Fine Art of Debbie Lamey-MacDonald» painted from life

Soft Elegance

Debbie — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:49:21 +0000

Soft Elegance

“Hydrangea drape softly, creating a soft elegance during the last days of autumn.”

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

A Sweet Break

Debbie — Sun, 23 Jan 2011 21:32:01 +0000

A Sweet Break

As life whirls busily around us, it is easy to get caught up in its fury. It is easy to forget the calmness necessary for balance. Small pleasures in life such as sweet fruit and a favorite hot beverage often add comfort and pay dividends to the human spirit.

Remembering to sit quietly, oblivious from life’s noise, brings a sweetness needed for balance and grace. It is only then that one can better face the whirl of life as the memory of a sweet break prevails.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

My mom gave me this Emile Henry mug a while ago. I love its deep color and glaze. It reminds me a bit of a crystal ball as it mirrors objects surrounding it. I thought the apricots would further accentuate the rich color of the mug. Of course I continue to be captivated by ribbon and its continuous flow.

There is nothing more satisfying than a small treat and a interlude from life’s harried pace. For me a nice steaming cup of tea, helps me escape from all the to do lists and tribulations in life. It is nice to just sit back and dream for a short while and enjoy a sweet moment in time.

Wishing you sweet breaks along life’s journey where you can breath a lovely sigh of contentment.

Warmly,

Debbie

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Natureâ€™s Haven

Debbie — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 03:32:47 +0000

Nature’s Haven

A taste of summer has finally returned after experiencing a string of fall like days. Still content to embrace summer warmer air is a welcome visitor. Hummingbirds whiz in and out of trees and wildflowers scatter themselves throughout the field. I have found a most intimate corner in nature tucked away in amongst an expansive field.

Memories of childhood come to mind of playing hide and seek in large fields and tall grasses. Giggling and dodging for flat ground we had high expectations of never being found! Nature was a safe haven as we allowed ourselves to form a unison with her lazy flow. Minutes stretched into hours until we were beckoned back to reality. Hesitate we departed, but took comfort in knowing there would be many more days to experience nature’s joy!

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

MacLellan’s Brook, Nova Scotia

This is a little whimsical painting I did while sitting in a large field surrounded by tall grasses and wildflowers. I love these little intimate spots in nature! They bring back childhood memories of the joy we had as children playing in nature’s open playground. With our curiosity and imagination nature provided hours of entertainment.

I sometimes feel our youth miss out on these simple pleasures with the advent of technology and the need to be externally entertained. Guiding them into the wonders of nature helps evoke an emotional response I am sure they would not have imagined. Nature quietly encourages compassion and a respect for the cycle of life. I would love to hear any of your stories or memories you have of playing in nature as a child.

Warmly,

Debbie

Snowballs in Summer

Debbie — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 01:41:48 +0000

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

Nature’s Story

Debbie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 00:39:32 +0000

Nature’s Story

It is another scorcher today. Although it is early morning humidity can be felt in the air. A gentle breeze assists in dashing flies away and cooling one down. Nature’s offering today was a long forgotten rose bush with an indescribable scent. It has been left to grow wild peeking up amongst the bushes that have grown around it.

It’s determination can be felt as it strives to be seen in the sunlight. It seems to be calling out for attention; stating that although old and obscure its beauty is still strong and captivating. Reminding one that in the haste of life, beauty in others is sometimes overlooked. There is always a story to be told and beauty to be seen if an alert sensitivity exists.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

MacLellan’s Brook, Nova Scotia

It is so thrilling to be back out on location again! The horseflies were out in abundance when I painted this painting. The temperature got very hot as the morning moved on and the sun rose higher in the sky. I continue to be enamored with roses and love both their scent and beauty in the summer sunlight. Other than the horseflies it was an extremely quiet and peaceful morning. I counted my blessings to be able to stand in nature’s beauty and paint happily with her! Hoping you are getting a chance to find happiness in nature too!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I would love to hear any of your rose stories or thoughts too!

Small Gems

Debbie — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 10:21:33 +0000

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.

Spirits Merge

Debbie — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 01:17:19 +0000

Spirits Merge

It is a humid and very breezy day in August. Everything is in motion as a steady breeze drifts over the ocean surface. It dashes throughout pockets of space within swaying foliage. An intimate perch above the shoreline beckons for company. It creates a protected space for the viewer, enabling one to nestle in as a creative spirit becomes one with its environment.

A merging of spirits occur as the dance begins and nature sings her song of praise. She joyously triumphs over her ability to seduce the viewer; allowing one to live within a present moment uninhibited by worry or care for the future. It is a meditative moment where time stands still and a magical blending of spirits occur.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

It was the day before Hurricane Bill was predicted to pass over parts of Nova Scotia when I decided to venture out on location to Powell’s Pt Park again. The humidity hung heavy in the air as the wind whipped to and fro. I was being lured to the ocean front that day and knew it would be a day to remember.

With it being so hot, it was necessary to seek shelter out of direct sunlight. Imagine my delight when I saw a wonderful view from a perch under an old oak tree! Oh it was heavenly, warm wind, serene and a moment in time I think I could stay in forever.

Nature has a way of gently caressing our soul, without any expectations from us. Let’s reciprocate her selflessness and honor her gifts. Wishing you peaceful moments in nature’s late summer embrace.

Teatime

Debbie — Sat, 21 Mar 2009 16:41:05 +0000

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