"Blue, Blue, My World Is Blue", 12 x 12 acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Blue, Blue My World Is Blue" 12x12 acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

Title is from one of the first songs I learned on my guitar in 7th grade.... this is a demo from my Intro To Intuitive Painting Zoom class.  What we were about in this day's class was to layer, after making marks on our canvas, all kinds of any one color.  I chose blue because it seems, from looking at my paint collection, that I LOVE this color!  So so many colors of blue - ultramarine, pthalo, cerulean, cobalt, prussian, blue violet, blue gray, etc. Kind of goes with the mood of the country right now, pre-election too, in that as Americans we are different, but more alike than different.  

 

Fog Lifting, 16x20 Acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

"Fog Lifting", 16x20 Acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

Done at the South Shore Audubon Society off 3A in Marshfield Hills, MA.

Leading a painting Safari on Boston's South Shore again, one of my favorite things to do.  The air is invigorating.  The light is gorgeous.  The birds, the breeze, the sounds of leaves rustling.... even though my plein air paintings are not my primary work.... Every painting I do or even begin outside informs the rest of my paintings. 

I hate that term, actually... "informs".  Sounds so pretentious.  Well, I couldn't think of another word... wait... INFLUENCES!  yes.  Every painting, even abstract work, must be conscious of thick and thin lines and passages, contrasts in values, and color harmony.  Does that make your head spin?  I'm thinking of putting together a couple of online classes for after the new year.  One is Beginning Painting in acrylics, the other "How to Transition To Acrylic from Oils or Watercolor".  What do you think?  The second one would be just a 4 part class.  But it is a real struggle, and rather than give up... you can learn the little things that will make your acrylic paintings look like the oil paintings you love, but maybe do not want the health risks of anymore.

 

"Cantina El Gato Negro", 16x20 Acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

"Cantina El Gato Negro", 16x20 Acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

For the Girls Just Wanna Paint Challenge this month our topic was "Not New England".  And I decided to go far away from New England for my inspiration.  In my travels in San Miguel de Allende I am drawn to the 'old style' doors and windows.  Quite honestly I have never been in any of these bars - not really a place for me.  But I have always loved black cats and so couldn't resist taking a photo of this doorway, with it's swinging doors and carved relief cats.  I CAN NOT WAIT to go back to San Miguel.  When the pandemic allows... hoping for  mid February 2022, with my buddy Paula Villanova, to lead a painting trip with other fun artists.  Stay tuned for exact dates. 

DM me or email me for purchase info.

kcareymac@hotmail.com

"Selfie With Sunglasses" 8x6 by Kelley MacDonald

"Selfie With Sunglasses" 8x6 Acrylic

This month the Challenge for  Girls Just Wanna Paint was "Selfie With Sunglasses" which I thought would be  HORRIBLE.  

So when I set up (after taking 20 selfies) I said "This is going to be #1 out of 5 'tries' - the first three being 'toss outs'. " BUT... I liked it when I finished.  A bit rough, but aren't we all these days???? 

Stay safe and be happy.

Pick Me! Pick Me! 12x12 Acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Pick Me! Pick Me!" 12x12 Acrylic

$225 & $10 S&H

This month our Girls Just Wanna Paint topic was "Fish".  We were not inspired to do anything Coronavirus-ish. At our local Whole Foods there are always pink fish on ice.  No idea what they are and no inclination to cook or eat them, but I have always been intrigued by the color.  

I hope you are all staying safe and well.  Uncertain times.  Sending out vibes and thoughts of hope, health and ... even a bit of joy.  

Happy Daffi's, 8x6 Acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Happy Daffi's" 8x6 Acrylic on Board

Hey.  Stuff is real, here as it is where you live.  All of my classes are not running, and the Spring shows I usually participate in are cancelled.  SO.....  I have had to increase my pricing slightly.  Strange times.  I wish for health for all of you.  It is a bewildering time, with all kinds of information and misinformation out there, and people's businesses flatlining and loved ones passing away, operations still needing to be done, mourning and birthing... all these things now are done... alone.  Without the love and support of our friends and extended family.

Peace to you all. Really.

"Me And My Shadow", 8x8 inch acrylic

Been a while but I have been painting - just not putting things out for sale, concentrating on just doing the work.

This painting, which I submitted for my GirlsJustWannaPaint blog under the "Shadow" topic - is near and dear to my heart.  Aside from just loving shadow patterns, I love this little guy.  He is 11 now, but still my constant companion, although these days he pretty much naps all day (I know, the LIFE!). Be sure to check out the wonderful pieces submitted by these terrific artist this month HERE.

You may have noticed I have raised my prices for 6x6 and 8x8 paintings - grudgingly keeping up with what my contemporaries offer, although keeping it on the low side.  I haven't changed my prices since 2007!  And everything that goes into these little gems has gone up.  Time for me to be honest and keep up!