Fine Art of Debbie Lamey-MacDonald» botanical

Free Flow

Debbie — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 01:40:15 +0000

Free Flow

An English Ivy depicts a sense of free spiritedness as it drifts and spirals about. A sense of freedom and lightheartedness is felt as it happily cascades downward; twisting and turning without worry.

Children often exhibit this sense of complete freedom as they dance about in play. Their only concern is to enjoy the moment. Often as adults this sense of freedom becomes elusive as responsibilities take precedence. It is important to release ones worries and let a child like spirit prevail. Allowing oneself a moment of pure freedom of thought and spirit- if only for a short while.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

One Last Bloom

Debbie — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:11:11 +0000

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!

Within The Layers

Debbie — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 00:24:03 +0000

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.

Gerber Daisy Brings Vibrancy

Debbie — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 01:03:04 +0000

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!