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Friday, January 31, 2014

Black Magic, 6x6 inch Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

This is my submission for the Girls Just Wanna Paint Challenge this month, which is "MAGIC".  You can see the other artist's pieces HERE.  

I"m not much for actual magic.  The magic of love?  Yes.  The magic of a miracle?  Absolutely!  But regular magic is so fakey-fakey, you know?  And a lot of people associate black cats with magic (witches, etc.).  Well, I had the most wonderful cat in the world about 20 years ago - well, he was my daughter's but he was mine in my heart.  His name was Max.  (He looked like this but this is not him)  He was huge - not fat at all, just a big boy - 18 pounds.  And you did NOT mess with him.  He refused to go into the house through the door, once he figured out that the bulkhead led right up to a kitchen window.  Yes, everyone in our house knew that he would meet you at the window if he wanted 'in'.  He was very affectionate to me, and had rules.  One rule was - beds made first thing in the a.m.  No dilly dallying.  He would block the doorway to my bedroom, staring at the bed, at me …. then at the bed… just blinking.  And I knew.  So as soon as the bed was made he'd hop up and curl up in the middle, against the pillows.  I'd give anything, ANYTHING at all, to have him boss me around just one more time.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Littlest Angel, 8x6 Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


This is a very loose sketch of a teeny tiny girl named Angel, and her siblings. Baby Angel! How cute! 

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Hallelujah Angel, 6x4 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

I am working this theme out as I go - playing with texture, layering, shapes, values.  This angel actually has gold wings, the light was funny - kind of going down as I shot it.  I'll replace it mid morning when the light comes it.  Very odd, as I'm working with about 6 little paintings at once…..  angels all over the place here!

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Archangel Gabriel, 8x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


"The Angel Of The Lord Appeared Unto Mary…."  Yes, that's Gabriel.  Although many depictions of Gabriel show a male angel, in fact (ahem…OK, I don't know how they know this) Gabriel is supposed to be a female angel.  She is the Angel of fertility and adoption, as well as the Angel of writers, artists and creative people in general.

The name Gabriel means "God is my strength".  In addition to telling Elizabeth and Mary about their pregnancies, Gabriel is credited with dictating the Koran to Mohammed. Gets around, this girl.

Invoke Gabriel in prayer if you are wanting a child, if your are a writer, singer, artist or actor and are looking for doors to open for you.

With 7 days left to my Angel Challenge, I find I've got more to say about them.  I'm inspired now to dig deeper.  But don't worry.  My regular fun paintings will be showing up as of Februrary 1st, even if I continue to explore this theme now and then!

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Among Three Angels, 6x4 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


All the bases are covered if you've got these three on your side.  Health?  Relationships? Abundance? Work?  Children? Grief/Loss?
I am enjoying painting in this very different manner for a few paintings… so very many layers of colors, and all the while keeping color, value, temperature in mind. Plus, can I tell you how satisfying it is to mix up a color and SLATHER it on with a palette knife?  MMMMmmmmMMm.  Tomorrow's will be more traditional (I THINK).

This trio brings to mind, though, my daughter and her two close friends growing up.  They were peas in a pod, one blonde, one light brown, one dark brown haired.  At age 29 they are all still close, though the darkest 'angel' lives across the country, and is married, with a babe on the way - we are all going to be vicarious Grandmothers in our group!


Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Flying Angel, 6x4 Inch Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

She is just a wisp.  A reflection of light off your watch, a flash from a passing car, a sundog, a rainbow, a bit of glitter on the water…. she's a glimmer in the corner of your eye….   She's faster than lightning in answer to a prayer.  This one's ginger haired… for you!

Monday, January 20, 2014

Angelic Team, 7x4 Acrylic Painting by Kelley Macdonald


Many times Guardian Angels are one-on-one with us.  But every once in a while, there's a soul that needs 2 Angels.  So there's a team.  The are usually complementary, with different skill sets, and quite different in personality.  You may need one more often than the other.  But there is a time in your life when you need both, or just the other.  No worries.  You're covered.  

Kind of comforting knowing that no matter what life hands you, you are not alone, and you don't even have to 'believe' to be cared for.  Thankless job, sometimes.  Wisps of color or a scented breeze… a beautiful sound, a memory that comforts but you can't quite place it…. touches of the angels.  

If you ask me how I know this???? I will tell you that I read some books.  I Googled it.  I had Angel readings… or… I just know….

In the Home Stretch now for the 30 in 30 paintings.  10 more.  CAN I do it?  I've missed a couple.  I still have so many kinds/types/images of angels I thought I'd get to!
xoxo Thanks for staying with!

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Angel of Comfort, 6x4 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

This angel, painted with a palette knife, is one you can turn to when the world is just too much.  You are never too much for her.
Loved doing the layers, and using the knife to almost sculpt her in.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Archangel Ariel, 6x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


Ariel is called the "Lioness Of God", and she is often shown warrior-like.  But her passion and influence is the natural world, and she lets herself be felt when we observe and enjoy the forests, meadows, beaches, deserts and mountains.  She invites us to experience the joy of nature, and supposedly when you find yourself feeling a sense of calm and 'rightness' as you look upon the waves of the ocean, or a bubbling stream or the awesome heights of mountains… she is with you.  

Also included in her realm are all of God's animals, and she is their protector and guardian.  
They say that you can call on her to help your beloved pets, so keep that in mind!

I think I prefer painting on smooth surfaces, like boards.  I like the way the paint slides on - and I don't have to 'fight' with the canvas, which grabs the paint.  Just easier, I think.  So why, you ask, am I going to Dick Blick this afternoon to use a gift certificate for their awesome sale on canvases?  *Shrug*  Can't resist a good sale.

As I was painting this I thought… who does this angel look like?… Do you have an idea?  purely coincidental….. huh...

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Angel & Harp, 12x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

This painting was started the day after a talk I went to from the Liquitex Acrylic Paint Company at the Art Club.  There are at least 10 layers of paint, and it was very very hard to photograph because I mixed Iridescent Medium into the top layers of the painting, making it very reflective and prone to glare.  The background is a velvety deep blue, slightly lighter than pictured. 
  
She was inspired by a folk art angel that was given to me by my friend Sally Dean.  Since I started this project I've been given and sent all kinds of angel paraphernalia.  I have wings, photos, images, halos, angels, books, etc.  It's fabulous!

It may look that this type of painting is simple.  But that's where you'd be wrong.  Building up the layers and treating the paint like it was a 3rd partner in the painting (me, the subject and the whims of acrylic paint).  But though this angel is not 'named', no need to worry. Tomorrow…. look for Archangel Ariel.
:D

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Someone To Watch Over Me, 4x6 Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald


This angel is inspired by another painter Anne H. Neilson.
I'm a big fan of her work.  I think I may use the palette knife more if I try this again.
I think we all need Someone to watch over us.

I'm thrilled that I'm at the halfway point for the Challenge.  Although I feel I have a lot to learn still… and will keep going!

Monday, January 13, 2014

Uriel, Angel of Light, 8x6 Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD
Uriel is the Angel of Light, his/her name meaning "God Is My Light".  He/She guarded and guided St. Elizabeth and baby St. John the Baptist on their Flight Into Egypt.  He/She is one of the Angels who will reign after the end of the world.  

Guide and Guardian.  I'm loving this Angel.  


Sunday, January 12, 2014

Pouty Angel, 6x8 Inch Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

A few days off and I'm buried in 'back angels'!  I am ending up posting even if I am not thrilled - which is, I think, part of the 30 in 30 Challenge.   I know people will say I should never say these things but honesty is my only policy…:)  Will work on this again this month.  And hopefully catch up!

Well, just for fun, here are two older paintings I did (one a collage) that are 'angelic'…. I still have both, only the collage is buried somewhere in the boxes that came home from my studio when I moved.  If I EVER find it, I have someone who would like to buy it…. wish me luck!
"Angels Watch Over Her" (6x6 Collage_

"Angelic Me" 6x6 inch acrylic

Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Van Gogh's Angel, 6x6 Inch Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald


I don't know why I don't copy the masters more often!  I have such a great time doing it and learn so much every single time!  When you look at a Van Gogh, do you think of the layers and layers of paint?  The hundreds and hundreds of brushstrokes?  No, me, either, I simply stand in awe of his purposeful strokes, and keen color sense, as well as his amazing rendering skills.

So here is my interpretation of his angel.   I love all the many blues against the gold.
I am very proud of myself that I've done 8 in a row.  Believe it or not there are a handful of rejects that I  may or may not get in shape!  


Tuesday, January 7, 2014

FASTER! 3 Timed Paintings by Kelley MacDonald

Yahoo!  2014 is here with a bang!  Started my class "Small Paintings, Big Art" at the Providence Art Club today.  What a great group I've got.  to get on the same page, we all painted from photos, but we timed ourselves.  Painting the same image in 60, 40 and then 25 minutes (I'll save the 15 minute paintings for much later in the class) we tried to 'nail' the compositions, color and brushwork, hoping it got a little easier each time.  For many of us the sweet spot was 40 minutes.  

I will probably paint this angel statue again, (now that I've done all the 'math').
And yes, believe it or not I painted all 3 from the same photo reference!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Golden Angel, 8x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald




Well, this is what I get for continuing to paint after the sun goes down - the photograph is all crazy with it's colors!  the angel is actually dressed in a orange-gold robe, and the background is more bright turquoise!  I will change up the photo on the blog in the morning… I post at almost midnight, so no sun here!  See the difference, below, in color between night and day photography!

This is an Angel Ornament on my friend's tree.
I apologize to my subscribers who aren't Angel fans.  As a painter I wanted to explore another subject, one that is not, cannot be, literal.  So far they've all been acrylic, but that's mostly because I have them out!
Thank you for all your notes telling me about your enthusiasm for Angels.  Please feel free to send me inspirational images!  I'm happy I'm keeping up with the 30 Paintings In 30 Days Challenge!!!  You should check out the hundreds of other artists who have been participating HERE!


Sunday, January 5, 2014

Grieving Angel, 8x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD

I've always loved this sculpture - you can read about it's history HERE. I think grief is a hard thing - and different for everybody.  I know we want to quickly get through the 'stages' and be 'normal' again.  But even if we try… it doesn't work that way.  It takes the time, and cost, it takes.  I view it as an honor to the person/animal I'm grieving over.  
When I lived in Hingham, I would love to roam the cemetery and view this Angel.  I thought… the people who grieve can give their anguish over to this angel, and rest.  She will weep, not letting the deceased be forgotten.
I love cemeteries - have I told you that?  But when I 'go' I would like a seat-type sculpture, with a marble sleeping cat on one side of it.  :)

Angel Kitty, 6x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


Not all Angels look like humans…. that's all I have to say….

Friday, January 3, 2014

Angel of Patience, 6x8 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


Meet Elerial, the Archangel of Patience.  I am finding out the most interesting things doing research for my angels.  For example, I painted her, then looked at her for a title.  To me, she was the epitome of Patience, waiting for someone to open their eyes to the obvious choice to be made.  Then I googled 'Angel of Patience', and BOOM tons of things came up.  But one of the MOST interesting things was from this Archangel page, and this is it:

Elerial's vessels are either male or female, but have tended to be females with calm blue eyes and long brown hair. 

This is who you turn to when you need patience, or you need someone to be patient with you.

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Snow Angel, 8x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


Appropriate for today, as we are having a Nor'Easter here in New England, that I would be inspired to paint a snow angel!  Bitter cold though it will be, we can still enjoy the beauty of fresh fallen snow!  I'm playing with layers of paint, colors found in white, and texture.  A little palette knife is just what is called for!

I'm getting more comfortable with painting from my imagination, and have been doing research on different ways angels are portrayed in art, and, again, if you have ideas or photo feel free to send them to me at kcareymac@hotmail.com.

I really loved the pastels introduced into this snowy whiteness - the pinks and blues, yellows and lavenders were fun to work with!


Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Angel Of Mercy, 6x4 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald


Sometimes I think we all need an Angel of Mercy.  She's little, but she's mighty.  Thanks to this 30 Painting Challenge, I literally have Angels dancing in my head.  Although with my typing skills, I venture to say that you might see a post about 'Angles' at some point this month… do not be fooled into thinking it's a painting about geometric shapes!  


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