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Elizabeth Gaye MacDonald (nee Clarke) was born in Grosse Point, Michigan. In 1964, her father left the city life behind and returned to the country of his birth, Canada. He found a small farm house on the outskirts of Harrow, where they thankfully embraced rural living. In 1976 she met her husband Sheldon MacDonald. He is very supportive of her art, and they have a wonderful solid marriage.

Having a passion for art, but the greater need for food and shelter, Elizabeth turned to a clerical career. For twenty two years she worked her way up the corporate ladder. She was well respected in the accounting industry and is an alumni of KPMG an international accounting firm.

When her mother passed in 1991 her then frail father came to live with her and her husband. Life took a dramatic turn. She re-thought her priorities and left her successful career to care for her father full time. Little did she know that her father would be instrumental in her returning to University to obtain a Visual Arts Degree.

Insatiable curiosity, a thirst to create, and a fearless positive attitude towards any project at hand drives her to try new things. Employers, professors and friends refer to her as being multi-talented. Be it a multi media installation that brings light to the plight of the elderly, large 4′ x 5′ figurative watercolours, 4′ x 5′ mural photographic prints, figurative or abstract intaglio etchings and mono prints, or an intimate watercolour landscape, she is at home in many genres.

Her most rewarding experience to date started in 2009 when she returned to her love of watercolour Plein Air painting. She and a long time friend co- founded the “Windsor & Essex County Plein Air Society.”

Using the social media Facebook, she started to invite her artist friends to join them on weekly outings. Their mission is to share with others how painting from nature can rejuvenate the spirit, and soothe the soul.

In two short summers as at October 1st, 2010 the group has grown to 41 members. While not all of these members join the paint outs each weekend. the average attendance is between 6 – 9 members and this number continues to grow each week.

Elizabeth or “Gaye” as she is called by her closest friends, has shown her work in juried shows, and won awards for her photography and paintings.
Other achievements include:
Curating the group show “Ink a tribute to John Pufal”.
Working as part of a team she helped organize, promote and participating in staging the largest BFA graduating class exhibition in the 50 year history of the University of Windsor School of Visual Arts.
She placed the call to artists, photographed, framed and cataloging art for the WPF international juried exhibition “Evolution.” Was involved in organizing, Windsor Printmakers’ Forum, annual contribution to VITA (Visitor in the Arts) a joint project between Art Gallery of Windsor, Artcite, University of Windsor School of Visual Arts, and other area arts organizations.
She has also participated in “Artscene” a project of Artcite.
She was part of The University of Windsors, Art in the Park student show for 5 consecutive summer and winter shows.

To arrange workshops, private or group lessons, commissions or to view her body of work please call for an appointment. Phone 519-977-5687 or email emacdonald6@cogeco.ca.