Tulip Time - Already?? Original Painting by Kelley MacDonald

Time moves on and so do we all!  This has been an unbelievably busy Holiday Season, and also - I have moved, so on top of pushing out 42 small paintings for Little Pictures types of shows, and juggling 2 day jobs, I've become an Urban Girl.  Yup.  Never thought I'd like it (yes, that was me you heard kicking and screaming...) but I will admit... it is A-OK.  I never realized how much TIME I spent getting places.  Now there are endless sidewalks to explore with Paco, and even the cats do not seem to mind not going outside for their morning constitutional.

PLUS I'm super close now to my sons, and that is just GREAT.  

So these tulips grace my new space... and it is the end result of a lesson I taught at the Art Club today.  We took a photo, did 3 small quick experimental paint sketches, and settled on one to really paint.  Teaching at 2 places now, the Club and North River Arts Society in Marshfield.  I love my life!

Pepper-minty!, 6x6 Inch Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

6x6 Inch Oil Painting "Pepper-minty!"

$100 $ $10 S&H

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Oh, you know how I love to paint candies!  I have a lot of ideas which I'll be playing with in the 6x6 format, with color, design and brushwork.  This one - I have to say the background color in real life is a consistent light blue - seems the photo has a bit of a shadow at the top.

My favorite part - believe it or not, is the cellophane!  Nuts, huh?  I also like the hot pink (it's called Carmine Red) peeking out from the bottom layer.

And you know who loves these mints?  Paco.  Yes, I found him digging them out of the bottom of a paint bin, where apparently the bag of candies had spilled.  I saw him trying to suck on one through the wrapper!  Then I found A FEW in the cushion of chair - and in pile of fresh laundry, that he had jumped up on (and tried to 'bury' the candy in).

So... sweets for the sweet.  Hey, that could be the name of the next one! :)

Intensity, 5x7 Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

5x7" Oil Painting "Intensity"

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Did you know that Tuesday was National Dog Day?  Yeah, well, .... we celebrated it in our house!  No, not Harry, the orange cat or Isabelle the torti cat, but Paco and I... and my husband (who did not know exactly that he was celebrating).  I love this painting.  It was part of my 30 Paintings in 30 Days Challenge with Leslie Saeta.   I really like that you have to delve... dig and be creative - because trust me, no matter how much you love your subject, at about day 10 you are smacking yourself in the forehead asking everyone you know why they let you commit to this!  And you get to know a subject INSIDER OUT! :D

So.  Here I am, considering it again for September.  I have a really, really, really busy month.  I'm doing a workshop on Cuttyhunk Island as part of the Cuttyhunk Island Artist Retreat.  I'm teaching at the Providence Art Club.  And I'm teaching 3 Fridays at the Portsmouth Arts Guild on Aquidneck Island. (Please ignore the typo's, I just copied and pasted from their website):

Honestly, I'm just glad there are 2 e's in my first name and an 'a' in my last name.  I don't ask for much! But there are still a few spots left if you're interested!

One more, kind of personal, thing.  I actually consider all you guys my friends.  You are, actually, more real than my Facebook friends, since you've shared my journey for many years, so... OK.  I haven't posted since Open Studios, which was fine, fun and fabulous.  Because as I was catching my breath over that, we learned that my godchild is very sick.  With God's grace she will not only survive but thrive, but it's been a rocky week, and honestly, I couldn't paint.  I couldn't even string a thought together.  All the crazy stuff going on in the world, and then to find out someone who is wonderful in a 'lit from within' way is literally holding on by a thread.  So.... if you can spare a prayer, we'll take it.  Thank you.  And now.... I promise surprises and fun scenes from Open Studios tomorrow.  Goodnight and thank you.

Bubbles & Gold, 4x4 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$65 & $10 S&H

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There's something about bubbles.  I like the bubbles on foam at the lapping water at the beach... the bubbles when you wash dishes, or play with toddlers in their bath.. I love blowing bubbles and painting them.  I have been experimenting with layers of paint, and gel medium in acrylics.  After the bubbles and layers of gel (which leave it with a sort of encaustic - waxy - look) I painted the rest of the painting with a few layers of gold paint.  It's not as orange as in this photo, but at night... tough to get the right look.

Spring has sprung and you won't hear me complain!  After this Winter we deserve some tulips and daffodils!  I'm back teaching at the Art Club after a brief  time off, and have a few nice commissions lined up.  I'll share them as they are presented to their new owners.

I've been feeling kind of bad because 2 real highlights of my year are to get paintings into the juried shows at North River Arts Society and the South Shore Festival.  This year, juggling jobs, teaching and painting (and having a life, which I have kind of given up on!) I missed the opportunities.  I didn't really have anything of size to submit.  With all the learning and playing I've been doing with my acrylics I took my eye off the ball.  Well, as a good friend always says "Education is expensive."  And this Spring, learning more about acrylics and design left me out of my usual pursuits.

There's always next year!

Tuxedo Bunny, 5x7 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

Isn't he adorable?  It's a companion piece to Honey Bunny, for that special little girl.  I have to say I love, love, love painting eyes, and glass.  :) 

I'm also thinking of changing the background on Honey Bunny to this color - too 'matchy-matchy'?  What do you think?

So much is going on - lots of deadlines.  I'm happy with them, though.  I'm enjoying my commissions, too, and only have a couple more.  Spring is the beginning of Plein Air painting, too.  And I'm thinking of putting together a Painting Safari Class - where we meet at a different location every week, with a demo, instruction and a critique if desired.  Anyone interested?  Let me know.

Ready For The Close Up, 7x5 Inch Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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This is where the jelly girls are ready for their close up! I love painting the drippy jelly - with all the layers of juiciness.  All the levels of highlights.  Did I tell you that in my last set up, my cat and dog got together and knocked over and ate my donuts?  Not only people like donuts!  Another thing I like about painting donuts, particularly jelly donuts, is that they are all different.  A puff of dough may come out very rounded, or get squashed, and the jelly sometimes spurts, and sometimes drools out.

Annnnd…. I will warn you… you might not like my unfortunate selfie.  It was a fabulous afternoon with friends at the Boston Museum of Fine Art.  We could have thought more about where we were standing….

WIP, 6x6 inches, oil (or, Life And Death In DonutLand) by Kelley MacDonald

This painting just may be spoken for (a good blog friend has dibs), but I thought maybe you'd like to see a bit of the process of a donut painting, and to hear a bit of a saga that JUST MIGHT make you cry.  

OK, so this wonderful fellow artist/blog friend requested a 'triple decker' donut painting that was already spoken for.  Now, I believe donuts each have a personality, and individuality, so even though, after painting HUNDREDS of them, I could definitely 'phone it in', and just paint from my imagination, I don't.  I go get new donuts every time.  And no, I don't eat them afterwards.  I usually buy 4 and one doesn't 'make the cut' in the beauty pagent of Jellies. (THAT gets eaten, and I share with Paco)

So for this painting my husband offered to pick them up.  I agreed, since I was a little wobbly from the flu.  He's a darling man, but he came home with SQUARE donuts. ????  How could this be?  Well, some Dunkin Donuts shops are careless and squash those tender fresh lumps of dough, that's how.  So…. no painting them.  I actually threw them OUT.

A day or two later I got out early and picked 4 perfectly plump jellies.  Only…. I wasn't nearly really done with the flu, and the simple SIGHT of them made me run for the bucket, and nausea overtook.  

Fast forward to Feeling Better.  Yes, I've discovered, you must yield to the flu.  So I did.  And I got new donuts (let's just say my purse was empty after this particular trip to the donut shop, and I did not know when it would be replenished.  Let's just leave it at that.)  Well, of course I had my dog Paco 

with me, and as we arrived home the dog next door went wild (a lovely Rottweiler) started flinging himself against the windows of his house, howling and scrabbling to get to us so he could eat Paco.  Which caused Paco to jump INTO the box of donuts, dumping them all over the driveway, with me trying to catch him before he jumped into each and every one.

Yes.  I curled up in a corner of the bathroom and howled my despair at EVER getting these donuts painted.  For about 5 minutes.  Then I went into the driveway and found 3 that had not been squeezed jelly-less.  And I started PAINTING the DARN donuts.  And you know what?  I LOVED how they came out.  All that's left is a sweet dusting of sugar and the tablecloth that they sit on.

INSPIRATIONAL?  I think so.  I will not be daunted!  I'll show you the finished piece in a day or two! 

Be happy!

First Tulips, 2014, 8x8 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$150 & $10 S&H

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Last week was my birthday, and one of my children gave me these beautiful purple tulips.  I've spent a lot of days recently trying to catch up on commissions, and putting bids out there for work.  But I just had to paint these heralds of Spring!  I wanted to keep it fresh and uncomplicated.  I love the dance that tulips do!

I'm working on some larger pieces, and maybe I'll give you a peek, although right now it's a struggle!  Be well!  Enjoy the warmer days!

Black Magic, 6x6 inch Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

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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.

Flying Angel, 6x4 Inch Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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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!

Archangel Ariel, 6x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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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...

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

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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!

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

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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.  

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

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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!  

Golden Angel, 8x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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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!

Grieving Angel, 8x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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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

$100 & $10 S&H

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

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

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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.

Snow Angel, 8x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

$100 & $10 S&H

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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!

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

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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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