Memories, 6x6 Inch Acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

This month the Girls Just Wanna Paint challenge was to paint a treasured object.  I've kind of trying to adopt a Buddhist attitude, of detachment, and not letting material things mean too much to me, but this little pitcher was my mom's and I think was actually a creamer.  My son, knowing how I love pussy willows, actually GREW some this year, and put them in a floral arrangement he gave me on my recent birthday.  Well the flowers are gone, but the pussy willows remain.

SO.  On to the fun part here.  Today, being behind the 8 Ball with my painting schedule, I packed up my paints and drove to Sally Dean's studio where we decided we would simply get in her studio and CRANK out this month's Challenge. We did it, then went looking at some awesome pottery and glasswork in nearby Norwell (behind Trattoria San Pietro). So... here is mine.  Please check out the rest of the GJWP Challenge paintings HERE, and Sally's blog HERE.

"Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends... " yes I do, and I want to say THANKS to Sally for a great art date day!

Lifting Spirits, 6x6 in Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Lifting Spirits" 6x6 Inch Acrylic Painting

$100 & $10 S&H

Click HERE To Purchase

It has been a loooong Winter!  Even now, officially Spring, we are sloshing and scraping and salting...  these tulips have such fresh color and really pierce the Winter Blues!  

They tell me warm weather is just around the corner.  I will believe.... 

Reconnecting with a lot of my artist friends this week - I think we've all been hibernating - it is just wonderful stuff.  Sharing meals, celebrating occasions, talking about upcoming workshops and painting trips - is it just us or is everyone beginning to emerge into a more joyful place?

Be well, friends, and be thankful for every day.  I'm thankful that you are sharing my art journey.

Filled With Hope, 7x5 Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

It's been a tough winter.  In so many ways.  And I am so blessed to have a plethora (I always love to use that word!) of bouquets to surround myself with around my birthday.  This one, has daffodils, tulips and pussy willows... bursts of color and gentle shapes and contrasting textures.

I have hope.  I always need to feel it - and this year maybe more than others.  And love.  

"Faith, Hope and Love... and the Greatest of these is Love".  Be bolstered by it.

Spring Has Sprung (almost)

By the calendar... Spring arrived this evening at 6:45.  In reality, however, it was snowing (again).  I'm feeling lucky because I have really beautiful flowers INSIDE right now.  Honestly, I have tulips (4 kinds), daffodils, roses, hyacinths, orchids and lilies.  Yeah.  Unbelievable, right?  I'm grateful for a birthday after a loooooong winter!

You can't blame me for letting loose a little with the paint.

Love them all.  Allowed myself to be very free with this Lily Portrait.

It's one of those paintings that look quite abstract close up, but if you back up it all comes together.

Feels like warm weather if I look at it!

The Big 6-0!

Well, today's my 60th birthday, and I'm sharing some cake with you.  Home made buttercream frosting, yes it is!  I just love, love, love this painting - it really is cheerful and happy - just like you should always be on your birthday.

I'll tell you a little about my celebration.  My husband bundled me up at the crack of day and we headed to Cape Cod ("The Cape" as it is known here).  We were going iceberg hunting!  This winter huge chunks of ice - bigger than a person - washed ashore on the bay side of the arm of the Cape.  We visited as many beaches as we could.  Stopped for a fabulous cream donut in New Bedford on our way.  Of course we brought Paco.  Of course we hit a gallery or two.  Now... my favorite way to celebrate - in our cosy living room with a movie and some cheese & fruit - and a cocktail to toast the new decade - you can't keep a happy girl down, #60!