Moody overcast skies and shadow-less days of winter, spring and fall are a real challenge for a plein air painter, but for Elizabeth Gaye MacDonald they are the challenge she seeks. In Michigan and South Western Ontario there are many dull and dreary days. She believes there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. She’s painted on some record breaking cold days on the North shore of lake Erie, when the temperature was -14.5 °C (5.9 °F). On days like that she deserves the title “Extreme Plein Air Painter”.

Born in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, she grew up in Southeast Detroit. Her father (and muse) was a lifelong scout leader, avid outdoors man, drafts-man, and artist. From her earliest memories summers were filled with camping on a lake in north eastern Ontario. This secluded woodland lake brought out her love of nature and the outdoors. Her love of art was nurtured by her father’s many art projects which included drawing, painting, sculpture, and leather-work.

In the 60’s, they moved to a farm in Canada. Living in a small rural town has it’s benefits, and drawbacks. There were no art classes in high school. She found an outlet for her art by joining the Drama Club, where she worked on making props for the school plays. She carved an eight foot wooden fire place mantle in her senior year.

Returning to University later in life, Elizabeth graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Honours degree in 2000. Afterwards, she volunteered and worked part time at the Windsor Printmaker’s Forum a non profit artist run organization. There she curated exhibitions, taught printmaking, life drawing, and held several positions on their Board. In 2009, she founded the Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Artists group. Elizabeth currently organizes plein air events in Canada and participates in events internationally. Her work is in private and corporate collections in the U.S. and Canada. She has won awards for her plein air paintings and photography.

Her dream is to travel the county living and painting on the road. In 2018 Elizabeth traveled across the South west USA in her mini van, visiting and painting with many artists. This journey lead her to purchase a small teardrop trailer. She has already used it to travel and participate in 3 plein air events. She is looking forward to more painting adventures in Canada and the United States.

May 2019