Double Trouble, 6x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Double Trouble", 6x6 inch original acrylic painting on archival board

$100 & $12 S&H

SOLD

So.... it's a warm and sunny Summer morning, and you are out and about, listening to the birds, thinking about the day, and craving a coffee.  So you pull into a coffee shop (which will remain nameless but can be found on every 4th block in Rhode Island, anyway).  And you are just going to get a coffee.  Yes.  Absolutely.  

But... the woman behind the counter brings out a rack of plump puffs of sugar coated soft-as-a baby's-belly donuts oozing jelly... and WAIT.. where is your resolve?  How many do you WANT?  (how many can you fit in your car?) .  OK.  2.  No ... 3   So... 4.  Yes, 4.  And... it kind of makes a one-of-a-kind perfect morning, with enough to share with the dog, the spouse and anyone who might drop by (or the dog, if he can reach the bag).....

Summer Skies, 8x10 inch Acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

Well, "a day late and a dollar short", as my much-missed Dad used to say!  This painting was for our GirlsJustWannaPaint post that went up Friday, and our topic this month was "Summer Skies".  Look at the rest of them HERE. I was going for a bit of a push in my brushwork, easier for me in oil than acrylic, but I wanted to try.  I'm a big advocate of putting down a stroke of paint and leaving it, and I wanted to hold myself accountable and not mush or smooth colors together.  Why?  You are probably asking (if you are not an artist) .... well, it demands a level of confidence, that you have thought about the color, and the value (darkness or lightness of that color) that can't be faked.  I wanted also to allow the colors I saw in the sky, clouds and water to be allowed to 'ripen' next to each other.

Sometimes a passerby will stop and look as I'm working outdoors and say "Do you really see those colors in the cloud?" "Yes," I reply, "and so would you if you took a moment and just looked at that one spot in the cloud."  Artists learn to really really look at everything.

Other news~ I am having an online auction at my former home, featuring a bunch of paintings - bidding starts at a dollar, you do have to register to bid, but if you are interested in a painting, rather than having to pick it up if you don't live in driving distance, I will ship, and bill you the shipping.  Honestly, I have things still sitting at $1!!!  All you have to do is email me at kcareymac@hotmail.com.  Here you go, scroll through: http://maxsold.maxsold.com/auction/tiverton-rhode-island-usa-seller-managed-downsizing-online-auction-main-rd-2610/page/1.

Lipstick Artists

So I spent last week in Maine, one of my favorite places, painting furiously, catching up with artist friends, and talking about, thinking about and looking at art.  My eyes are exhausted!  Last week it mainly rained in Maine - or was overcast or extremely windy.  So I only did about 7 plein air pieces.  One day there was no chance of outdoor painting and we gathered on the enclosed porch to paint form our iPads or small still lifes, and I gathered lipsticks and set out to paint them.   NOT easy!  But certainly fun.  And I posted it on Facebook and everyone seemed to be able to pick out what types of lipstick I painted! This is an 8x8 inch acrylic painting.  Email me at kcareymac@hotmail.com if interested.

Wild And Crazy Martini, 8x8 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Wild And Crazy Martini", 8x8 Inch Acrylic on Canvas

 I got about 90% of this done in class at North River.  A student/friend graciously let me use this vivid fabric and I LOVE it.   I visualize this framed in a white wood frame, in a bar area or kitchen... I love the fabric background, and MAN was it a fun challenge to see how it looks when viewed through the vodka and glass!

So here's to you. Friends, artists, art lovers and just basic great women...CHEERS!  Celebrate!

Flowers And A Sweet Treat, by Kelley MacDonald

These are my very favorite Peonies from my old garden.  What do I love painting more?  The lush pink petals, the frou frou white centers?  Or..... the GLASS?  It's funny, when I start to paint these flowers I always think "CAN I do this?"  then I just stop worrying, and just do it.  And most of the time... it works.  This is a great little gift for a June birthday, anniversary or a 'just because' thing (or for yourself...).  I never get tired of looking at these flowers. 

And, we have big doings this weekend as my oldest son is getting married Saturday (so excited!), but on Sunday you can bet I'll be at the North River Arts Society's annual Festival.  Saturday and Sunday... seriously, great juried show, great crafts, photography, music, food... and a truly amazing art sale (art in the barn).  Here are a few FRAMED paintings I put in.  Really good price.  I decided a couple of years ago that I would only put things in this sale that I would buy myself, or hang on my own walls.  No clearing out of stuff that didn't sell elsewhere, or paintings that just weren't good enough.  So.... here are the candy paintings that will be there:

I guess '3' is the lucky number for me, eh?

Double Drip, 6x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD

I've been spending all day with these two babies under the lights and the scent was killing me!   I hadn't done a donut painting in so long, and have been working on Tulips (in an 8x8 inch size, for the Festival at North River Arts Society, art in the Barn) which I have been totally loving.  The tulips, these plus more, will be at an AMAZING price (they are larger than my regular Daily Paintings, and I've discounted them for the purpose of making what I consider a donation to North River, which is a totally awesome art group).  Here are a few of them:

Ruby, 6x6 inch Acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD

Happy Mothers' Day to all you mothers, to all of you who have lost your mothers, mothers who have lost their children, women who yearn to be mothers... all.  This, as I get older, has become such a laden day.  Of course, I think of my own mother... who, if I'm to be honest, I held at arm's length for years.  What was I afraid of?  That I wasn't a perfect child?  That she wasn't a perfect Mom?  How I wish I could get just one of those years back, because now... well, now I know.  It doesn't matter.  What matters is that she loved me, and I loved her, and what I wouldn't give to lavish her with love, affection and treats .... ach.  That is a wish I'll never get.  And I know she knows I hear her voice in my head ALL THE TIME.  When I'm impatient with someone I hear her saying "They are doing the very best that they can."  When I'm critical of someone she's saying "If they could change that about themselves they would." "Just do your best (really?  because that one always went against the sort of judgement that I needed to be the 'best'...)."  Still.  I can look back now and see her frustrations, and her sense of loss which she felt all her life, after losing her parents and ending up in an orphanage.

And what I have that endures are her real gifts.  Courage.  Strength.  Faith (which, yes, gets wobbly and even missing sometimes, but oops, there it is again!).  Stubbornness.  Drive.  And compassion.  All things which are the essentials in this world, gifts from her.  Gifts I hope I can pass on to my own 3 wonderful children.  

Peace.

Cinco De Mayo, 6x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

How would you like it?  Straight up or frozen?  Hmmm... Maybe you like it one way and your best buddy/friend/significant other likes it the other?  Whatever way you make it or buy it, it is delish!  I like mine extra lime-y.  I remember my favorite Margarita story.. I was painting in Mexico, in San Miguel de Allende with Paula Villanova and it was Easter Week (had we realized this we may have picked another week, but the crowds were fun, too).  Paula and I were painting in the Jardin (town square) and she went for a walk.  I jokingly asked her how much I could sell her painting for, and she said some silly answer like $20.  We laughed, and don't you know I sold both paintings on our easels while she was gone!  I gave the guy a terrific price and he was thrilled, as were we.  Paula and I celebrated by spending the afternoon in a very cool, beautiful restaurant drinking the best Margaritas (straight up) I have ever had, to this day.  Don't remember too much about the rest of the day, but I'm sure it was fun. :)  I will get back to that lovely town.....  And if you enjoy Paula's paintings, you can see them as well on our Girls Just Wanna Paint blog. 

Gimlet, Anyone? 7x5 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

Green.  I love the color!  So many greens in this piece!  And well, so many yummy things are green, like limes!  And then there's all that ice - never too much ice!

So.. kick back & enjoy.  This might just be my drink of the summer.  Looks so refreshing, no?

Make Mine A Manhattan, 6x6 Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

I guess I'm thinking of 2 things today, painting this, OK, 3 things. 

1. It's Primary Day in New York, and aren't we lucky to be able to vote for whomever we choose?
2. I have a friend that's coming to celebrate her birthday and her FREEDOM from her job, and I'm very excited, wanting to toast to her!
3. I love love love painting the shimmery, gold, yellows and reds in a Manhattan with a cherry.  OK, I love painting any kind of whiskey, bourbon, any of that gold-y stuff.  Which is kind of odd, since I don't actually like the taste of it!  It's the visuals, that get me, every time.  Plus painting glass... I love to do that too.

Anyway - hey, we have a lot to be grateful for - every one of us, if we think about it, so ... here's to you!

Oooops, I Did It Again.... 6x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Oooops, I Did It Again..." Acrylic Painting, 6x6 inches

$100 & $12.00 S&H

Click HERE To Purchase

So it's finally, finally Spring, when our young hearts turn to thoughts of love and.. jelly donuts!  Those magical, pillowy mouthfuls of sugar and jelly and puffy dough... OOOH!  

I have in mind a whole box of them, of different design.. but I will always start and return to my lovely jellies.  I've been exposed recently to APRICOT jelly donuts.  Devils up in the Quincy area make them and ... well, let me just say it's worth the trip.

Enjoy the milder weather - I think we can put away our snow boots and shovels here in New England.  Breathing in, and breathing out....  thinking of new things to add to my blog!

OH!  Have you seen the GirlsJustWannaPaint pieces for this month?  I think... it may be our best month ever!  Go HERE to view! The topic?  "Looking Up"!

Darling Sparrow, 6x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD

Do you love her?  I do.  I have always been drawn to the soft, pouffy rounded shape of a Sparrow.  I think if you sit and watch them you just have to fall a little bit in love with them.  Notwithstanding my cat thinks my love for sparrows includes dead ones,  which it most definitely does not.  I love their lively little eyes and dancing way of hopping around.  

I have somewhere (packed, and I'll find it) a sculpture of 3 sparrows on a branch.  When I get it out I'll include a photo of it. 

HUGE apologies for a post I wrote (it was a long one) on the 1st.  It disappeared - and didn't even go to the Drafts folder.  Shaking my head.... hope this guy gets out to you all.  Hey.... Spring is VERY close!  Reason to celebrate!

Baby, It's COLD Outside, 6x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

"Baby It's COLD Outside", 6x6 Inch Acrylic Painting on Archival board

$100 & $12 S&H

Click HERE To Purchase 

I have long wanted to do more figure painting.  Can never seem to find the time for 1) a class, 2) a drop in or 3) a workshop.  But today I felt compelled.  And this baby appeared on my easel.  No, I don't know this child, it's adapted from a Google Search. 

I used (Cadmium) Red, (Cadmium) Yellow and (Ultramarine) Blue and white, plus a bit of Burnt Umber (brown).  I love baby faces because they are without guile, their eyes are large and their skin is so soft.  I plan on doing many more.  I think a collection of these would be so adorable together!

Are the eyes the window of the soul?  Seems so.

You Deserve It( - and my process), 6x6 Inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

Dead of winter... halfway through.  I have friends who are at the beach, soaking up the sunshine, playing and dining outdoors, in warm places.  No.  I don't resent you - YOU DESERVE IT.  And honestly, this winter, despite a couple of weeks of rough patch, has been sort of kind.  I hope you exult in your warm days, your tan you tried not to get (right...). Kick off your flip flops and walk the beach, let your mind wander and R-E-L-A-X.  Because... yeah... you deserve it.

And here's a sneak peek at a Work In Progress (or maybe it's done, I never know).  See, our Girls Just Wanna Paint topic this month is "Palette".  You know, like our artist's palette.  So... first I made many sketches in my sketchbook of one of those hand held wooden palettes.  My personal palette is one of two: a clear glass piece on a kitchen cart, or a disposable palette, with about 20 sheets of waxy paper.  

I. Was. Bored.

So, I thought, what if I made a wild garden (the only kind I can grow) and made a flower for each color on my palette?  I use a limited palette (to start with, anyway) of

Titanium White

Cadmium Lemon

Cadmium Yellow Medium

Cadmium Orange

Cadmium Red Light

Quinacridone Rose

Ultramarine Blue

Path Blue and

Burnt Umber

So I took a canvas and over about 4 days laid down the 'darks' of the leaves, stems and loam, and the 'light' of the sky.  At least 2 layers for the sky - at least 6 for the darks. Then.... I COULD NOT BEAR to put the flowers in!  FEAR OF FAILURE.  A friend whose opinion I respect came by and I asked her and she said,  no, no flowers.  I agreed.  Mostly.  Decided to start from scratch with a completely different idea. 

BUT THEN... I was cleaning my other house's studio out and found a big piece of mylar (clear sheeting).  I taped it over (you can see a piece of tape on the upper left corner) the painting and proceed to paint as I had imagined it.  And I am very glad I tried this.  I don't know now, if I will paint this design on the actual painting or simply adhere the mylar with the paint on it on TOP of the canvas.  But it came out exactly as I imagined it.  

Lesson:  Trust yourself.

Island Kitchen, 6x6 inch acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

SOLD

There's a little island off the South Coast of Massachusetts called Cuttyhunk Island.  It's not a tourist destination.  It's tiny, very walkable, and you would go there for peach and quiet, for beauty and the salt air.  I was lucky 2 years ago to go and stay at the Avalon Inn, and this was their kitchen, which, btw, is my DREAM kitchen. If I ever built a kitchen it would be based on this one.  When I look at the photos I took I am taken right back to that magical time, where I met some great people and was able to sink into my art for a few days with no disruption.  And begin and end every day with stimulating conversation and fabulous food.  Every year the founders of this Artist's Retreat make magic happen for the artists, and imbed memories that last for years.  This year's spots are all taken, I believe but if you keep your eyes out, they open for registration early Fall, for the NEXT Fall.  Yoga in the morning, do what you will all day... cocktails and bonding and sharing in the evening.  Here's the website: http://cuttyhunkartistretreat.weebly.com

Church Beach, Cuttyhunk Island, 12x16 acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

This was my submission for Girls Just Wanna Paint this month, and the topic was The Golden Mean. You can read about what that is HERE.  It's a way to make sense of why we place things where we do and how it's got a mathematical reason.  

Or something.  God help me.  I either choose my compositions intuitively, or use a grid, with 2 vertical sections and 2 horizontal sections, and aim the focal point somewhere at one of the 4 intersections, but MOSTLY I try different sketches and find what one looks the best to me.

This scene is from an image I took while on Cuttyhunk, a magical week.  Lonely house, gorgeous view, endearing path down to the beach.  Or up to the house, depending.  

I love the solitude implied in this scene.  NOT loneliness, just the wonderful ability to feel the smallness of us verses the bigness of the Universe.  Of God. Of everything 'not-us'.  And how that is all OK, it's how it's supposed to be, and it just feels right.  it's much less than it would be framed, in a show, and also it will cost me much more than $10 to ship it, and that's a gift from me. 

Garden Of Color, 16x20 Inch acrylic painting by Kelley MacDonald

 "Garden Of Color" 16x20 acrylic on canvas, and acrylic on mylar

Is it March ALREADY????  Giving thanks for a not-too-horrible winter! And yes, it's GirlsJustWannaPaint day, too!  So, this month our topic was "Palette".  As usual, I tried out different ideas in my sketchbook.  What I decided on was a 'garden' depicting each color of my limited palette colors.  A limited palette is when an artist uses just red, yellow and blue (usually, like in my case, a cool and a warm of each color) plus white (and burnt umber).  

So I did my foliage, kind of happy, dancing leaves, etc. and was more than happy with it.  So happy, in fact, that I feared putting in the flowers.  What if that was a bad idea?  I'd ruin the foliage I liked so much.  I decided to take a piece of mylar sheeting and lay it over the canvas, to fit exactly, and paint on TOP of that, and then I could see if it would work.  It did.  But it worked too well.  I was extremely free and loose with the strokes for the flowers, and I like how they came out, like those exact brush strokes, very much.  I knew I could NEVER recreate them exactly.  So I am trying to see how to affix the mylar topping over the canvas.  Even though I've been told I can't do this (which is EXACTLY what to sat to me if you want me to break my head trying...) I love the 3-D effect having the mylar sitting atop the canvas gives.  Below are some close ups... (sideways of course... it's been that kind of day)

For now... it's just sitting.  Any ideas of fixing it to the canvas  LET ME KNOW.  :)

Hopper's Light, 8x10 inch Acrylic by Kelley MacDonald

Well, it's the 1st of the month, and that means Girls Just Wanna Paint!  This month Mary Sheehan Winn chose the theme "Paint Like A Famous Artist".  I was stumped, stymied and s-l-o-w.  I've always loved Hopper, and his bare, lonely lighthouse paintings, so here we are.  I'll tell you trying to copy another artist's work is so much more difficult than doing it yourself!  But I do learn, every single time I do things like this.  This speaks to me of every lighthouse I've visited.  Especially Maine, where Hopper took a lot of inspiration.  I love everywhere he painted.  Anyway, it's an 8x10 on gallery wrapped canvas (no need to frame).  I can't ship it till after our monthly meeting on the 6th, so bear that in mind!  Stay safe if you're in hurricane areas!

Long Time Gone

SOLD

I've really missed my blogging friends!  I've cleared out a lot in my house, and now am in the Limbo that is unique to a House For Sale.  I've struggled with all the different hats I've had to wear prepping everything, and I'm still not done, but well on my way - one more yard sale and one more POP UP sale (keep your eyes peeled and check the blog posts, because I will be taking sales via text message as well as in person!) to go.

It had been so long since I've done a Daily Painting... there was this fear... could I still paint?  I thought I'd forgotten HOW.  And what?  What subject?  I returned to my comfort zone.  Hadn't done a coffee or tea break in a long long time.  I love painting different textures, and here the graham crackers contrasted with the smooth liquid and the hard porcelain... and I had a BLAST doing it.  And whites are always so interesting.  So join me in 'Tak(ing) A Break", relax and enjoy.  And thanks for being there.

It's A Grand Old Flag, 8x6 inch Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

Happy Independence Day!  So much talk on the TV and Social Media about what divides us, about other flags, and other allegiances, religions and more.  But today, really, we can celebrate that we CAN have things that are different about us, but what is most important is that we are one.  One nation.  With lots of different people in it.  Here's a shout out to all my friends, all over this wonderful land (and beyond).  HAPPY 4th of July!

Last Fall I was lucky enough to spend time on beautiful Cuttyhunk Island.  This is what you see as you sail into their little harbor.  American flags waving, welcoming.  Long may they wave.  Enjoy your festivities today and hold your friends and families close.  How lucky are we?