Poppies, 6x12 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

As we drove to and from painting sites during our week in Maine, we were treated to gorgeous displays of poppies.  These, against the deep dark of the woods, were these brilliant glowing flowers! We took so many photos of them and I knew I'd paint them.  One thing I love about this painting is that the woods are not a flat black area, there is depth and branches and trees and all sorts of stuff going on there! A nice, 'tuckable' size, too, 6x12.  

I always see poppies as a hopeful sign, that the cold winter is really really gone, and the flora of summer is on it's way.

Sigh, 6x12 Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD

This painting went to a friend, and I am so so happy to know that the peace and joy I got from painting it will be in her life.

Maine Rocks, 6x12 acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

NFS

Right about now I'm visiting Pemmaquid Light House.  These rocks were painted with a cast of thousands (felt like) standing behind me.  A big bus load of people emptied out and they thought this was part of the Tour. :)

Well, many left when I painted the whole canvas magenta.  ("She doesn't know what she's doing....")  And the way I painted it, I blocked in huge abstract shapes at first.  Then I went in and added depth, detail, strong values, color.  When I look at this I can hear the pounding of the tide on the rocks.  Yes, Maine Rocks. xo

Oh, Honey!, 6x12 Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

Right now I'm on my yearly painting retreat in Maine.  7 days of art - IMAGINE!  We only have to worry about what's for dinner one night each, and we do housekeeping the morning we leave.  It's a love fest, and a week of intense sharing of news in the art world, techniques, art history and ideas.  

On the road to the nearest lighthouse is a beekeeper who sells her wares from her porch.  She lines up different sized jars with a 'honey bee bear' on the railing.  Against the house are the butterflies she makes and sells.  I look forward to this still life every year. And the light coming through that honey - BAM!

Comfort, 6x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD

The glow of the set sun, the serenity of the flowing water into the marsh, gives many of us a settling in kind of feeling.  A place to let your fears and anger go, and let the peace and comfort of faith seep in.  I wish this for all of you, friends.  This painting was done in the 'zone', where you don't even direct your brush, it simply flows.  I love it, and I don't say that about many of my own paintings!