Welcome to
Debbie Lamey-MacDonald's        
  Fine Art Ezine!
 

Dear <<First Name>>
 

The song birds are back, spring rains have begun and new life has sprung through soft ground!  Spring has finally announced its arrival in Nova Scotia. Such an exciting and welcomed time of year. You just can't beat seeing all the rebirth of vegetation after our  long winter months.

I am getting excited to venture out into the land of plein air painting again. I have been taking stock of my materials and browsing through my plein air resources to freshen my mind and mentally prepare for a productive start to my plein air outings. It will also be time to rouse my plein air group out of hibernation so that we can enjoy the camaraderie of painting and learning together! You can view our website here.

A few more people have expressed an interest in joining our group this year. Wonderful! All are welcomed regardless of mediums or skill level. The reason I founded this group was to encourage other artists to explore the joy and amazing learning experiences derived from painting from life in nature's beauty.

I am busily preparing for my participation in a Regional Group Show with Visual Arts Nova Scotia. I will have two pieces of work in the show that represent changes in my internal process over a span of years. If you are local I would love to see you there! See more info further on in this newsletter.

Wishing you a beautiful Spring with hopes it adds a breath of fresh air in your life. If you are not experiencing Spring I wish you experiences that will bring renewal.

Warmly,
Debbie 

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Featured Painting



Adrift Within, 16x20in. Oil on linen/panel.

My featured painting for this issue is "Adrift Within" painted from a plein air study I did last Spring in my brother's backyard.  We were so lucky to experience a beautiful Spring that year which enabled plants to flourish. The apple blossoms were amazing and so abundant! It was magical viewing them and watching the blossoms drift softly in the gentle breeze.  

After I finished painting my study of this scene I sat quietly with a cup of tea and wrote the following reflection. I used both my 8x10in. study and color notes to create my larger painting. I also took a few photos to help me remember any necessary details.  Here is my reflection:


Adrift Within

 A spring breeze whisks about within gnarled limbs; seducing feather blossoms to drift within airy pockets. Old apple trees reign over the space as their blossoms relish in their glory. Bees perform their duties carrying golden pollen from branch to branch.

Soon delicate blossoms will be carried on gentle breezes to add richness to mother earth. A pink hue will blanket the grasses below. Nature has once again out done herself as she displays her beauty for all to enjoy.

It is these moments of quiet elegance we must become conscience of during our daily haste, only a stillness can rejuvenate our spirit as nature gently delivers her gifts.

Debbie Lamey-MacDonald

Exploring the Concept of Space

As I continue on my quest of exploring the philosophy of one's space and fine art, I found a beautiful video displaying a healing space. I have included a link to the video as I think you might really enjoy it.

I love how various pieces of fine art and sculpture add to the room's ambience and emotional appeal.  

There is a brief chat and then the before and after shots begin. Truly inspiring! I would love to hear what you think of it. 

I have been perusing a wonderful book I purchased years ago entitled "feng shui your life" by Jayme Barrett. It is a beautiful book that delves into the philosophy of feng shui and your personal space. Throughout the book Barrett gives a few ideas on how to use fine art in your space to inspire and uplift. I love the following quote:

"Art is a powerful tool to relax, motivate, and inspire you. --Seascapes and landscapes bring in nature and soothe the soul. The expansiveness of these scenes opens up the space and elicits a feeling of freedom as you look out the window. "

I hope you enjoy my findings as I explore this concept. Stay tuned for more sharing on this subject in future Ezines. If you find any interesting tidbits please feel free to message me with your inspirations! 

News and Happenings




Strokes of Light, 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel.


I recently donated "Strokes of Light" to the Tearmann House Celebration of Art and Silent Auction. It is a yearly fund raiser I participate in to help raise funds for the Tearmann Society who help give support to abused women. Since I teach children this is a cause close to my heart and one I know needs support.

I was happy to offer my painting in a new floater 
frame style I had custom made in Halifax. I will now be able to use these frames for my miniature work as well. So far I have purchased black with gold trim and white frames. I really love the white frames for my miniature florals. I have posted a couple of images below for you to see how they look in the black and gold frames.  




Donated piece "Strokes of Light" 6x6in. Oil on linen/panel




Sold in Silent Auction, "Scattered About", 4x4in. Oil on linen/panel.


Group Show!

This Saturday I will be participating in a Regional Group Show for Visual Arts Nova Scotia. The show is titled "NARC MINE" and is a representation of the creative mining of interior landscapes that all participating artists have explored. The pieces of work on display depict turning points in each artist's creative journey. It should be a wonderful and diverse showing!! If you are local I would love to have you visit the show on June 1st, 2013.

Here are the particulars:

Where: Celtic Circle 
195 Forbes St. 
New Glasgow

Opening Reception: June 1st  from 4-6pm. 

Carillon Singers will add delightful charm to our opening as well!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!! 




Photo Badges



I am having fun creating these photo badges to
display and market my work online. This collage of miniatures was made using ipiccy . It is very user friendly--feel free to give it a try! You can
view my available miniature paintings here.

Facebook: I would love to connect with you on my Facebook Page. Just go to my page and click  the Like button and we will be connected! Thanks!
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Sharing with Others

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Talk to you in my next Ezine. Wishing you peaceful moments in nature's wide open playground! 


"A good painting to me has always been like a friend. It keeps me company, comforts and inspires."

~Hedy Lamarr