DAILY PAINTING Donna MacDonald

Reach for the Sky - Tree Painting by Donna MacDonald

2011-11-30T12:56:00.002-07:00

16 x 20
Acrylic

Urban Painting by Donna MacDonald

2011-11-17T12:21:00.002-07:00

"Daily Commute"
20 x 40
Oil

Accepted into Randy Higbee 6 Inch Squared Show

2011-11-16T20:18:00.004-07:00

I received exciting news this week that "Old Timer" was accepted into the Randy Higbee 6" Squared Gallery Exhibition in Costa Mesa, California. So he's off to California, escaping old man winter. The exhibition runs from December 3-22, 2011.

Old Timer

2011-11-10T09:22:00.004-07:00

6 x 6 oil

I took this picture at Calgary's Heritage Park last summer. I was at quite a distance from this fellow and was amazed at the quality of the photo that my Canon Rebel camera captured. I use a zoom lens; that way I get natural poses as the individuals don't know that they've been photographed. When I paint from these photos I paint their features very loosely so that the painting is just an interpretation.

Federation of Canadian Artists Show

2011-11-07T08:07:00.005-07:00

I am excited and honoured that two of my paintings have been accepted this year by the Federation of Canadian Artists in Vancouver, British Columbia.

"Backgammon in the Park" was exhibited as part of the AIRS (Annual International Representational Show) which took place in Vancouver in October.

Also, I have just shipped "Light Reading" which was accepted as part of their "Small, Smaller, Smallest" Show which will take place from November 15-December 4th.

6 x 6 oil

Thanks to Everyone

2011-11-04T11:55:00.002-06:00

I great big thank you to everyone who visited Calyx's Fall Sale this year. It has been a wonderful experience to be able to show my work with this group of talented artists. It was great to meet some of my collectors and to share some of my inspirations.

I'm always excited to see what all of the artists have been working on and am in awe of the talent that we have in the group.

Thanks again!!

Urban Painting

2011-11-03T10:06:00.002-06:00

"Heading Home"
Oil
8 x 16

I'm having fun with these urban scenes. I thought I'd do a small version before I tackle the 20x40 size. That way I could play with the color and composition on a much smaller scale.

Calyx Fall Exhibition and Sale

2011-10-21T12:49:00.002-06:00

I will be participating on Saturday. There are over 25 artists each day including potters, fiber artists, jewellery makers and painters. It is a great place to start your Christmas shopping.

New Paintings

2011-10-21T10:29:00.006-06:00

"Penny for your Thoughts"
6 x 6 oil

"Red Light, Green Light"
11 x 14 oil

"Prairie Church"
6 x 6 oil

I thought I'd share some of my new paintings which will be available at the Calyx Fall Sale, this Saturday, October 22nd.

Boardwalk

2011-10-04T10:26:00.005-06:00

12 x 24 Oil

I'm not sure yet if I am finished with this painting. I will let it sit for a while. Sometimes it is hard to know when to stop. I have ruined many paintings by trying to "fix" them. Richard Schmid says in his book "It takes two to do a painting; one to paint it, and the other to rap the painter smartly with a hammer before he or she can ruin it."

I'd welcome some opinions.....

Walking on Sunshine

2011-09-30T12:01:00.007-06:00

6 x 6 oil

This little painting can be purchased through Daily Paintworks Auction

April Showers

2011-09-25T16:03:00.003-06:00

11 x 14 Oil

This past Spring in Calgary was very wet and rather cold.
The cool grey sky made a wonderful backdrop for all of the warm reflections.
Today it is 28 degrees C and feels more like summer than July and August did!
Crazy weather!

Colour Temperature

2011-09-23T11:07:00.003-06:00

Colour Temperature is something that is often confusing. I recently came across a post on the Empty Easel Blog that helps to clarify this. I have been know to sometimes spend far too much time on the web but my time is always well spent when I visit the Empty Easel Blog.

Check out this entry.

Calgary Chamber of Commerce

2011-09-20T13:56:00.005-06:00

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce
8 x 10 Oil

I was recently asked through Swirl Fine Art Gallery to do a commission for a client. Although there was quite a bit of detail in the photograph

I tried to simplify the shapes to get the essence of the building. I was pleased how it turned out and the clients were very happy with the results. I used a complementary colour scheme of blue and orange to give it an "old" sepia feeling.

Honorable Mention

2011-09-18T09:09:00.004-06:00

I am thrilled that "Daydreaming" won Honorable Mention at the 30th Anniversary of the Federation of Artists Exhibition. Little girls in pink are always so adorable, especially if they are wearing hats!
Sold

Federation of Canadian Artists 30th Anniversary Show

2011-09-15T19:39:00.005-06:00

Seven of my paintings will be included in the 30th Anniversary, Federation of Canadian Artists Show. The show runs September 17 and 18 and is being held as part of the Calgary Art Walk.

Strumming

2011-09-11T10:22:00.006-06:00

Strumming
6 x 8 Oil
Sold

I've gone back to a mellower palette and am pleased with this little painting. I was going for a very loose interpretation, focusing slightly more on the face. I've recently been reading Harley Brown's book and noted how he used little spots of cool colour in his predominantly warm paintings.

This is a study for a larger painting

Summer

2011-08-24T18:28:00.004-06:00

"Summer"
5 x 10

Oil

Summer is quickly coming to a close and it has been quite a while since I've posted. I've been spending the summer doing lots of reading (art books of course), drawing, and photo reference gathering.

I recently took a book out of the library on Nicolai Fechin. I love his work!! I've also started attending life drawing again and really enjoying it. It improves my paintings by keeping my eye trained.

I painted the above high key painting; meaning high values and I think it gives a summery and warm feeling.

The Tourists

2011-07-26T10:05:00.004-06:00

14x14 oil on canvas

The end of the day made interest light to paint. These tourists seemed undecided about where to explore next.

The Golden Age by Donna MacDonald

2011-07-21T11:56:00.006-06:00

"The Golden Age"
Sold

I spent yesterday downtown secretly photographing with my zoom lens. This senior was also people watching while enjoying the sunshine on a park bench.

It seems I spend a lot of my time pushing and pulling the paint around trying to allow the painting to have just the right amount of detail. At times it will be too detailed and I'll go in and through brushwork soften everything up.

Can Painting Improve your Health?

2011-07-16T09:11:00.005-06:00

"Summer Pleasures"

My letter to the acclaimed Robert Genn from "The Painter's Keys" was featured last week. Here is my letter:

"Dear Robert, I've noticed an amazing phenomenon. On the days that I paint I don't get a migraine! At first I thought it was a coincidence but after close observation to the timing it's become evident that there's a correlation. I started painting full time 5 years ago and it has literally changed my life! Have you heard of this?"

His response is as always very interesting and informative. Judging by the response of his readership, in the way of live and featured comments on the blog, Painting really can improve your health! Follow the above link to read some of the testimonials.

If you subscribe to Robert Genn's Famous Letters to Artists he will send a weekly letter to you. His subject are varied, informative and always inspiring.

Prep Work by Donna MacDonald

2011-07-12T12:02:00.007-06:00

"Prep Work"
8 x 10 Oil on Linen Panel

Click here to bid $350

While on a Kim English workshop put on by Art in the Aspens we stayed at Red Rock Ranch. The main ranch house was beautiful with a rustic charm. During the 5 days we had a fabulous chef cooking for us. In the morning we'd wake up to the smell of fresh crepes and in the evenings he'd prepare amazing desserts. Marty Brens was a fabulous host and took care of every detail!

Black and White by Donna MacDonald

2011-07-11T17:02:00.003-06:00

A great way to see whether your colours are clear and your composition is interesting is to change a photograph of the image into black and white. Without the distraction of colour you can focus on the pattern of light and dark and confirm that your values are correct.

Yesterday's News by Donna MacDonald

2011-07-11T15:03:00.005-06:00

"Yesterday's News" 6 x 6 Original Oil on Board

This is a smaller version of The Study with a slightly different composition.
Daily Paintworks is a great site where you can pick up small inexpensive artwork. These little paintings look great displayed on little decorative easels. The site is secure and payment is through paypal.

Sunshine

2011-07-07T20:08:00.007-06:00

"Sunshine"
6 x 6
Original Oil Painting
on board

The sunshine hitting this little girl's hat was a painting waiting to happen!

Click here to bid