Lilac Lantern Tea Room Designs

08/20/2026

Time at the lake is never wasted. This small series was created from some vintage photos in an old family album. Just some kids enjoying the moment.

08/12/2026

Summertime. So many different shades of green! This landscape shows many of those shades along the shore of the Lil' Mississippi River.

08/03/2026

A common scene from around the Valley this time of year. Painted this one around 13 years ago.

07/30/2026

Well, here we are - almost August. This year is certainly breezing by. I called this one "July Melting into August" - just look at that creamsicle sky! A hilltop view of the confluence occurring where the York flows into the Madawaska River. A calm evening just before sunset.

07/23/2026

Here's one from many years ago...these kids are almost grown now. Kinda hard to believe. Reminded me of that "American Gothic" painting for some reason. Simple pencil drawing of two little kids on a tractor. (Click on picture to see entire image)

07/12/2026

New work! An interesting view of the backside of Bancroft. So many different angles and I got most of them correct! I think I captured this visually-busy part of the town quite nicely. That was the whole appeal in the first place - all those walls, windows, power lines and different textures against the softness of the pine-covered hill in the background on a warm, hazy summer day. Not bad for a crayon drawing.

07/07/2026

The edges of the meadows and lawns are blooming with all sorts of wildflowers lately. I chose to paint this series featuring some of the tiniest flowers I could find - didn't have to go far as these were all right in my yard!

06/28/2026

That time of year when it's not uncommon to see meadows overrun with wildflowers. This liitle scene is based on a field I frequently pass on my daily drive - completly carpeted in something called Blue Viper Bugloss. It's simply stunning!

06/19/2026

This was the biggest canvas I've ever attempted - and it was quite a success! I spent the last five months working on this beautiful, custom piece! Through the creative process, I expanded my skills significantly, and added some fun, new tools to the studio. Always learning new things with each new artwork.

From Behind the Wheel To The Easel: Meet Kelly MacLeod 👋

School bus drivers come from all walks of life, and Bancroft driver Kelly is the perfect example. The unique split-shift schedule gives Kelly the perfect opportunity to support her community on the road, while her incredible artwork spotlights that very same community on canvas.

An accomplished, self-taught acrylic artist, this stunning 6-foot painting beautifully highlights Kelly's talent for capturing the vivid scenery, shifting light, and forgotten beauty of the Valley.

Want to see more of Kelly's work? Follow her on Facebook at Lilac Lantern Tea Room Designs or on Instagram. You can also catch her on the Madawaska Valley Studio Tour, Summer and Fall this October 3 & 4, 2026. Details at www.madawaskastudiotour.com

Next time you see Kelly on her route, give her a wave and celebrate the amazing talents that drive our community forward! 🚌

06/12/2026

One from many years ago, but a scene that "reflects" today's weather. A bit of humidity made for a lovely evening boat ride up along the Little Mississippi River. Tower Mountain looming in the background, a bit of blue haze across the marshland and some little fluffy clouds. This was also when I was just becoming comfortable with these acrylic paints - up until then, I'd been using craft paint with varying degrees of success.