original art at bargain prices! Come see and join in on the bidding fun. One hundred percent of the money raised is being donated to help the Haitian people!

You can bid on “Blooms in Winter” 5x7in. Original oil painting  here.

You can also bid on other original works of art here

This is a wonderful way for everyone to extend their hearts to the Haitian People!

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!

]]> http://www.lameymacdonald.com/christmas-wonderment-2009/feed/ 4 http://www.lameymacdonald.com/working-on-a-xmas-still-life-come-join-in/ http://www.lameymacdonald.com/working-on-a-xmas-still-life-come-join-in/#comments Sat, 12 Dec 2009 14:05:15 +0000 Debbie http://www.lameymacdonald.com/?p=749

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

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

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!

]]> http://www.lameymacdonald.com/one-last-bloom/feed/ 16 http://www.lameymacdonald.com/four-corners/ http://www.lameymacdonald.com/four-corners/#comments Fri, 10 Apr 2009 21:20:53 +0000 Debbie http://www.lameymacdonald.com/?p=419

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!

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!

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!

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.

1. Create a greater online presence.
2. Revise my current website-adding e-commerce, adding audio to some of my reflections and other features.  http://lameymacdonald.com
3. Continuing with and revising my Blog.  http://lameymacdonald.com/blog
4. 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!
5. Introduce and continue my “Minimalist Series” as well as my “Bookshelf  Collection”.
6. 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”
7. 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.
8. Remain open to any new experiences, ideas etc. that come along in 2009!
9. 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!