Always Responsibly, Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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Last week Carol Marine came to my studio and gave a workshop. Today's post was trying to incorporate her lesson on the color wheel.

We had an amazing time! She's an artist who knows her stuff, and knows how to teach it to you as well. She's organized, thoughtful, generous and she gives each student attention. We had kind of new artists as well as seasoned veterans. But everyone was so friendly and nice - I've had such great feedback from them! Here's a shot of what I managed to do during the workshop:

Four paintings of the same subject, 10 minutes each  - on a 6x6 panel, and

Three paintings of the same subject, 24 minutes, 12 minutes, 5 minutes!

And here we are:

Gearing Up For Carol Marine!

This is an older painting that sold to a dear friend, but I've been pretty swamped getting ready for the Carol Marine Workshop I'm hosting at my studio.  I studied with Carol in September of 2008 (It was also memorable because it was the first week the news covered the implosion of the economy), and I was blown away by this serious, friendly, generous, extremely talented young woman, who took a room full of artists of varying degrees of experience, and showed them a thing or two or three!  We all parted as friends, and all felt enriched. 

I have just had a cancellation - and am trying to fill that one slot - are you interested?  It's Sept. 8,9 and 10 at my studio in Warren, RI.  Email me if you want for info!!

Strawberry Frosted II, Original Oil Daily Painting by Kelley MacDonald

Giving the strawberry one another try. Honestly I'm practically wiped out of donuts... so... "time to make the donuts!" Actually, probably the last donut for this week, but who knows. I'm in technology hell - having lost my cell phone (yes, in my own house - but it's been 3 phone-less days now, which is making me idgy), and damaged my land line (OK, one of my kids actually lost one phone, the other handset is dying a slow death). So I'm alternately ransacking the house and looking up new cell phones/land line handsets. Ugh. I should paint PHONES!

I'm also really snowed under packing and shipping paintings - which is a really nice place to be. I'm hosting Carol Marine - and yes, while we were full with a wait list - if you want to be considered email me at kcareymac@hotmail.com - I've got a couple of slots that have opened up!

Also, check out Susan Roden's latest donuts....

Lemon Filled, 8x8 Original Oil Painting By Kelley Carey MacDonald

They were all out of jellies. REALLY? I mean Dunkin Donuts, at 11:30 on a Sunday is all OUT of jellies? Well, I tried to work with a lemon filled..... Susan Roden will NOT expect this in the Donut War!!! Man, it's hot here, and I see that this will continue for the week! Maybe I'll have to paint ice cubes!!! Now THAT would be something!

Lozenge, Original Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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I suppose I should actually call this "Lozenge II", because I see I've named another painting 'Lozenge'. Anybody got a good name for it? I'll change it, if you send me one I like! Does it look familiar? Yup, it's the view from my front porch. Every morning and every evening a different color scheme, a different atmosphere (well, I know it's the same atmosphere, but it LOOKS different).

I know a lot of artists don't like painting sunsets - too sweet, too much, too amateurish... but I simply don't care - I paint what inspires me, and man, this inspires me! Donuts again next post - watch out, Susan.....

End Of The Day Sizzle, Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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This month my Challenge Group (Girls Just Wanna Paint) is painting The Sun. Well, I love sunshine, sunrise and sunsets, so that was perfect for me! My problem was deciding WHAT sun to paint! Here the sun lowers itself onto the horizon behind Aquidneck Island... Portsmouth, to be exact. Yes, it's the view from my porch. I know a lot of people think sunsets are too 'kitschy' but I find them serene, peaceful... inspiring, almost like a prayer. I used a little pure cadmium orange near the sun, and while it was very vivid, it made it's point! SIZZZLE!

Just letting the blood sugar settle down a bit... a day off from the donuts!

Same, But Different, Original Oil Painting By Kelley MacDonald

NFS*

This weekend I was part of the South Coast Open Studio Tour.  I was overwhelmed with the number of people who follow my blog who stopped by!  One gentleman came specifically (drove an hour) for a donut painting he'd seen on the blog that had 'pre-sold' (the purchase was just before the open studio, but I got to put the painting out to show it anyway), and he was very disappointed.  I promised to work on another one for him and would make sure he had one in hand by the end of Sept (I am hosting a Carol Marine Workshop in my studio AND spending a week on the Cape painting Ptown), so here I am, not only firing a SALVO to Susan Roden in our Donut War, but working on his piece!

I'm humbled by the sheer number of people who came and supported me this weekend - people I hadn't seen in YEARS, people I'd never met in person - it was great.  And now I have to try to catch up to mark my paintings sold on the blog that went to new homes!

*Not For Sale

Glazed Jellies, Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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What can you do to improve Jelly Donuts? Dunk them in glaze. These are from The Coffee Shack in Marshfield, MA - I'm SO glad I don't live close by!

Susan Roden... truce till I'm done with my Open Studio this weekend?

11-5 - Paco says to COME ON DOWN!

Coffee Shack Coffee And..., Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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I was in Marshfield, MA yesterday, and couldn't resist the pull from The Coffee Shack - it is a little coffee and donut shop with AMAZING donuts (and yummy coffee, too, as in *iced* that I sipped all the way home!). Here we have a half of a German Chocolate Donut atop an Old Fashioned Glazed. I'm going to ''like" Coffee Shack on Facebook, and you might want to, too! And stop in some morning when you're feeling decadent.. or blue... or cheerful.... or just plain hungry! So! Susan Roden... let's see what you fire back at me NOW!

I was channelling fellow Daily Painter Original painter Gwen Bell while painting this. I bought this napkin this weekend with her in mind, as I love her fabrics that she paints! It was fun, although I felt I was a little 'tight', a bit 'literal'... maybe doing more of them will loosen me up!

A Salty Dog, Original Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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This lucky dog was heading out (and the fact that I have to explain that they were heading by some HUGE boats says I should maybe have done something differently in the painting) for a fun day on the water with it's people. A friend of mine had a wonderful yellow lab (now gone) named 'Salty', and she was just the BEST - so this is dedicated to her. Paco... do not be jealous.. you have a wonderful life!

Every day I'm getting ready for the Open Studio - today I actually painted a biggish painting of hollyhocks for the Bargain Table! I'm getting CRAZY!

Evening Song, 6x8 Original Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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This is one of my favorite sunsets from my porch. Last time I used a taller canvas... this time more rectangular. I still think I'm going to do a HUGE one of these! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I enjoyed my time off and am 'off to the races' now. I have more plans for my 'donut war'... so I hope you don't mind!

Getting ready for my Open Studio on my front lawn this weekend - 11-5 ... you can see this view from there... I've heard from so MANY of you saying you were taking a girlfriend on this tour - I think they should call it the 

"Open Studio Girlfriend Tour"! So fun!

Dunkin Donuts Combo #1, Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

8x8 inches

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After a couple of days of a truce in the Donut War, I am bringing out the Big Guns. TWO jellies, with a Medium Iced Coffee - regular cream and sugar. Take THAT, Susan Roden! (I know she's just going to come back with MORE ooey gooeey chocolate ones!)  
Two donuts and a coffee is a #1 Combo at DD's. You didn't know that?This thing has got to end soon because I've 'friended' Dunkin Donuts on Facebook, and have joined some kind of CLUB where they send me coupons - YIKES! OK.... it's scary to me that the EASIST part of the painting now is the clear red jelly. What is that saying about me? Too many jellies! I'm taking a couple of days for a mini vacation, but hope to have another post on Sunday - my husband has an idea for me to do a painting at the Sunapee Arts Festival - but I don't know about that!

BFF's, Original Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald, 6x6

These girls were watching a street performance during my recent trip to Quebec City. Everyone around me was riveted by the young men break-dancing, but I was riveted by the crowd. These young girls struck a chord. You know how it was when you wanted to wear exactly the same thing as your best friend? It's a sweet time. Speaking of sweets, I want to reassure Susan Roden that I have defnitely NOT abandoned the Donut War, and she should be ready for some incoming fire!

Heading Out, Original Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald, 6x6

I needed a slight break from the Donut War, so I took myself down to the dock and spotted this guy, in the early morning hours, setting off for a day on his boat. Although I don't have a boat, I completely understand how being in one for the day could remove you from your day to day cares.

I had the good fortune to attend the Outside The Box Opening Saturday night at the North River Arts Society in Marshfield, MA, where a zillion artists took 8x8 inch squares and painted something that was 'outside the box' for them. I couldn't help myself, I was bidding and bidding! There's some awesome artwork there. My husband finally gently took my pen and led me off for a late dinner - a nice little date - but I'll return to re-bid, as the show is open till 9/ll/10!!! I'm determined!

Salvo In The Donut War, Boston Cream Donut by Kelley MacDonald

A challenge to paint, a challenge to photograph! IRL there is a part of the cream that is in shadow - distinct from the donut in shadow. See, Susan Roden? I can do ooooey and goooey, too! Taking a break from donuts (much to my family's relief) this weekend - next week I'll mix it up - the war's not over, Susan.... not by a long shot!

Possible Casualty in the Donut War, original oil painting by Kelley MacDonald

Hmmmm... I knew there was a reason I never bought these.... WHAT A CHALLENGE! Translucent parts, glazed parts, shadow parts---aye-yi-yi! This was the 3rd effort at capturing the wonderful pastry. I think Susan Roden may take me prisoner over this one! Our donut war is fun (and friendly, no need to worry!)! But starting Monday I'll be alternating subjects again (surely there will be more donuts, but I'll need a new wardrobe if I don't start painting other things!).**

In the meantime, my Challenge Group, Girls Just Wanna Paint, has posted July's efforts. The topic is Fin, Fur or Feather.

** Where I come from these donuts are called "Crawla's" (you know, French Crawllers).

Rocket Launch In The Donut War, Original Oil Painting by Kelley MacDonald

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In a spirit of friendship, and painterly competition, my fellow Daily Painters Originals member Susan Roden and I are deep into a Donut War. Painting something so simple as a ball of fried dough, dusted in sugar, with juicy jam spilling out is an EXCELLENT exercise for our skills. It's all in fun, and no donut was devoured in the making of this painting....

This is a Dunkin Donuts Jelly

WHAT KIND of donut should I paint next?????

Think Outside The Box!

At the North River Arts Society, they have a fun event that's coming up.  Artists get an 8x8 inch square of foamboard and they have to think Outside The Box (or OTB) when they make a piece of art on it.  The pieces are not signed, rather they are assigned a number, and throughout August people can bid via Silent Auction on them.  So I was working on mine, and there's NO WAY I'm putting it up here, but I'll show you my brainstorm pieces - and my submission is inspired by one of these.  

The Opening is open to the public (and a good time will be had by all, I assure you!) and is the 7th at 7 p.m.   Join us if you can!

Also:  below, my Ammo For The Donut Wars:

Happy Birthday to my son, Conor!  

It Takes Two, 6x8 Original Acrylic Painting by Kelley MacDonald

The Donut Wars have begun! My blogger friend Susan Roden and I are engaged in dough warfare - I promise it's a fun 'fight' - and are painting our hearts out in donuts! This morning I trekked over to Allie's Donuts (the box, I swear, says Allie's Donuts... Rhode Island... as if everyone just KNOWS where it is), and yeah, we got lost .... twice. Finally enough of the "Don't you have your iPhone?" and "I thought you KNEW where this place was..." and we remembered - in our new car we have a built in GPS! D'OH! Rhode Island is a tiny state, but we had to drive over 2 islands to get to Allies, and pay EIGHT DOLLARS in bridge tolls! Yeah. For donuts.

I struggled a bit with the acrylic paint for no good reason. I am used to the creaminess of the oil paint, although I did the painting BELOW in acrylic, in a trip we've made an annual pilgrimage to P'town last Friday. No problems with the paint that day. With the perspective, with the flag, with the fleeting light, but the paint was fine! I hope you all had a good weekend, too!

Manager's Special, 6x6 inches, Original Oil by Kelley MacDonald

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I hadn't done a donut in a while, and this looked so tempting at Dunkin Donuts! A fellow painter at Daily Painters Originals keeps doing donuts and gets my craving going! So I'm fighting fire with fire - I'll TAKE your vanilla frosted, Susan Roden, and RAISE you a strawberry frosted with orange and pink dots! :) And yeah, I ate this one, after it sat under the lights filling the studio with the smell of warm dough and strawberry!

Doesn't it look sweet in the tiny donut box they gave me for the model?

Happy, 5x7, Oil

Pomeranians always look happy, and this little guy, who I met during the Scottsdale Gallery Walk a while ago, was no exception. He acted like a 'big dog', in that he was calm, and had a big presence. I let my brushstrokes emphasize his gregarious nature. He was quite a lot of fun to paint!


The previous post of the horse & buggy were from Quebec City!!!! Congrats to those who guessed it!

Taking The Romantic Route, 6x6 Oil

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Can you guess where this is? Guess and I'll tell you tomorrow. I always felt so bad for these horses in the heat, then when I walked around the block I saw two horses with their muzzles down in a low fountain. OK, if they get a good drink between rides. Otherwise, I'm thinking "Black Beauty" - which I must have read 4 times as a kid!

End Of Day Reflections, Acrylic 6x6

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Another view down the river. I never tire of it. This morning I woke up and saw the moon setting - I took photos and hopefully soon I'll show you that.

Are We There Yet? 6x6, Acrylic

This gaggle of Canada Geese was crossing the road down the street from me. It was a family - 3 youngsters and 2 adults (well, that's what it looked like), and reminded me of my own family and trips we'd taken. There was always the question, "Are We There Yet?" and my husband and I would look at each other like the 2 geese on the right. With a *sigh*.

Also, yes, these are "Canada Geese", as opposed to "Canadian Geese" as you sometimes hear... they don't have Canadian passports....

My husband's favorite part of this painting is the guardrail. Yup, the guardrail....


If you're down in the Duxbury way this weekend, I have 2 paintings in the Midsummer Members' Show at the Duxbury Art Association! I also have 20 little paintings at goooood prices in the members' studio sale!

Last Light, 6x6 Acrylic

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This painting was from a photo I took in Marshfield, MA. It's such a great place in the summer. I love the peach sky and the pale blue water. You know the time of day... everyone stands transfixed by the play of light between the sky and water.

Naptime, 6x6 Acrylic

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Oh, he's too warm to do too much else, here in July!  But truthfully... Paco is a CHAMPION napper. He can fall asleep sitting up.  Or licking my face.  I love the red blanket, too, it's almost like he picks a 'paintable' background sometimes!

I had a wonderful Open Studio weekend.  This was my 'soft' weekend, without invitations, etc.  The BIG one is in August - believe it or not,  it will probably be cooler.  I met so many interesting people, and saw lots of friendly faces from last year - it was great!  Lots of people were interested in classes and workshops, too.  I'm thinking of a couple of Painting Safari's - one in the RI area and one in Hull - where we paint outdoors at a different wonderful location each week.  I'll demo, then we'll paint and do a critique -it'll have just a nominal fee. Beginner to intermediate levels.   Shoot me an email if you're interested, and I'll put you on the mailing list.

Pug Dreams, 6x6 OIl

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Feeling a little guilty that I haven't updated Paco's Blog in over a month. I am just wayyyy overcommitted at this point. Trying to pare it down, but still have a lot of fun and paint daily. This is my view of Paco on a daily basis, because watching me paint is... just boring! I hope everyone has a great weekend, and if you're in the area, stop by at my Open Studio on my lawn in Tiverton! It Exit 5 off rte 24 -one mile south of the exit. It's the smaller Open Studio - I gear up for the August one, on the lawn as well. Part of the South Coast Open Studio Tour!

Maine Morning, 8x8, Oil

I just realized I've hit 600 posts - this is an amazing thing for me.  How quickly time flies!  I can honestly say I've enjoyed every post, and doubly enjoyed the new friends I've made through blogging! 

This was a plein air study done on the dock on the last painting day in Maine.  I loved the pink buoy!  I've got a bit of traveling to do, a little anniversary trip to Quebec where we spent our honeymoon, 33 years ago.  Aside from that I wrenched my neck and shoulder walking Paco last weekend, (he saw something behind us and ran full tilt while I was walking the other way!) and have been unable to paint!  Hopefully by Tuesday I'll be in the swing of things again, and I'll return dying to paint (I am already!).

Pemaquid Rocks, 11x14, oil

$150 & $10 S&ampH

These finger-like slabs of ancient rocks are made up of all types of stone squashed together during the last glacier.  I loved seeing the colors within.  This was done perched on a slab of stone across a tiny cove.  Any move could've sent me and my gear down onto the rocks in the water.  So I was VEEERRY careful.  Hope you're all enjoying family and fun this weekend....

We Want S'Mores! Oil, 6x6 inches

$100 & $10 Shipping and Handling 

This month our Challenge group, Girls Just Wanna Paint chose as it's theme 'Summer Desserts'.  My first thought was "MMMmm Watermelon!", But Page Railsback's gorgeous rendition of watermelon stopped me cold.  Then I thought "Oh!  An ice cream cone!"  And I saw that Nancy Colella did one of those.  So what then?  I was stumped till we had our own cookout and my son wanted s'mores.  So... last day of the month there I am at 5:30 a.m. building a charcoal fire, by 6 a.m. I was roasting a half dozen marshmallow's to the confusion of my neighbors.  The chocolate was ooey and gooey, and the marshmallows were so FLUID, but ultimately paintable.

Happy 4th of July to all of you!

Fragrant Mock Orange, 11x14, Oil

This is a view of part of the porch at the Maine farmhouse.  The Mock Orange  bush was in full bloom when we arrived, and more beautiful flowers bloomed daily.  If you've never smelled them, they kind of smell like Lilies of the Valley - on steroids.  My husband's grandmother, Margaret Croft, introduced me to this plant, and every time I smell them, I think of that generous and gracious lady.
$150 & $10 S&H via Paypal
Email me with questions at kcareymac@hotmail.com

Time To Get Painting, 11x14 Oil

This is the kitchen table at the farmhouse we stayed at in Maine.  The scene was to represent the end of coffee time and the breaking out of the paints and easels.  These were special mugs.  The one on the left is a Fiesta mug that I coveted, belonging to my first oil painting teacher and (now) friend, Valerie Vitali.  She brought it from home because it was important to have a cup you loved for tea/coffee.  I SO relate!  The other one was purchased ON THE WAY to Maine (my husband wasn't with me and thus couldn't restrain me as I approached the coffee shop and passed the Thrift Shop in South Boston!).  

Many of us were painting inside the house that day, Jody Regan and I were happily humming while we painted in the kitchen, and I must admit this painting was punctuated by frequent bursts of 70's songs sung by all of us in a most... er... enthusiastic manner (Think... David Cassidy - "I Think I Love You!).  At this point we were beyond feelings of shyness, and fairly rocked the house!
$150 & $10 S&H via Paypal
Email me with questions at kcareymac@hotmail.com