Fine Art of Debbie Lamey-MacDonald» Studio Work

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

P.S. If you enjoyed this post, please press the Like button at the top of the page. Thanks!

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

Baubles and Ribbon

Debbie — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:17:41 +0000

Baubles and Ribbon

“Baubles and ribbon return, adding glitz to a festive holiday season.”

by Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

I know I am early, but Christmas always seems to creep up on me! I decided to paint a miniature painting that I might use for my Christmas cards etc. This one took much longer than I expected, but I do find that to be the case with my miniature work.

As I was digging through my seasonal ornaments it occurred to me how comforting it is to find old favorites and the memories they stimulate. I smiled as I thought how funny it is that they appear yearly and go forgotten for most of the year. After many months they are lovingly retrieved to add sparkle to our festive celebrations.

I continue to be mesmerized with anything shiny. My mother says I am just like a crow! I love anything reflective, so it is with great joy that I add these qualities to many of my paintings. The miniature paintings especially lend themselves well to reflective subject matter as I often paint them sitting on glass.

Wishing you much joy and fond memories as you rummage through your yearly decorations in preparation for your upcoming Christmas celebrations!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I have also included a recent miniature painting that I finished for autumn in case you missed it.

Sheerly Pink

Debbie — Mon, 03 May 2010 00:12:05 +0000

Sheerly Pink

Many years ago, my mom gave me this delicate handkerchief along with a few others. They had belonged to her when she was really young. I love the sheerness of this one and its soft touch of pink. The drama of course is in its raised embroidered flowers and their decorative appeal.

I have always loved embroidery work and remember when I was a teenager embroidering pillowcases for Christmas gifts to give to family members. It was always so much fun going to the department store to pick out iron on patterns. I also remember being in awe at all the colors of thread that could be bought for one’s project.

I am so happy my mom knew I would love this delicate handkerchief. It has brought back special creative memories while being painted. I truly believe that our creative passion starts at a young age and is often overshadowed with life’s responsibilities in adulthood. Awakening our creativity as adults helps alleviate the stresses of life and brings much joy! Let your creative spirit sing–you won’t be disappointed!

Warmly,

Debbie

P.S. I would love to hear your stories about any childhood passions. Did they follow you into adult life?

Violas and Sweet Berries

Debbie — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 01:39:06 +0000

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

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!

Egg Cup /Minimalist Series

Debbie — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:08:05 +0000

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!