Nicki Ault

Clearing

2012-03-05T19:32:00.000-08:00

Clearing

6 x 6"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2012

I found an old photo from Waskesiu which kept pulling at me so I decided to give it a whirl on a small board. I had lots of fun, but looking at it here I am wondering if the earthy red bit at the front is distracting. I have also painted a larger forest scene that I will show you soon. And my crazy dogwood painting that I have lovingly referred to as the "Monster" is moving along.

This is the first painting I have taken with my new camera! Yes, I had to get a new camera... basically I tried to carry too many things at once in order to avoid multiple trips up the studio stairs. My camera was in a box with two little paintings when the Starbucks coffee I was balancing, with no lid, tipped and poured into the box. Now here is the interesting part... what do you save first, paintings or camera? For me the instinct was to save the art. Only after I had whisked them out of the box did I realize that my camera was literally floating in the corner that was filled with a half-sweet Cinnamon Dolce Latte. Why oh why, you ask, did you not have a lid on your coffee?! Because the whipped cream melts much more quickly with a lid on and then it is not as much fun to drink!

*note: my camera had seen better days and a new one was in the future anyway... the screen was cracked and a piece had broken off... the future just came a little sooner than planned.

January Road Trip

2012-02-29T15:11:00.001-08:00

January Road Trip, Late Afternoon

6 x 6"

oil on board
©Nicki Ault, 2012

On New Year's Day my family and I went on a road trip to Edmonton. As we listened to the Top 100 countdown of 2012 I was busy taking photos of the passing landscape. There was a small skiff of snow on the ground, just enough to reflect the deep blue colour of the late afternoon sky. There was such an ethereal glow happening... I am going to play with the idea some more- could get abstract.

As an aside, the kids felt that Stereo Heart by Gym Class Heroes should have been #1, but alas (to my delight) it was Adele's "Someone Like You".

Afterglow

2012-02-27T09:01:00.000-08:00

Afterglow

6 x 6"

oil on board
©Nicki Ault, 2012

I spent Friday night on a date... with myself... at the studio. It's a wild and crazy life I lead. I worked on a monster of a painting for a little bit. It's a monster because it is large and it has a big, crazy, branchy Dogwood right there on the whole canvas... right in your face. It has been a hard one to tame and a monster for that reason, too. It is basically the way I wanted it to be composition-wise, but I'm not sure it's working. It seemed like a good idea in my head. It could just end up being a monstrosity! Time will tell and I hope it ends up being something I want to share with you.

Anyhoo, after I mucked around with the "monster" I found a photo of glowing clouds at sunset that I took last spring. About 5 hours later "Afterglow" emerged.

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2012-02-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

30 minute pencil sketch

Things went well at the drop-in drawing session today. I felt like I was seeing things better than the last few weeks. I sat in a new spot with the windows at my back and maybe that made a difference.

We've had this model before and she has awesome hair!

10 minute pencil sketch

20 minute pencil sketch

I even stayed longer than usual,

10 minute charcoal sketch

but still didn't have time to get her legs in on this one.

Foggy Morning at Gabriel Dumont Park

2012-02-23T11:21:00.002-08:00

Foggy Morning at Gabriel Dumont Park

6 x 6"

oil on board
©Nicki Ault, 2012

We are so lucky in Saskatoon to have such a beautiful river running through our city. Well, actually, what makes it so beautiful is the attention that is paid to the riverbanks. Wonderful trails and parks have been developed all along both sides of the river and let me tell you, at the first sign of great day the people of Saskatoon make use of these areas! This particular park, named after Gabriel Dumont, is a place I love to go with my kids. When they were littler they especially loved the playground... cool buffalo sculptures to climb on, a big wooden fort, and a cool, winding path to a look-out, among other things. Now we also like to ride our bikes along the trails and have wiener roasts at the fire pits. And I like to go there to paint!

Tangerine Trio

2012-02-20T10:32:00.000-08:00

Tangerine Trio

4.75 x 4.75"

oil on watercolour paper
©Nicki Ault, 2012
sold

Here is the other poppy painting I made (of three... one of them is not worth showing). As with the other, this photo does not do it service... I have found reds both hard to paint with and hard to photograph. At any rate, it is a quirky thing and I especially like the brushstrokes on the lower half of the painting...

And I am lovin' it in the white frame!

Happy Family Day Saskatchewan!

* update... just sold through Daily Paintworks!

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2012-02-18T12:34:00.000-08:00

15 minute sketch

The model at the drop-in drawing session today was excellent... she did these crazy, really hard (as in physically difficult) 2 minute gesture poses and none of mine worked out! I think I was too preoccupied with her falling over and hurting herself. Once a mother always a mother! When we got to the slightly longer poses I decided to try to avoid drawing lines and just start shading in the forms. I enjoyed going about things this way, so I tried it again with the next pose...

15 minute sketch

After that I decided to work on finding the right proportions...

20 minute sketch

If you look closely you can see I divided the page roughly into equal eighths to try to stick with the "an adult is 7-8 heads tall" rule... but I still couldn't keep it all on the page! I need a bigger sketch book; I forgot I used the final page last Saturday. Next week I will be at the art supply store getting a big sketch book and a big newsprint pad.

It's a gorgeous, melting day here in 'Toon Town! Enjoy your Saturday wherever you are!

Poppies

2012-02-17T14:16:00.000-08:00

Poppies

4.75 x 4.75"

oil on watercolour paper
©Nicki Ault, 2012

sold

I was asked by a friend to try painting red poppies and this is one of the three attempts I made. I was quite pleased with two of the attempts, and today she chose "Poppies" as the one she wanted for her home (she had seen the above picture and agrees that it doesn't do the painting justice). The frame finished it off; it's amazing how a decent frame can really dress up a small painting.

On a side note it was an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful morning here in the burgh. Hoar frost covered all of the trees in town and it was a beautiful show...

By noon it had warmed up just enough that the thick frost was melting and sliding off the branches making it look like a sunny day snowfall. Ahhhh, simple pleasures are the best.

Have a great weekend!

September Mood Near Kapasiwin

2012-02-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

September Mood Near Kapasiwin

30 x 60"

oil on canvas
©Nicki Ault, 2012

Above is my newest and largest painting to date and with it comes an announcement...

This morning I hung "September Mood Near Kapasiwin" and 9 other pieces at O'Reilly Insurance in Saskatoon. They recently renovated and doubled their office space and Declan O'Reilly had a vision of using the beautiful new reception area and hall as an art gallery of sorts to feature local artists. Declan is my son's (amazing) soccer coach and when I invited him to the Open Studio last November he was taken aback. I was a bit puzzled by his reaction, but up until then he didn't know I was an artist and I didn't know he had been pondering the use of his renovated walls as an art space! As such, two worlds collided. I'm grateful he liked my art enough that he not only wanted to show it on his walls, but he wanted me to be the artist to kick off this venture for him. I will have more details to follow... we are taking baby steps with this and he wants it all done right. The plan is to have a closing reception in approximately eight weeks, but if you are in the Erindale area please stop in and have a look... O'Reilly Insurance, 101-407 Ludlow St.

As a side note, Kapasiwin is a beautiful area where cabins can be rented. It is on the way to the Waksesiu River and the Marina . If I had a longer canvas the cabins and quaint resort area would be found further to the right of the grassy hill in this painting.

*This is a big one. I tried to enlarge it for this post, but the next size up doesn't fit within the post perimeters. If you click on it you will see it in a light box and it should be larger.

They're Here!

2012-02-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

If I treat myself to something, one of my favorite things to buy is art supplies. A very close second is art books and right behind that would be boots! Today an order I made a couple of weeks ago arrived. I am so excited! "Art Models 6: The Female Figure in Shadow and Light" by Maureen Johnson looks fantastic... absolutely beautiful images I'll be able to use for longer drawing studies. It came with a CD which has all of the photos found in the book, but with the added feature of being able to rotate the pose so it can be drawn from all sides. How cool is that? I'm also extremely excited to study "Lucien Freud Paintings" by Robert Hughes. I don't know a lot about Freud but the work of which I am aware is quite remarkable and I am looking forward to learning about his life. Finally the third book, "Seeing is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees" by Lawrence Weschler might be the one I am the most excited about. I stumbled upon it and to be honest it was the one solitary review written about it that sold me. The review was by a representational artist who raved about the increased understanding he had of abstract and conceptual art after reading this book. I've always felt like I don't understand and therefore can't fully appreciate conceptual and non-representational art. I'm hoping this book will shed some light into the cobwebs of my brain and that I will come out the other end feeling much more worldly and clever! If that happens it will have been 17 bucks well spent!

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2012-02-11T15:58:00.000-08:00

25 minute sketch

charcoal and pastel

2 minute gestures

20 minute sketch

charcoal and pastel

10 minute contour drawing

pencil

20 minute sketch

graphite and pastel

The drop-in drawing session today was fun, although I left early because of a headache. I sat in a similar place this week (facing the windows), so still battled back-light issues on the model. I used my white pastel more sparingly just to show the bright highlights (and some reflected light) on the body. I enjoy the difference between the contour drawing and the sketch I did of the same pose. The arm coming towards me was quite foreshortened (dramatically so in the contour drawing- he he) and offered a challenge as did the line of her torso. The man sitting beside me happened to be the instructor of the drawing class I took last summer. I said something about our angle being a challenge and he told me to think of it as a landscape. Humph. Helpful!

I am very excited because I have ordered some new art books and they should be here soon. One is called "Art Models 6: The Female Figure in Shadow and Light" by Maureen Johnson. A girl probably should have started with book #1, but #6 looked so good! Anyway, even though it is not as good as a live model, I will have some images to work from at home now and I will be able to work on a pose for more than 20 or 30 minutes at a time.

Have a great weekend!

Fog and Ice

2012-02-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

Fog and Ice on the South Saskatchewan

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2012

This was fun. A bit abstract- which I enjoy. I kept trying to sharpen up the image for posting until I finally realized that, hello, it's fog- I painted like that!

I'm trying to challenge myself with colour and I'm gobbling up info. and images from my art books. I definitely have a comfort zone with blues and greens... not so much with reds, oranges and pinks. I want to expand and grow. The soft palette of this painting and "When Will I See You Again?" has been one way to try something different and this afternoon I took a giant step in the opposite direction. You should see the bold shock of a painting I mustered up (for me)! Well, actually you will after it dries and I take a picture. Basically "Sky in July" no longer exists. The more I looked at it, the more I thought, "Yeah, whatever. Blah blah blah". So with Tom Thomson egging me on from the pages, I squeezed out some rarely used reds and magentas and let 'er rip!

UPDATE (Feb. 10): At the studio this morning I was less than enthused about the "bold shock" I created yesterday... you likely won't see it after all!!!

* I just realized this is my 300th post!

When Will I See You Again?

2012-02-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

When Will I See You Again?

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2012

Last Wednesday it was extremely foggy in Saskatoon, so as soon as I dropped the boys off at school in the morning I went to the riverbank and took lots of photos. It was beautiful. Dreamy. Peaceful. As I painted I imagined that the trees missed their perfect view of downtown and then the lyric "When Will I See You Again?" came along in the Adele song ("Don't You Remember") I was listening to and I knew that had to be the title.

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2012-02-04T14:36:00.000-08:00

20 minute sketch

8 minute contour drawing

20 minute sketch

I went to the drop-in drawing session this morning and mucked around with my pastels (I still have a small box from Grade 12 art class!). It was tricky today because they turned out the lights and had a spotlight facing into the class on the same wall as the windows. I was looking straight at the window/spotlight wall so basically the model was very dark except a halo of back-light all around her. If I knew how to sketch in that scenario I would have been golden! Never-the-less it was interesting (if not blinding)!

I love the contour drawing- I usually enjoy how they turn out. The last sketch, well, I was planning to do a white chalk/black charcoal sketch and then shoot in some colour patches like amazing Marcia LaBelle, but somehow she ended up looking like the Wicked Witch of the West!

Oh well, onward and upward!

Sky in July

2012-02-02T21:06:00.000-08:00

Sky in July, Waskesiu

10 x 10"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2012

This was done quickly the other day... just some play time before I tackled a huge canvas. It was intimidating staring at the blank, white, 30 x 60" canvas, so I got out some colours I am comfortable with (blues) and mucked around, ending up with what you see above. I then decided to continue to reduce the fear factor of the large canvas by mapping in a bit of an underpainting with Burnt Sienna and Quinacridone Nickel Azo. As soon as it wasn't white anymore it seemed more do-able.

Good lesson for the future. Finally last Friday I spent about 10 hours painting like a crazy person. I had the studio to myself and may I just say that both Blue Rodeo and Prince and The Revolution sound really good on high volume! At any rate, the last few days have been spent making improvements and changes to this behemoth; a lot of time has been put into this one. It is close to being revealed and with it will come an announcement.

What The?

2012-02-01T10:31:00.000-08:00

What is going on with Facebook??? Anyone know???

Update: It's all good... not sure what the glitch was but it's better now. I think I pushed the panic button!

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2012-01-28T13:32:00.000-08:00

20 minute sketch

quick gesture studies (hat)

and

20 minute sketch

I got an email from my friend Kerry last night asking if I was planning to go to the drop-in drawing session today. To be honest, I likely wouldn't have gone if he didn't email me, but I know he knows that drawing is a bit of a goal of mine so I was feeling accountable! I'm glad I went, but I didn't feel inspired by the model. I left early and went by the studio to contemplate a large canvas I worked on yesterday. It looks promising, but I need to let it dry so I can tweak some things. I hope to show it to you in a few days... and with it will come a announcement.

January Sunrise

2012-01-26T19:17:00.000-08:00

January Sunrise

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2012

After I took the kids to school yesterday I was drawn to the gorgeous morning light. The sunrise was so beautiful I had to drive straight out of town to take pictures. Of course by the time I got away from buildings, traffic and street lights some of the magic was lost, but I still managed to get a few shots. The colours were so soft and dreamy. To the south-east there was a long band-like cloud that was dark against the crisp blue sky, but faded as it went up. The bottom of the cloud had these wispy little tendrils coming down that added to the softness of the overall scene.

On another note, we went to the family skate night at the school yesterday which was tons of fun and the weather couldn't have been better. However, let me just say that you know you are in bad shape when you go skating and the next day your forearms are sore!!!

Waskesiu Lake at Dusk - slight revamp

2012-01-21T20:00:00.000-08:00

Waskesiu Lake at Dusk

(update)

30 x 36"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2012

I've been living with this painting for a short time and while I was happy with it, I noticed it had darkened once it dried, at least enough that I felt like it needed a bit more energy. I brightened the light areas and punched up the heat in the horizon line. As one of my studio mates said, if you're going to bite off a sunset you may as well go for it! How true! Sunsets are dicey. I often think they should come with a great big slice of cheese... and yet here I found myself painting a big one! I have been tempted to call it "Fromage at Dusk", but in the end I think there is something about the sky, the cloud formations, that keeps this painting from being full-on corny.

before
© Nicki Ault, 2012

One other very small change I made (that I think is an improvement) is the touch of warmth I added to the jut of land on the left hand side. The slight reflection of the setting sun really brought this area to life.

I'll be curious to hear what you think of the changes. Let me know in the comments if :

A) the painting has more impact and drama... you say, "thumbs up!"

B) you are indifferent... you say, "whatever!"

C) this painting is now perfect material for a Real Estate agent's calendar... you say, "cheese please!"

Quirk

2012-01-15T08:35:00.000-08:00

Quirk: An Experimental Sky

6 x 6"

oil on board

This is one of the boards I played on this past week. I worked fast. I moved the paint around until what I saw seemed right. It is quirky. It is expressive. It is an idea I would like to play with more. And I feel shy showing it to you.

Sunlit Meadow

2012-01-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

Sunlit Meadow

6 x 6"

oil on board

The other day I realized I had never put this painting on my blog. It is one of the small boards I did on my plein air painting getaway to Waskesiu Lake, P.A.N.P. this past September. I drove to my favorite painting location within the Park where the Spruce River winds out of the forest into a small clearing by a meadow and picnic area. To get this angle of the glowing grass behind the stand of Birch trees I had to set up in front of a not-so-scenic part of the picnic area.... the outhouse! The palette is simple, but I think the contrast makes this little piece sing.

Details - Paintings Within the Painting

2012-01-11T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some of my favorite passages in the painting I posted yesterday, "Waskesiu Lake at Dusk". To me they are paintings within the painting.

With the start of the new year I am contemplating many things and wondering where the months ahead will lead. I want to experiment and step out of my comfort zone, the problem is it is just so comfortable here!!! I actually pushed myself today, on a small scale, but none-the-less. I played around on some small boards with expressive marks. If I muster up the courage, I'll show you what I did. I have also been devouring the art books I got for Christmas and revisiting ones I already had which is where I found the quote that is now stirring around in my head. It's related to the advice Degen Lindner gives her students regarding their paintings; she says something like "It has to be more than what it is". Simple words with a lot of meaning. Here is the quote I've been pondering:

"Objective painting is not good painting unless it is good in the abstract sense.

A hill or tree cannot make a good painting just because it is a hill or a tree. It is

lines and colors put together so that they say something. For me that is the very

basis of painting." ~ Georgia O'Keeffe

I found it in the book "Georgia O'Keeffe" by Georgia O'Keeffe. It has a beautiful collection of some of her work and it is written as if she is having a conversation with the reader. I wanted to provide a link to the book, but couldn't find one. It's old ... a treasure I found in a used book store within an antique mall in Edmonton. Now there is a fun way to spend a few free hours!

Waskesiu Lake at Dusk

2012-01-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

Waskesiu Lake at Dusk

30 x 36"

oil on canvas

This one really busted my chops. I put in some serious time at the studio over a period of three (non-consecutive) days. This is where it ended off today. It could be done. Maybe. I think.

As I painted it, especially today as I was winding down, I kept thinking of the advice Degen Lindner gives her students about the way they paint their subjects. She often says, "It has to be more than what it is". I get that. I am just not sure I always reach that goal. Tomorrow I will show you some details of this painting that I do believe are areas that "are more than what it is"... I'm just not sure that the whole is greater than (or even equal to) the sum of it's parts. Today I also rediscovered a quote that relates to this idea and I'll share it with you tomorrow (because I forgot the book at the studio).

Stay tuned...

Bittersweet Sunset

2012-01-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

Bittersweet Sunset, Emma Lake

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2012

This is officially my first painting of 2012. As reference I used a photo I took last summer on the beach at the Kenderdine Campus which reminded me of a painting I saw at the AGO. It was a little miracle created by Tom Thomson and I wish I could remember what it was called. My painting looks nothing like his, but never-the-less the inspiration from the memory of his work fed me as I painted.

I settled on a title today as I was listening to Adele's "Someone Like You" and I heard the word "bittersweet" in one of her lyrics. In fact, a whirlwind of things were happening around the time I took these reference shots and all of them were bittersweet. For personal reasons I think the title is perfect but I really think it suits the painting, too.

It's a New Year!

2012-01-01T08:07:00.000-08:00

HaPpy New YeAr!

Well, 2011 was fantastic! There were a few glitches here and there, but over-all it was one of the best years I've had in awhile... and the best year yet for my art. Why is that, you ask? Well, I really felt like things took off in many ways. The highlight for sure was being part of the International Women Celebrate! collaboration and having my painting "In My Aura" sent down east to be in the show celebrating the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. (You can read about it here, here, and here and search my blog to find more.) That was huge... and to top it off I met four blog friends at that show. That experience goes down not only as a highlight for the year, but as a highlight in my life.

In My Aura

24 x 24"

acrylic and oil on cradled panel

In 2011 I was excited to be invited to submit paintings to 2 high profile art auctions. I was also invited to be part of two art shows, the first of which led me to challenge myself to create 30 paintings in 30 days (a small attempt to see what Daily Painting might be like). I took a class and began drawing again, I opened a gallery on Daily Paintworks (click the button at the top of the right side column to view), I started a Facebook Fanpage for my art, and I painted lots... including two of the biggest canvases I have ever done (30 x 48")! It was an exciting year and I can hardly wait to see what happens in 2012. It such an invigorating feeling (at my age) to feel like the possibilities are endless; like things are just beginning.

Here are some of my personal favorites from 2011:

Kindness and Joy: Life on The Prairies

48 x 30"

oil on canvas

Somewhere In My Dreams

6x6"

oil on board

Little Big Sky

6x6"

oil on board

Ripple Effect

18 x 24"

acrylic on canvas

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

24 x 24"

oil on canvas

Haze

10 x 10"

oil on canvas

Patchwork Prairie

6x6"

oil on board

Field of Blues

8 x 8"

oil on board

Go Gently

48 x 30"

acrylic on canvas

This is going to be a great year! What will we all do? It's a blank canvas waiting to be painted and we can create whatever we want. In every area of our lives we can make choices that benefit our families, communities and ultimately, the world. Let's use our individual power for good, not evil! Even if it is something as simple as making a painting, sculpture, drawing, wood turning, fibre art or collage that makes a stranger smile.

And once again, may there be peace on earth.

Peace, Joy and Love To You

2011-12-25T19:24:00.000-08:00

May there be peace on earth.

Title Suggestions Needed

2011-12-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

Low Storm II

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

About 3 years ago I did a little 7 x 7" acrylic painting called "Low Storm" with a similar theme. Unfortunately I had never taken a photo of it and it ended up selling at an art show I had in 2008. It would be interesting to compare them... I remember the first one had little jolts of Cad. Red peaking through in the green horizon line. Anyway, this is where I am at now- using oils, trying to create a soft smudgy effect while still trying to be expressive and show my love of the power of Mother Nature. This sky fascinated me this summer at Waskesiu Lake. A brooding, intense, dark storm crept along close to the horizon while up above there were beautiful, towering, puffy clouds going about their business as if unaware of the evil beneath.

The title I gave this one is kind of lame... does anyone have any suggestions?

All Things Considered

2011-12-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

All Things Considered

28 x 22"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

You've heard me talk about my love/hate painting... well, this is it. It has been through quite the range of changes. It started out as a plain air painting, but by the end there was a whole lot more time spent in the studio than spent outdoors. If I knew at the beginning how much it was going to change I would have taken more photos along the way. The final change happened two days before the Open Studio when I found myself in about the third hate cycle of it's creation. (These were interspersed with about the same number of love stages as well as some indifferent stages). Here is what the painting looked like before the final change that you see above...

After getting feedback from Miranda (another artist in the studio) it was decided that the sky was not working with the rest of the painting. I was frustrated and feeling completely "over" it, yet I was still not prepared to cash in my chips. After a little self-imposed timeout I regrouped, grabbed my brushes, turned up the music and said, "What if..." (...well that's the polite version). Basically I didn't like it anyway so what if I churned up the sky with some stormy purples and blues, what if I left the brush marks looking rough and energetic, what if I made larger areas of colour in the foreground?

All things considered, I am really happy with the end result. The emotional roller-coaster that was the making of this painting left me a little wobbly and weak-kneed, but valuable lessons were learned. Perhaps most importantly I finally remembered to ask myself one of the best questions to spur on creative work...

"What if...?"

Magnificent Storm- a better photo!

2011-12-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Magnificent Storm

24 x 24"

oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2011

I am astounded! Ha! Well, that might be a smidge dramatic, but look at these two photos. The photo below is the one I posted yesterday, but I didn't feel it was showing the range of colours in the sky. And then after I read my friend Don's comment from yesterday's post I wondered if I wasn't doing justice with the picture I posted. Don mentioned an initial concern about the green water and I realized the sky wasn't showing the range of colours, although subtle, that helped tie the water in. I took the above photo today just to see if I could get a better result. Wow! Today's photo is much better and way more accurate. Both photos were taken this week on days that were overcast, so why the huge variation? Well, my best guess is that the time of day made the difference. The below photo (much more blue overall) was taken around 10:00 in the morning. Today's picture was taken at about 1:30 in the afternoon.

These days in Saskatchewan it is still dark at 8:30 a.m. and it begins to get dark again around 5:00 p.m. We are approaching the shortest day of the year for sunlight hours and so all of this makes sense. The early afternoon is about as bright as the day gets and is probably the "warmest" light of the day; right now almost all other times of the day have a cooler light. Humph! I love learnin'! And Don, thanks for making me think!

Magnificent Storm

2011-12-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Magnificent Storm

24 x 24"

oil on cradled panel

I am excited about doing some large skies and I today I have one to show you. "Magnificent Storm" is based on one of my smaller paintings called "Little Big Sky". I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out and I'm ready to tackle another, but I need to get more cradled panels. I really like how this softer, more blended technique works on the hard, wood surface.

The photo I used came from a series I took one day this past summer in Waskesiu when my family went to a camp kitchen to roast wieners and marshmallows. We started out at a camp kitchen close to the beach, but the wind was strong and cold coming off the lake so we moved to one on the far side of the park. I was completely mesmerized by the sky and had to keep running down to the beach to get photos as it changed. The lake was a wild green colour with white caps curling here and there... and was it loud!

My two little loves...

...and a bench with a view...

the rain is really coming down now!

Stay tuned for more storms and spectacular weather right here in the safety of your monitor (or smart phone... or iPad...)

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2011-12-10T15:44:00.000-08:00

chalk and charcoal drawing

I went to the drop-in drawing session this morning and I'm not thrilled with my results, so I also found an old drawing from about ten years ago to show you. Obviously I didn't have time to finish it, but I think it looks cool anyway.

Here are two sketches from this morning. I'm not sure why, but everything I drew today was small and not placed well on the page. I am also finding myself a bit frustrated because the lighting is very bright (no spot-lights) which means I really have to search hard for contrast. It is especially difficult when the view or angle of the pose is like what I had today...

10 minute pencil sketch

...it's hard to make it interesting. And this one was no better...

25 minute pencil sketch

Oh well, as I have said before and I'm sure I will say again, they can't all be winners!

Allow Me To Introduce You...

2011-12-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

St. George Studio Artists' Group

I've been meaning to upload a photo to introduce you to the other artists that work in the same studio as me. This photo was taken on Nov. 27 after the Open Studio and unfortunately three had already left. They are a diverse and wonderful group of artists and I feel so fortunate to be among them... I'm like a sponge trying to learn as much as I can from their wealth of experience and knowledge. My being part of the studio is a much better deal for me than it is for them!

Going clockwise from the only dude in the group, they are:

Peter Mac Mahon- sculptor
Jane Harington- painter (website)
Miranda Jones- painter, metal worker (gallery, gallery)
Jan Corcoran- painter (website, gallery)
Moi- painter
Bridget Aitken- painter, sculptor
Gale Hagblom- painter (website)

Not in photo: Degen Lindner- painter (gallery), Carol Wylie- painter (website), Amira Wasfy- painter

Sunset Swamp

2011-12-06T19:09:00.000-08:00

Sunset Swamp

18 x 24"

acrylic and oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

This past summer, after visiting a friend in Emma Lake, I came upon the most beautiful sight on the drive back to Waskesiu. It was a water-logged area, in part because of the work of some beavers and in part because of the unprecedented amount of rainfall the lake country had this season. The early evening light was absolutely magnificent causing the grasses to glow (you guessed it) the most beautiful chartreuse. The water was calm and the reflection was something out of a fairy tale. Many, many Spruce trees in the Boreal forest are dead because of an infestation of Spruce Beetles. These dead trees almost look burnt- they are a very unhealthy golden brown, but in this light they looked beautiful. "Sunset Swamp" is one of several paintings I would like to do from the photos I took that evening.

Deer Bed at the Grasslands

2011-12-04T12:12:00.000-08:00

Deer Bed at the Grasslands

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

In October when I went with the Grade Two class on the field trip to the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands I received quite an education. Among the things I learned was how to spot clues of wildlife in the area. Sure enough we came upon a relatively large area where the grass was packed down; not in an interesting crop circle kind of way, but more in a random free-form sort of way. This is a deer bed! Deers took a load off and chilled here! That thought made me happy, so I painted it!

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2011-12-03T21:24:00.000-08:00

10 minute contour

2 minute gestures

10 minute sketch

25 minute sketch

Happily I made it to the drop-in drawing session again today. I am enjoying the result of the contour drawing! Her right arm looks like it is only a bone and her left arm looks like it has no bone in it at all!

Incoming

2011-12-01T15:43:00.000-08:00

Incoming

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

I have really enjoyed painting these soft, stormy skies. I've got a 24 x 24" cradled panel all gessoed and ready to go. I am planning to paint a larger version and can hardly wait to get started, however, I am planning to wait until I have a good stretch of time because I know when I start I won't want to stop. Plus I will need to work while the paint is wet so I can blend and smudge. Fun!

Successful Open Studio

2011-11-30T19:17:00.000-08:00

Here is my space as it looked for the Open Studio this past Sunday. It was a fantastic event; busy right from 11:00 onward and only slowing down around 4:30. I met some great people and felt so much more comfortable this year. I remember feeling quite shy last year and tired before the day even began. This year, however, I had a good sleep the night before and felt more comfortable in my own skin as an artist, so approaching people was much easier. I had so much fun! I made some new contacts, I have a couple of opportunities to mull over and I sold 12 paintings! Plus the obnoxious man who told me my colours were too bright and that it must have to do with estrogen didn't even phase me!

I have been thinking a lot about the beautiful gift I received in the mail two weeks ago (read about it here) and how it affected me. To really honour that gesture I wanted to pay it forward. Well, an idea of how I could do that came up on Sunday at the Open Studio when friends dropped in to see me and my work. Their little 9 year old girl is a budding artist and she fell in love with one of my 6 x 6 paintings. We talked about it, I told her why I named it what I did and we chatted about art. She is the most precious thing and if she became say, my daughter-in-law in about 18 years I'd be AOK with it! Anyway, on Monday morning I wrapped up the painting with a "from your secret admirer" note and delivered it to their mailbox! She has her own little art show coming up this Saturday as a finale to an art class she is taking. Her parents plan to give her the gift after that. I hope it makes her day!

Kindness and Joy: Life on the Prairies

2011-11-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

Kindness and Joy: Life on the Prairies

48 x 30"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

I love this painting. Love it. It makes me happy beyond words. It is exactly as I wanted it to be. Every brush stroke on this painting was made with a pure and genuine love of creating art. It was one of those magical times when everything was flowing so well that I almost felt like I was on a different plane. It was like the elixir I needed to get into the spirit of painting again and stop the inexplicable funk I've been in with my art lately. Here is the lovely back story to which I eluded the other day...

Early last week I arrived home with the kids for lunch and found a small pile of mail in the front porch. A package had been delivered with my name on it, but no return address. It was a tad mysterious- I couldn't recall ordering anything. I opened it up and the most beautiful book on The Group of Seven was inside with a small note...

It was from a friend who had been reading my blog and wanted to encourage me to accept the lows with the highs and to remind me that I am a good artist. How beautiful is that? The very next day I went to the studio and this painting happened. (I love this painting, just so you know). And since then I have been creating non-stop and can hardly wait to do more.The friend who sent it to me has the initials K.J. and so the title "Kindness and Joy" is a reference to her and the beautiful gesture that got me back on track.

I love this painting.

And now I am heading to the Open Studio! Wish me luck!

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2011-11-26T17:35:00.000-08:00

20 minute pencil sketch

2 minute gestures (charcoal)

20 minute pencil sketch

I have loads to do for the Open Studio tomorrow, but now that I am in the rhythm of sketching on Saturdays, I had to go for a short while. I only stayed for an hour (out of three) but I'm glad I went. I had a few good laughs with my friend Kerry so that put me in the right mood for the rest of the day. I've just zipped home to eat supper with my family and now I am heading back to the studio to get the finishing touches done for tomorrow.

If you are able to come to the Open Studio, please note that the entrance to our space is in the alley. It sounds shady, but it really isn't!

Bleached Blonde

2011-11-25T23:09:00.000-08:00

Bleached Blonde

6 x 6"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

A new little grassland scene. I enjoyed switching up the colour palette for this one. The grass is so pale at this time of year... very blonde... which reminds me, it's time to make a hair appointment!

Two more sleeps until the Open Studio! I actually just got home from wiring, signing and hanging all (well, most) of my art and my space is looking pretty pulled together. I also spent some time tweaking my love/hate painting and now things are leaning a bit more toward love. And I painted another little stormy sky.

Bed, here I come!

The Day The Lake Became The Sea

2011-11-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

The Day The Lake Became The Sea

(Waskesiu)

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

Have I had fun painting these skies! Mmmm. I had been thinking about these reference photos since I took them in the summer on a dark and stormy day. We went to a camp kitchen near the main beach in Waskesiu and had a wiener/marshmallow roast. The wind really picked up and the sky got wild. I kept running down to the beach to get more photos as the weather changed. It really was spectacular. The lake became this crazy green colour and the sky was blue and then purple and then even pink down by the horizon. And the waves! Wow. Waskesiu Lake is not particularly large so it really has to be windy to get decent size waves and these ones were rolling and crashing. If I didn't know better I might have thought it was the ocean.

Little Big Sky

2011-11-23T15:33:00.000-08:00

Little Big Sky

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

I have so much to show you! I have been getting loads of painting done for the upcoming Open Studio. Things have clicked and I am enjoying myself again. It's all thanks to a beautiful gift I received in the mail last week which I will tell you about soon. For now enjoy this new little sky... and there is another tomorrow!

Memories of Spruce River

2011-11-20T21:16:00.000-08:00

Memories of Spruce River

24 x 24"

acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

Here is the most current version of this painting. I think the upper left and lower right corners look more complete now and the eye moves around the canvas without getting stuck. the changes are subtle, but I think they make the painting a bit better. Thank you to those who offered suggestions. I love doing these abstract reflections, but I could keep tweaking them forever... at some point it just has to be done.

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2011-11-19T16:14:00.000-08:00

15 minute pencil sketch

10 minute pencil sketch

quick charcoal gestures

10 minute contour drawing

I was unexpectedly able to attend the live model drawing session this morning. I thought I would have to miss it so when I realized I could go I felt quite excited. The model today was one that we had a couple of weeks ago. She is marvelous. She was even talking about how she was studying a book of poses last night so she could try some new things. I'm feeling really good about how it is going; I am still struggling with proportion (perhaps you can tell), but the practice is helping.

I am in a love/hate relationship right now... I have a painting that is really busting my chops! I received some good feedback from another artist today so if I can implement her suggestions I hope I will be feeling more love and not so much hate! Pictures soon... of it and the final (?) version of Memories of Spruce River.

Alone on the Range

2011-11-17T19:18:00.000-08:00

Alone on The Range

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

This is a tree I came across while on a field trip with my son's Grade Two class to the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands. Apparently long, long ago, Bison were plentiful all across our province. In fact, at that time there were more Bison roaming the prairies than the current population of Saskatchewan, which is over a million (gosh, I hope I am remembering this detail right... I haven't been in school for a long time!). Because of this fact fewer bushes and shrubs were able to establish themselves- they were always getting trampled and nibbled! Today the landscape of our grasslands (which are now a little low on Bison) is different than it would have looked back then because bushes and shrubs are able to live longer lives; really "put down roots" so to speak. Ba da boom! Thanks, I'll be here all week!

You're Invited

2011-11-16T23:51:00.000-08:00

I will have five paintings in this juried show of small works. I'm familiar with several of the artists whose work will also be in the show and it promises to be good. It's a perfect time to get a bit of holiday shopping done and to top it off it is a fundraiser for the Saskatoon Food Bank.

*I do believe there is a typo and the doors will be open until 9:00 on Friday evening.

The Approach

2011-11-13T08:42:00.000-08:00

The Approach

(Waskesiu Lake)

12 x 16"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

I began this one awhile ago at the studio, maybe in September, and I was never happy with it. I made some adjustments the other day and it is working much better. Another dramatic sky in Saskatchewan! I added the rain across the lake to make even more of a story. I toned the canvas with Quinacridone Nickel Azo and I love how that yellow/gold colour peaks through the clouds here and there.

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2011-11-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

10 minute charcoal study

10 minute pencil study

and for your amusement...

a 10 minute contour drawing

(I tried very hard not to look at the paper)

I can't believe it is already Saturday! Where did that week go? I went to the drop-in life drawing class this morning and we had another lovely model. She had beautiful hair- long, wavy and dark.. with the ends dyed green! I also did several gesture drawings which are always fun for loosening up. I didn't stay for the entire time because I had a to-do list that was weighing on my mind.

On Monday I am dropping off five paintings that will be hung in a juried show next weekend. It is the second year for this art show, "Little Gems", which is all about small work (16" or less). Last year artists were able to enter three pieces and this year they upped it to five. I think there should be loads of great work there. The opening reception is Friday, November 18 from 4-9 p.m. and it is a fundraiser for the Saskatoon Food Bank. The show will be at The Mix Artist Collective Studio, 539 24th Street East and runs all weekend.

Embrace Life - It's Been Two Years

2011-11-08T21:58:00.000-08:00

Embrace Life- please wear your seatbelts

As much as I don't want to be a Debbie Downer... wah wah wah... this topic is too important to not take the opportunity to mention.

Today is the second anniversary of our car accident which happened to follow my first ever gallery opening. What began as a day in which a dream was being realized, ended with my family in a situation I had never before imagined- with all of us in the emergency room. On our way home after the opening reception of my art show we had been blind sided by a lady who ran the red light. She hit the passenger side of our van at full speed on the sliding door where my, then, 7 year old was sitting and she also connected with part of my door. It is a miracle my son had virtually no injuries. I still can't believe it. Every single window in the van was smashed because we rolled 1 and 1/4 times... except his window on the sliding door that was hit. It was in perfect condition. As we rolled I heard the windows breaking and I remember screaming, "Keep your arms in!!!" In those split seconds I was terrified someone's arm would flail out and be crushed under the rolling van. We came to rest on the passenger side. I looked up to see my husband safely secured by his seat belt in the driver's seat. I looked back to see my, then, five year old strapped safely in his seat, albeit up in the air behind my husband. Blood from a cut above his left eye was dripping down on my other son, who was strapped to his seat. My seat belt had me gripped so tightly that I couldn't turn to see Sammy who was right behind me. It was terrifying, because his was the door that got the brunt of the hit. It was easily the worst thing I have ever been through.... but the most miraculous. We were, and are, all right.

Not a day goes by when I don't think of the accident, usually when I am driving. It is not a bad thing because I feel like it keeps me aware and in the moment when I am on the road. I have had people tell me that when they heard about our accident it affected them to the point that it made a difference to their driving and made them more vigilant about the use of seat belts. That is why I am writing about this again and why I will next year on November 8.

Feelin' Sketchy Saturday

2011-11-05T16:36:00.000-07:00

contour drawing

gesture drawings

15 minute sketch

20 minute sketch

I don't know... sketching could become a Saturday thing; at least I am going to try. I went to the drop-in figure drawing session again this morning and it was great. The model was wonderful- even with a broken foot! She gave us the most beautiful poses. She was elegant and created such beautiful lines with her body, especially in her gesture poses. These are some of the sketches I did in the almost three hours I was there. I think my two favorites are the 15 minute sketch and the contour drawing. When she got settled in the reclining pose I was in a bit of a panic because of my angle. Her head was closest to me and her feet furthest away... and all of the fore-shortening had me freaked! I gathered my thoughts and decided that it might make for a really interesting contour drawing. I love how it turned out. Theoretically once a contour drawing begins you don't look at your paper or lift your pencil, you just follow the lines of the figure with your eyes and move your pencil at the same time. I probably spent about 15 minutes on it. I took my time, but admit I looked down a couple of times when, in fact, I did lift my pencil off the paper. Rules.... bah!

Memories and Fairies

2011-11-03T20:56:00.000-07:00

Memories of Spruce River

24 x 24"

acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

I've been pondering this one for a bit, but I am not sure what else to change/add/eliminate. It's one of my most abstract efforts yet (of the abstract reflections I have done). It is the final result of the plein air canvas I started on my getaway weekend in September. I showed you a few progress shots the other day and this is where I have stopped. I think there are some great areas to explore and I really wanted to create a feeling of layers to the reflection. I hope the deep, dark parts take you into the canvas and the movement in the lighter rings/ripples bring you up to the surface.

As a side note... Tommy lost a tooth on Tuesday and the Tooth Fairy still hasn't come! She must be over-run with house calls these days! That or she has been too side-tracked at the end of the day by "Love It Or List It" and Halloween candy!

Survivor

2011-10-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

Survivor

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

I will be doing some small pieces over the next few weeks so that I can display a full board for the open studio which, by the way, I guess I mentioned on my Facebook Fan Page, but not here. We have set the date for the Open Studio and it will be on Sunday, November 27 from 11-5, so mark your calendars if you live near or in Saskatoon.

I am calling this piece "Survivor" for a few reasons. This particular painting has a stormy feel to it and the prairies have been known to survive some incredible weather. Taking that notion further, I discovered on my son's Grade Two field trip to the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands, that this area has been through and survived three Ice Ages! Who knew?!

~~~~~***~~~~~

As an aside, I have a cute story for you... one that my dad is still laughing about. When the interpreter was telling the children about the area, she said that when the road to Silverspring neighborhood was built between the buffer zone (piece of land that leads to the river) and the grassland area that they discovered a Saber Tooth Tiger skull and a Wooly Mammoth tusk! These treasures are now on display at the University of Saskatchewan. She then said the bit about how the area has been through three ice ages. My son threw up his hand and exclaimed, "And I've seen them all!!!" He he. She stammered for a second until she realized he was talking about the movies. I love kids.

Feelin' Sketchy

2011-10-29T19:55:00.000-07:00

20 minute study

It finally happened! I went to a live model drawing session! An artist I met at the drawing class this summer (at Emma Lake) met me for coffee then we went together. He had been before and was gracious enough to offer to meet me when I was ready to go for the first time. Today was the day! Yippee! Of course I was rusty, but I really enjoyed it and plan to mark it on the calendar semi-regularly. If I can make this happen then I expect I will get better and better. It's bound to happen, right? This is a sampling of what I did today. Not sure the proportions are right, but it just felt good to knock the cobwebs off my pencils and make marks.

Five Kinds of Trouble

2011-10-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

Memories of Spruce River
24 x 24"

(work in progress)
© Nicki Ault, 2011

I began this painting on site when I went to Waskesiu Lake in mid- September. I drove to one of my favorite places, Spruce River, and painted for the day. I began this canvas late afternoon just before I headed back to the cabin. I was able to get some initial impressions and colours down for an abstract reflection and now I am continuing with it at the studio. Above are some progress shots of the beginning stages. I'll post it's current state on the weekend.

~~~~~~~***~~~~~~

I didn't intend on taking a small blog-cation, but it has been awhile since my last appearance so I guess I did. It happens from time to time. There have been five kinds of trouble at the root of my absence:

1) Inspiration trouble. I am not thrilled with what I have been painting, nor my execution of what I have been painting. I'm a bit bored and a bit restless.

2) Sleep trouble. My son has been waking up in the night a lot lately and therefore mama is tired. I've said it before and I'll say it again, it is no wonder that sleep deprivation is used as torture. Everything is harder when I am exhausted.

3) System trouble. We have had the most glorious, sunny, blue-sky days this fall. Absolutely spectacular. That's good right? Yes. And no. I photograph my work outside on overcast days. Hands down that has always given me the best result. I don't like posting finished work unless the image quality is there, so I'm in a jam right now. Mind you, I haven't got much I am proud of these days, so I really only need to take a photo of one painting!

4) Costume trouble. Halloween gets me every year. I have been on a mad search for the costume my son wants, so on the rare occasion that I have actually had energy, I have not been in the studio but rather searching for the impossible. It is nowhere in town. Of course I can find it online, but only in the U.S. My online search for the costume in Canada came up with zip. Eventually I did a more specific search in Toronto and, SCORE!, they had the main piece. Of course they didn't have all the parts for the costume. After some tears (his, not mine), we decided that we would make-do with a substitute accessory... of course that means mommy has been hittin' the streets again to try to find a suitable alternative.

5) Health troubles. Nothing major, just stuff. I'm trying to get to the bottom of it: fatigue, mood, insomnia, nausea. Things could be worse, so I hate to complain.

There you have it. I'm sorry my posts have been sporadic. I appreciate all those who are following my journey and who take the time to check in on me. I'll get back on track and I hope you will stick around to see what I come up with!

Well Hello Old Friend

2011-10-18T20:41:00.000-07:00

Old Friend

24 x 36"

acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

Okay.... I feel like saying "Ta daaaa!" because this one feels like it has been a long time in the making, so "Ta daaaa!"

As I explained a few posts ago, this is a tree I have painted before but I had forgotten where I had seen it. This past Labour Day weekend I was at Waskesiu Lake with my family and I wandered out one evening to take resource photos for the upcoming winter months. At one point I happened to look up at the tree I was passing and immediately thought, "Well hello old friend!" I had found it, glorious as ever and as unique as the day I first saw it. I love this tree. I love the dead, broken lower branches, I love the foliage reaching for the sky, I love the markings on the trunk, I love that it stands apart from the rest of the forest. I love this tree.

one of the more distant pictures

I took of my old friend

Now down to business. Do you think I should perhaps add another leafy bit on the left down at the very bottom near the tree trunk so less sky shows? Or perhaps it is the actual lower left corner that is bothering me and I should make it more leafy with no sky showing there. It's just a small triangle of sky, but I wonder? I realize I am being finicky, but that's my way. All that being said, I love the trunk.

Please share your thoughts, ideas, feedback, wisdom... or lack thereof. I'm all ears. No comment is silly.

And one more question... do you have a favorite tree?

Waskesiu Sky in a Showcase

2011-10-17T16:21:00.000-07:00

Waskesiu Sky

10 x 10"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

I showed you this piece earlier this year, but I am posting it again because today I delivered it to the Mendel Art Gallery for their annual Member's Showcase. I am somewhat embarrassed to say that this is my first year as a member, but better late than never. Members were allowed to submit up to two pieces, so I also took "Protected Prairie". I am planning to attend the opening reception on Friday night and if you are in Saskatoon you should too! It is from 7-9 p.m. at the Mendel and I'm sure there will be a wide variety of work to view... and purchase, of course. A commission from the sales will go towards acquisitions for the gallery's permanent collection.

I'm quite happy with the framing I had done for "Waskesiu Sky". It was a small fortune, but I really wanted to try something different to help make this piece stand out. (The photo of the framing is way off in colour, but you get the idea). The "matte" has a beveled edge and is housed in a white box; both are painted a crisp, fresh white. The canvas is set inside and is floating on a recessed board painted dark charcoal. I think it looks really clean and modern.

Update: I promise to show you "Old Friend" very soon. I just received a helpful critique from Carol Wylie, who is a new member of the studio where I paint. I tweaked it yesterday and when I looked at it today, I felt that, in fact, it just may be finished. I am hoping for an overcast sky tomorrow so I can take a good photo. Today was as clear as clear can be, so it didn't happen.

Old Friend- More Progress

2011-10-12T16:01:00.000-07:00

Old Friend

(in progress)

24 x 36"

acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

We're gettin' there!

Old Friend- Tree in Progress

2011-10-11T22:08:00.000-07:00

Old Friend
(in progress)

24 x 36"

acrylic on canvas

I began a painting last Friday and continued working on it today. I have been wanting to tackle another tree from a low perspective looking up. I tried it in "Autumn Dance" and it was never what I wanted it to be- in fact it is now facing the wall at the studio. It could have been the square format on that piece that really threw me off. At any rate I am trying it on a rectangular canvas and it feels much better... plus this time I am painting a Birch tree... and using acrylics.

When I was at Waskesiu Lake with my family on the Labour Day long weekend, I went for an evening walk with the purpose of taking resource photos to use this winter. As I wandered along a trail behind the Nature Centre I was looking up at all of the gorgeous Birches. I glanced at this beautiful tree to my right and without as much as a nano-second of hesitation I thought, "Well, hello old friend!" As I stared at the tree wondering why it seemed so familiar, I realized it was the same tree I painted in "Looking Up" two years ago! I had long forgotten where that tree was, but the instant I saw it again I knew we had "met" before.

Wolf Willow

2011-10-05T22:01:00.000-07:00

Wolf Willow #2

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

Here is a little prairie painting I haven't shown you yet. I did it just before the show at Agar's and it is a scene from the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands. Next week I am going there on a field trip with Tommy's class and I am on a mission to find out about these burnt orange/red bushes.

As a side note, my sister sent me a link to one of the most wonderful stories I have heard in a while. It involves fascinating and imaginative paper sculptures, random acts of kindness and an intriguing mystery. Here is the link...

mysterious paper sculptures in Scotland

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Silverspring Grasslands at Auction

2011-10-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

Silverspring Grasslands

24 x 24"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

I am going to type this very quietly; let's just say I have a bit of a headache today. The following story will explain.

At the end of August I received a letter from the Director of the Kenderdine Campus inviting me to submit two paintings for the first annual "Artist and Athlete Invitational Art Auction". The money raised from the auction would be split between the U of S Huskies and the Kenderdine Campus and because it was "artist friendly" the artist would be able to keep a percentage of the sale. I was thrilled to be asked because they were trying to assemble a group of high profile, well known artists (Darrell Bell, Terry Fenton, Nancy Lowry, Degen Lindner, Grant McConnell, Lorenzo Dupuis, Greg Hardy) as well as bring in a few newer names, so clearly I was thrilled to be associated with these accomplished people. I was also really excited to be able to potentially help raise some money for my beloved Campus. I donated the above painting as well as one of my recent favorites, "Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow".

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

24 x 24"

oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

The auction was last night and they wanted the artists to be in attendance if possible so I made plans to go with a girlfriend, who is a huge supporter of my work. We had so much fun and I had just a smidge too much white wine. Ouch. The event was held at the new Huskie clubhouse which is a fantastic facility at Potash Corp Park (AKA Griffith Stadium). I was really impressed with the whole thing and the best part was the Huskie football players helped with the event. Two were at the gates directing guests to the clubhouse, three were at the building entrance welcoming us and taking info for bidding cards, a couple of football players were giving tours of the locker room, and best of all there were players by the paintings in the viewing area providing guests with information on the artists. The auction itself took place upstairs in a beautiful room overlooking the field which they had fully lit to great effect. Way too much fun.

Here is what was not fun... my piece "Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow" was first up to bid! Ack! Not a good position because there was no energy and excitement established at that very early stage, nor was there any precedent set for where bids were going. As soon as they began introducing my piece I left my date and bolted. I went and sat down the hall in the stairwell. I could hear things get underway, and I could hear the bids begin, but unfortunately I could also hear that they didn't meet the reserve I had set. My painting was whisked away (I saw it go by) and the auction continued. The next few pieces began to go (I could hear the claps), then another didn't meet the reserve, and then more went and then # 11 (out of 29 paintings) came up for bid which was my painting "Silverspring Grasslands". I drank my wine and held my breath... bidding went better on this one and then I heard clapping! Sigh of relief... it was sold! Whew! I gathered my nerves and quickly went in to join my friend in the audience. I thoroughly enjoyed the auction and watching the process. It was really exciting and some of the pieces brought in great numbers. With about 4 paintings left before the auction was done I got a tap on the shoulder from one of the organizers. He wanted to know if I would be okay if they brought my painting back to try again right before the very last piece. I whispered "Yeah, just do it!" I was feeling quite warm and fuzzy at this point, not much of a care in the world you might say, so I stayed put and braced myself against my friend crossing my fingers that we would not hear crickets! Well, the bidding price began where it left off and it was quickly met. Soon the bids increased to reach my reserve, then they kept going... and going... and going! It was soooo thrilling. When the bidding was finally over and the painting was sold I let out a big "Woohoooooo!" People were laughing and clapping! It was crazy! I sincerely hope my enthusiastic outburst was seen for what it was, relief and excitement. I really hope it was not perceived as obnoxious and rude; my friend assured me on the way home that it was cute and that it put a big smile on many faces. I really hope they invite me back again next year.

My journey continues and let me tell you, there is never a dull moment. And I am grateful for that.

Wild Prairie

2011-09-30T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wild Prairie

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

Last Friday when I went out to set up for the art show and sale at Agar's Corner I realized I was short one painting for my portable wall which holds thirty. My solution? Stay up until 1:30 a.m. and get one done! This is the little prairie I came up with and I quite like it. It's a bit of a departure from the colours of the other grassland paintings and I like the movement that takes your eye back to the distance. Because I painted it the night before the show, it was still wet when I was packing up in the morning. I decided that I better get a quick photo on the off chance it sold, so outside I rushed and, you guessed it, I dropped it face down in the grass. Luckily I was able to fix it without too much trouble.

Natural Grasslands

2011-09-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

Natural Grasslands

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

I am lovin' the prairies. I painted this for the art show at Agar's. I used one of the recent photos I took at the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands which is on the east side of the river in Silverspring. Apparently Saskatoon is one of the few places in the world where a natural grassland area is found within a city. It is home to more than 290 plants and animals and represents 10,000 years of evolution! (I got this info. from a sign near one of the main path entrances.) Somewhere in this area there is a fossil rock which I will try to get a photo of when I go back with the Grade Two class for a field trip in October.

I love my city.

Protected Prairie (revised)

2011-09-25T21:09:00.000-07:00

Protected Prairie

(revised)

24 x 24"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011

private collection

I had a great day at Agar's yesterday. It was busy right from the get-go! This painting got a lot of attention; it was one of the few large pieces I brought. I really love it. It may look familiar and that is because it is a revision of a painting I have shown before. After I posted the original version I received an email from a new friend (who is an artist) who was kind and brave enough to speak up. He offered a gentle critique and suggested that the lower half didn't quite fit with the top half. I studied it some more at the studio and saw exactly what he meant. It was so clear I wondered how on earth I hadn't seen it myself. I really appreciate him for helping me take this painting to another level. I am so excited about the final result, I am actually giddy!

© Nicki Ault, 2011

This is what it looked like before. Now when I look at it in it's previous state it seems so unfinished. I also decided to soften the colour of the sky to make it recede more and not compete with the colours of the treeline.

I stopped at the Saskatoon Natural Grasslands on my way back from Waskesiu last weekend and took a bunch of photos that I can hardly wait to get started on. I am full-on lovin' the wild prairies right now and will have more work to show you soon.

Art At Agar's

2011-09-23T12:00:00.000-07:00

I have been invited by Judy Wood (the fabulous artist who gave me an easel) to join about 18 other artists out in the country tomorrow for an art show and sale. It should be lots of fun and the assortment of available work should be impressive. I will be there from 11-5 with my small paintings (and portable wall!), so please come check it out if you are looking for something to do. We are all hoping for a beautiful fall day, but if we should not get that, at least the show is indoors and can still go on.

Far From Prospect Point (revised)

2011-09-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Far From Prospect Point

(revised)

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

Another revision. Not huge changes on this one. As I suspected the horizon line was off, so that is now remedied. As well, I eliminated one of the sky holes and decreased the size of the others. Perhaps the most noticeable change is the colour of the blue sky peaking through. Although the original colour was quite true to the actual sky that day, it didn't work in the painting. The intensity of the blue was too "in your face". It's better now; more compatible if you will.

© Nicki Ault, 2011

Above is the original version. Oh yes, I also added a couple of brushstrokes of the pale yellow from the clouds into the water. It is a bit hard to see the effect in the photo, but in person it just adds a luminosity that wasn't there before.

Moody and Blue

2011-09-20T21:34:00.000-07:00

Moody and Blue

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

This is my favorite painting from my weekend retreat in Waskesiu. I painted it while huddling behind a fallen pine tree on the beach. The wind was fierce and cold coming off the lake; white caps pounding to shore, but the tree gave me enough of a wind break that I could get the job done. I began with a very fussy attempt- trying to paint like someone other than me. It looked ridiculous, so I wiped it down, regrouped and made a painting that I love. The sky was actually bright blue, but that didn't work with the mood of the wind and crashing waves, so I made a more brooding blue sky. This plein air experience was exactly the adventure I always hope for whenever I head out.

here you can see the fallen pine tree I nestled myself

into so I could paint without completely freezing

When I began packing up I realized that the entire time I had been painting right beside a seagull carcass. Slightly unsettling, but yet made me feel that much more close to nature.

Glory At The City Limits (revised)

2011-09-19T08:35:00.000-07:00

Glory At The City Limits

(revised)

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

This is another of the revamps I did last week. I really like it now, especially the water. I used my rubber scraping tool to scratch in ripples and it reveals some of the old paint from the original version. Me likey! Here is what the original painting looked like:

© Nicki Ault, 2011

I had such a great weekend in Waskesiu. My dad arrived on Sunday and took me for lunch (thanks Dad!). I said to him, "When in my normal life can I paint three little paintings, get started on a large one, watch 3 movies (of my choice), read two magazines, go for a nice supper and a nice lunch... all within a 48 hour period and feel so relaxed??? And still get cleaning done!" That is just not how my world works. And don't get me wrong, I am not dissin' my life- I am so fortunate for all I have- my boys especially. I have to be clear about that. The truth is that if every day were a retreat it would not be special or even discernible from any other day. So it's all good... real good!

As The Night Comes (revised)

2011-09-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

As The Night Comes- Moonlight Reveal

6 x 6"

oil on board

(revised)
© Nicki Ault, 2011
sold

This is the painting that went under a major re-vamp at the studio this past week. And of course a day later I got an email from a friend saying she saw the the original on my blog and wanted it! Ha! Oh well, I like this one more and as I was making changes I had visions of Gregory Hardy's skies in my mind, so this revised version is an ode to him. Here is what the original looked like:

© Nicki Ault, 2011

Basically I kept the dark sky at the top, the very bottom horizon line and the puffs at the tops of the clouds- these are (in my mind) what the moon is revealing under it's glowing light. There is actually purple in the darkest colour at the top, but I just can't get a good photo.

So I am off on a solo painting retreat! I am driving to Waskesiu right away partly to clean and close my parent's cabin down for the season and partly to paint, paint, paint! I am also going to read and watch movies. I zipped into the Blockbuster end-of-business blow-out sale and grabbed an eclectic mix of movies to watch for the next two nights: Eclipse, The Polar Express, and Georgia O'Keefe. That assortment cracks me up!

Anyway, I hope to have some good things to show when I return.

Elements (revised)

2011-09-13T20:01:00.000-07:00

Elements

(revised)

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011

sold

I'm in the process of getting ready for several art related events that are taking place this fall. I'm excited about all of them and the first one is already coming up on on September 24th. I have been invited to join 18 other artists and artisans for an art show in the country at Agar's Corner, so I will take my small (6x6") paintings and my portable wall for a day of peddling my wares! All of the work in my Daily Paintworks Gallery will come with me (click on the button on the top right hand side of this blog for a sneak peak). More info. will be posted next week closer to the date.

I am in the process of reworking some small paintings that I feel could be stronger. It's fun! The painting I am showing today was one of them. I was never happy with the bush- it was really in your face before. I also thought the Wolf Willow seemed too white. I'm much happier with the revised version. Underneath is the "before" image.

My only goal was to like it more, and I do. Today I played around with two other little paintings and by the time I left the studio I was excited with the results. One of the paintings has changed so drastically it is unrecognizable from the original. Wheeee! I'll show it next time, so be sure to check back.

Light And Old Growth

2011-09-11T22:45:00.000-07:00

Light And Old Growth

6 x 6"

I have had a heck of a time getting a decent photo of this painting. This is the best I have come up with. The last seven days have been the most glorious of the summer. High temperatures, very little wind, and clear blue skies. Absolutely perfect; a gift, really. The catch is I take photos of my work outside on overcast days, and despite trying, I couldn't make a photo work in such perfect weather. The air has cooled off today and the prairie winds are blowing again, so I'm back in business.

This painting has grown on me to the point that I am really liking it. I wasn't sure at first- I tried "stepping on my greens" with a bit of red, but then I had to go back in and make the forest floor glow. I can't help it. I am really enjoying the more abstract nature if this one. I may have to try another; maybe push the idea further.

~~~*~~~

Ten years ago I was at home with a bad back. I could hardly move and I was in a lot of pain. My husband woke me as he was leaving for work and said I should get to the t.v., a plane had flown into one of the World Trade Towers. I spent the morning on the couch horrified, but unable to take my eyes off the screen. Just a year earlier John and I stood at the top of The World Trade Centre when we were in New York City on holidays. I kept thinking of the men and women who were working in the food court at the top of that tower the day we were there. How terrified they must have been with what was happening to them. It broke my heart. I cried for them and all of the other civilians who were just putting in an honest days work. It is hard to grasp it all even now when I see the images being replayed. From such horror there will eventually be light and growth; a rebirth of sorts. I think the memorial that is being built at ground zero is a wonderful testament to that.

Little did I know, as I was at home in physical and emotional pain that day, that there was a little light in me, already shining brightly. I found out on September 24, 2001 that I was pregnant with Sammy. And my little corner of the world had hope again.

Off the Grid

2011-09-09T20:44:00.000-07:00

Early in the week I felt a sore throat coming on, so I scrambled to the studio because I have a couple of deadlines that are coming regardless of the status of my health. Sure enough by Wednesday I was hit hard and last night plunged into the depths of fever and chills. I'm on the mend but haven't had a chance to photograph any new work to show you. I've been meaning to share a link to a very energetic, expressive artist, so now seems like a good time. His name is Jonas Gerard and I wish I could recall how I stumbled upon this video, but I don't, I'm just glad I did!

http://studioartists.ning.com/video/jonas-gerard-live-painting

Watching him paint (perform) simply makes me smile. I hope you enjoy him, too.

*NOTE: I just realized that the link didn't work. Hopefully it is all set now.

So I was off the grid, but now I am back and after another good sleep I will respond to all of the great comments and feedback left on my last post. Nightie-night!

Chartreuse Or Not Chartreuse?

2011-09-04T21:15:00.000-07:00

I just got myself a cafe mocha, my boys are watching the football game (go Riders) and now I am going to elaborate on my last post.

I have gone through a year of growth in several ways, many of which are art related. I am consciously and actively working at getting my art and my name (in relation to my art) "out there", but I have so much to learn that at times I am overwhelmed. That niggling feeling of self doubt creeps in and whacks me over the head when I least expect it! That is what happened to me recently. Usually it happens when I read something or have a conversation that causes me to call into question my choices, ideas or intentions. Don't get me wrong- it actually isn't a bad thing to go through this once in a while because hopefully I either end up stronger in my convictions or realize I need to make an adjustment. The problem is that these self-examination periods usually start with a plunge in confidence; with me feeling like I've put the cart before the horse and should paint like a real artist with real training and real skills and real vision before putting myself "out there"... sigh... yes, I find this mind-set exhausting, too. I am coming to realize that there are many artists, writers, musicians who are worried about being "found out"; that they are a sham and no one has figured it out yet. Which of course they are not. After the initial panic at the start of these self-examination periods, I calm down and try to gain perspective. It's a time to sort out what I actually believe; to sort out the facts from the opinions. Once that is done, with any luck, I have grown and can move forward.

So about two weeks ago I followed a link to a blog that I have looked at before, but hadn't visited in awhile. It is the blog of a very knowledgeable and successful artist, Stapleton Kearns. On his blog he shares a great deal of experience, discusses work he admires, answers questions of his readers, etc. He is extremely generous in sharing what he knows, and you can't say that about all artists. I came across his post "A Tool For Smuggling Red" and whack! self doubt right upside the head! He knows colour theory inside and out and when he talked about not wanting chartreuse in his paintings I thought, "Well, that's it for me! I'm out!" For several days after reading that post I kept thinking how much Stapleton Kearns would hate my work. It really bothered me. I love chartreuse (as you can tell by the above paintings). Then I decided to re-examine his post and I realized for the most part I agree with what he says, I just happen to think this bright yellow-green colour is A-OK to put in my paintings. It's there in nature- especially in the sunlit moss beds of the Boreal forest. I want to incorporate it because it tells part of the story. In fact, often it's the reason I am telling the story in the first place. I think chartreuse is a glorious, joyful colour.

Upon reading Mr. Kearns' post again I realized he was talking about his opinion of what he wants in his paintings and not stating a fact. He doesn't know me from a hole in the ground and so, although his words hit me personally, they were certainly not directed at me. However, if he actually saw my paintings he just might direct them towards me, and that is where my self confidence button got pushed. He says, "Sometimes I want my paintings to be the color of 500 dollar suits. High key lemon greens are not something I would want in my suits". I get that- I wouldn't want my husband to show up wearing a chartreuse suit, however, if he wore a classy black suit with a chartreuse handkerchief poking out of the pocket I would think he was smokin' hot! And therein lies the difference between me and Stape!

This is where the growth comes in after a period of self doubt. I have shifted my mind-set because the reality is I am an artist. I have real training. Maybe not a degree, but still, real training from excellent teachers. I have real skills and I have a vision for my own art. Will it appeal to everyone. Nope. Is that okay? Yup. Do I want to paint like anyone but me? Nope. (Well, maybe Tom Thomson). Am I done learning? Nope, not even close. In fact, I am excited to see what I will learn with the next painting. I have re-written my blog profile to reflect this growth. I am hoping that by sharing my insecurities I haven't come across as unprofessional. I hope you will take my words for what they are; the sharing of this leg of my journey. Maybe you will even be able to relate in some way. The real growth here is that in the future I am going to try to be kinder to myself. I don't want to be my own worst enemy anymore.

P.S. The Riders won!

River in Progress

2011-08-29T22:07:00.000-07:00

river... in progress

12 x 12"

I started this painting at the Waskesiu River when we were on holidays and I worked on it a bit last week at the studio. It needs more attention, but it also needs to dry before I touch it again.

I did not feet like blogging this past week. Straight up! I'm not sure if it is because summer was winding down and I felt the need to chill with the kids or that I decided to start a bit of a purge of the front porch or maybe it was that I got sidetracked by two unexpected visits with old high school friends or that I was somewhat obsessed with figuring out my new Daily Paintworks Gallery... or... well, I could go on forever with the excuses, but I'll stop there. I didn't blog and the world didn't stop. Lesson learned.

Actually, aside from all the above excuses I really did get a bit freaked by something I read on a blog last week and I have been processing it all since then. It kind of stopped me in my tracks and caused me to reflect on my work. It was a post completely unrelated to me and yet I took it personally. First let me say that I realize I am ridiculously sensitive and that has got to change because really, grow up, Nicki! At first what I read shook my foundations, but a day or two later I started settling down and began to develop my own opinion. You see, I am also ridiculously prone to innocently believing things said by those more experienced than I as being fact rather than a matter of opinion. That has got to change, too. Seriously, Nicki!

Anyway... my next post will be about this business I read on a big-wig bloggers blog. I'm sure you are on the edge of your seats! Oh, the suspense!

Back From Summer Holidays

2011-08-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

First location...

painting at the Waskesiu River

For (almost) the last three weeks I have been on holidays with my family in Waskesiu where we were lucky enough to use my parent's cabin. We had so much fun at the beach, bike riding, going for walks, checking out the nature centre, geo-caching for the first time and of course, going for ice cream! It was a break we all needed to have together. I even had some time to go out and paint, which of course made me feel calm and content.

Second location...

painting on Prospect Point

The above photo shows the Park Superintendent's house (in the background) which was built in 1929. There are more large cabins to each side and behind this one and the golf course is back there, too. I think I remember hearing that the Waskesiu golf course was one of Bob Hope's favorites. This area is slightly away from the main town-site and is called Prospect Point. Many, many, many years ago I worked at the golf course restaurant and at the time us "locals" called this area "Snob Hill". For two summers in a row I worked at the Clubhouse restaurant making some sweet tips. The first year the tips I saved got me to Europe for two and a half months. Ahhh, those were good times.

this plaque overlooks the lake

and is near the above bench

where I painted that morning

I can't believe summer is drawing to a close. It has been a good one and I feel like we made some memories that will last us a lifetime. Many years from now I'm sure I will be saying about this summer, "Ahhh, those were good times"! And now it is time to regroup, get the rest of the school supplies, do other errands and deal with the piles of "real life" that were left in the house when we escaped to the lake.

Third location...

near main beach in town-site

I hope your summer has been a wild, wonderful, memory generator!

Ours has!

It's Been Two Years!

2011-08-19T22:59:00.000-07:00

Water Striders- Big Broadway Number

40 x 30"

NFS

Two years ago today I gave myself this blog as a birthday present. So much has happened since then it is almost hard to comprehend. Of all the wonderful things that have come my way in that time, I am most grateful for the personal connections; the real, actual, honest-to-goodness, not-just-cyber friendships. I have had the good fortune to meet face-to-face with five Blogger friends, email with several others and have wonderful, lengthy phone calls with a couple of them. My cup runneth over!

And now for an announcement...

Today I gave myself another birthday present! A store on Daily Paintworks. Yay! It's all new and I am just sorting it all out, but please visit my Gallery as it is set up so far. For now I am just planning to sell my little paintings and we will see what happens. It's scary, it's the unknown, but it's all good!

This painting, "Water Striders- Big Broadway Number" is one of my all time favorites. I love it so I'm keepin' it! I showed it early on in my blogging days and you can see the original post here.

Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey and venture into the art world!

Rolling Clouds and Exciting News!

2011-08-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

Rolling Clouds

On this day, as I painted near the main beach in Waskesiu, the clouds kept changing and moving, yet overall stayed the same. They formed rows in the sky. Quite interesting to look at. I spent quite a bit of time on the land/horizon and wish the photo showed the variations more. I especially love the birch trees on the far right and would love to experiment more with a closer view of that part of the landmass.

Now for the exciting news... a few months back fellow blogger Judy Adamson approached me about doing a guest post for her blog, "Judy Adamson's Art And Design Blog". She suggested I write about my interest in painting en plein air and that is what I ended up doing. If you click on the link to her blog you will see my post! Thanks Judy for your friendship and interest in my art and my blog. And if you are new to my blog, I'd love it if you would follow my progress, here or on my Facebook Fan Page.

Have a great day everyone!

Prospect Point

2011-08-15T20:53:00.000-07:00

Several years ago Parks Canada, in an effort to raise money for P.A.N.P. (Prince Albert National Park), began "selling" beautiful wooden park benches. Each one has a small plaque which can be engraved with words; a dedication, memorial or friendly message. They are placed around the Waskesiu town site and surrounding area. I painted this view while sitting on a bench with the dedication "Compliments of Bob Potts and family". It is located at a lookout point in front of the Park Superintendent's home, built in 1929, on Prospect Point. As a kid we used to call this area "Snob Hill" because it is where (at the time) all the huge, fancy, beautiful rich-people cottages were built... and all within walking distance of the golf course.

Upon looking at this painting on the screen I think I will make some changes. I may remove the large patch of blue at the top of the composition. Although there were many "windows" through the clouds to the blue sky, I think what I have showing may be overkill. Also, I am uncertain of the intense colour of the blue. As I mixed the paint I kept holding my brush up against the sky to see how close I was getting to the true colour of blue that day. This is darn close, but never-the-less I am not sure it works. It also looks to me that the land mass on the left is sloping slightly down toward the middle of the board, so that needs to be remedied. If anyone has any thoughts, well, don't be shy! I'd love to hear 'em!

Raw

2011-08-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

This was, in fact, the first I painted of these larger prairie scenes. "Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow" and "Protected Prairie" came after (in that order). I am so thankful that I had the studio to myself that day. The kids were at their day camps and I had set aside those hours to get work (painting) done. I was in a very emotional state and I went at this canvas with a passion and vengeance like never before. Tears and walnut alkyd make a great medium as it turns out! I won't bore you with the details, but the state I found myself in was at the culmination of a few very stressful, upsetting life scenarios. All of my pent up energy was unleashed that day as my emotions were deposited on this 24 x 24" surface! I felt raw as I worked and the overall effect of this piece, to me, is raw. I did not fuss over this painting. It is loose and free and unencumbered by nitpicking. Things are implied in this prairie scene (like the small pools of water), but not spelled out for you. I hope you like it, I think I do. And although I was alone while I painted, Kelly Clarkson did a great job of keeping me company!

Protected Prairie

2011-08-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Protected Prairie

24 x 24"

This is another of the large paintings I recently did based on "Prairie Love" which was one of the smaller pieces from the "30 paintings in 30 days" project. Again, I used the same photo, but didn't look at any images of the small painting so I could attack the subject in a fresh way. I am loving the combination of silvery grays, rusty oranges/browns with hits of turquoise. This is painted from another reference photo I took of the protected grasslands in our city almost two years ago in October. The show of colours was spectacular and I must make a point of going back this fall to take more photos.

As I have been painting these prairie scenes (both small and large) I am becoming more and more aware of who I am as a painter. There was a time I thought I might aspire to high realism, but I am finding that, in fact, I want to paint and I am painting more emotionally. I want react to the mood, the source and subject, the music I am listening to and what is going on inside me at that time. I think that is why, in part, I love painting en plein air because I am emotional and passionate about nature and I can react to it so honestly when I am directly immersed in it. Hmmm, lots to think about.

As an aside...I have added a few albums to my Facebook Fan Page. I'd love it if you popped by and had a look!

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

2011-08-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

24 x 24"

Ta da! The final result of the process. Or close to the final result. I may do a bit of tweaking here and there, but overall I am happy with the way this one went. Here is a link to the little 6 x 6" I did in my "30 paintings in 30 days" project that was the inspiration for this larger work. I used the same photo, but did not look at actual images of this little study as I worked. I wanted to keep this one fresh and not feel like I was trying to "copy" the littler painting.

I love to hear from you! Please let me know your thoughts!

More Progress

2011-08-02T23:04:00.000-07:00

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

The next stage is where I begin with oils. At this point I build things up; begin to find patterns and rhythms with the paint. I really want the main focus to be the trail that carves through the grass and the Wolf Willow, so I am hoping I can get it to read right. The resource photo I am using (you can see it taped above the canvas on the easel) was taken almost two years ago at a protected grassland area within the city limits of Saskatoon. It is a really beautiful, tranquil place right in a residential neighborhood. All kinds of wildlife call it home... and there are lots of animals, too. Bah dah bah! Thank you, I'll be here all week!

Prairie Work In Progress

2011-07-31T08:56:00.000-07:00

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

I am beginning a series of work based on some of the small prairie scenes I did in my "30 Paintings in 30 Days" project. This is the start of one. I don't usually do progress shots of my paintings, partly because I never think to take pictures as I go along and partly because I'm not sure my process/progress is that interesting. Anyhoo, I did take a few pictures as this prairie scene went along. At this first stage I am using acrylics to sort out the placement of things and to get the canvas covered with colour so no white peeks out later when I begin using oils. Really it's an underpainting of sorts.

Somewhere In My Dreams

2011-07-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Somewhere In My Dreams

6 x 6"

I painted at the studio last Friday night. I was the only one there so I put on some music, loudly, and this is what I ended up with. I decided to try one of the recent challenges posted on Daily Paintworks (but I didn't submit it) which was to get inspiration from a song and paint your feelings. I used a photo I took awhile ago and then used the song "Chances Are" by Bob Seger as my inspiration. I have two versions of that song and I just played it over and over and over while I painted. One version is from the "Hope Floats" soundtrack and it is Bob Seger and Martina McBride singing. The other version is actually from an Ally McBeal (remember that show?!) soundtrack and it features Robert Downey Jr. (swoon) and Vonda Shephard singing. I love the lyrics, the power of the song and the softness of the song. I love how it is beautiful and so sad, too. Here is a link to the video.

I am extremely happy with this painting. I actually really do think it expresses how I feel when I listen to this song. I always well up with tears and the so the slight suggestion of rain by the wispy cloud bottoms references that. The power of the song is up in the darker, more active, stormy clouds. The gentle, more tender side of the song is suggested in the clearer sky, the calmer colours and the smoother brushstrokes near the horizon.

I hope you enjoy looking at this painting.

I've Been Tagged

2011-07-25T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well this is fun! My pal, talented artist Suzanne Berry, has tagged me! Let the games begin...

A blog called TripBase (a travel blog) began the "My 7 Links" project with the goal of uniting "bloggers (from all sectors) in a joint endeavor to share lessons learned and create a bank of long but not forgotten blog posts that deserve to see the light of day again."

To participate I need to link to seven of my previous posts based on the following categories:

- Your most beautiful post
– Your most popular post
– Your most controversial post
– Your most helpful post
– A post whose success surprised you
– A post you feel didn’t get the attention it deserved
– The post that you are most proud of

Basically this is an opportunity to dig these posts out of the archives and allow them to be revisited. So here goes!

My most beautiful post....

The North Side

Although this is the painting that went with the post, I chose it as the most beautiful not because of the painting but because of the words. It's about my mom. Please follow this link to read what I had to say.

My most popular post...

You Can Go Back

I wasn't sure whether I should judge "popularity" based on comments or blogger stats, but this one got quite a few comments and is by far the most viewed post in my repertoire. It blows all the others out of the water! The post was called "A Full Day" and the above is the painting I posted with my story. Here is the link. And here is the link to the backstory of that link! (Feel free to have a chuckle at my expense!).

My most controversial post...

Fire In The Belly

I'm not really about controversy on this blog and this post wasn't controversial in itself, but it raised a debate in my own mind that I shared in this post.

My most helpful post...

30 Paintings in 30 Days Project

FFFH Art Show and Sale

I think this post on how to make a portable display wall could have been my most helpful.

The post whose success surprised me...

Waskesiu River

This was from the very early days of blogging and I was thrilled to get the support for this little painting (7 x 7") and the story, which you can see/read here.

The post that didn't get the attention it deserved...

Hmmm, how to choose? I have had a few posts that have only received attention from crickets! ;o) I'm just going to go with an early post when I hadn't yet been discovered by any other bloggers and therefore didn't get much attention. This post explains my blog title "Nicki Ault: Me, Myself And Who Am I?" Here is the link.

The post I am most proud of...

In My Aura

Hands down this is it. I am proud of the painting and that it was accepted to the International Women Celebrate! project. I am proud that it was posted on a U.K. website. I am proud that the experience stretched my skills, gave me more understanding of my family history, and pushed me to face some fears. I am proud of the amazing women and artists I collaborated with and met at the artist's weekend in Ayr, Ontario.

Thanks Suzanne, that was fun. A little trip down memory lane is good for the soul. I am going to tag:

My Sweet Prairie

Eat Drink Paint.

Barbara Muir Paints

Fresh Air

2011-07-24T09:23:00.000-07:00

Fresh Air

6 x 6"

I did this at the studio the other day when it was rainy and the kids were at their day camps. I used a photo I took a couple of years ago. I really liked how the clouds were heavy at the horizon and breaking up into the sky. The greens of the field and the blues in the sky feel like a fresh air day to me.

Soil Sample

2011-07-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Soil Sample

6 x 6"

oil on board

This is the last of the Adirondack chair paintings from the three days I spent at Emma Lake. The class was done on Sunday morning and after lunch people packed up and headed for home. I decided to stay and paint because it was such a beautiful afternoon. This one is not a favorite, but as I have said before, they can't all be winners. I also dropped it face down on the ground when I tried to move the chair back into the shade. That is where the name comes from... there are actually little bits of dirt, sand and plant material stuck in the paint. I worked on this one a bit more in the studio because the original just seemed plain lame. Here is what it looked like before I tweaked it:

(before)

Now that I am looking at them again I am beginning to like the first version! Well, I shouldn't say "like", because I don't like either, but I don't hate it as much as I thought I did. And this is my favorite section of the after version (or should I say least hated section):

Anyhoo...

To compensate you for the time you took to look at my mediocre painting I will share recommendations for two very different creative endeavors that went much better than mine...

Tonight I went to a movie with my sister. I didn't really know anything about it, but she had heard it was funny. And it was. In fact it is was side-splitting, can't breathe, tears-running-down-my-cheeks funny. Do yourself a favour, go see Bridesmaids and enjoy the scene where Maya Rudolph is saying "It's happening!"

On a more serious note, if you are in need of a good book you should pick up "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett. I brought it to read at Emma Lake. I hadn't heard of it before and I don't know why I picked it out of all the choices at the bookstore, but I am so glad I did. It was excellent. And I just found out it has been made into a movie.

I have some larger work to share with you soon based on some from my "30 paintings in 30 days" project, so stay tuned!

Sketchbook Sketch

2011-07-19T21:27:00.000-07:00

Margot- Sketchbook Sketch

This is the last drawing I have to share from my two day class. On the last evening the model offered to pose for an hour of her own time. She had fulfilled the obligations of her contract, but wanted to continue for anyone still wanting to draw! She was a good egg! I decided to do a quick portrait... well, only after I ditched my first effort which was a foot study. I had to crop this one because I really misjudged the placement of her head on the paper.

I'm no Barbara Muir, Suzanne Berry or Rahina Q. yet, but I'm not giving up and I'll get there someday! Thank you for watching me on my journey.

Ending

2011-07-17T20:37:00.000-07:00

Ending

6 x 6"

oil on board

Another end-of-day sky painted while sitting in an Adirondack chair in the evening after my drawing class at Emma Lake.

I've been thinking of endings a lot lately. There are endings everywhere a person turns, but what I am trying to keep my focus on is that with every ending there is a new beginning. In the case of these skies, for example, there was something unique and beautiful with each one and I enjoyed sitting beneath them so much that I really didn't want the moment to end. Of course wishing for time to stand still didn't make it happen. I am aware now that if my wish originally came true there would only be one sky painting rather than four. So, as sad as endings are one must remember that there is hope in the light of a new day.

Margot- A Sketch

2011-07-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Margot

Nearing the end of the first day of class I did this pencil portrait of our model, Margot. I didn't have time to finish or refine it, but the point was really to be practicing and getting the feel of drawing again. The cobwebs are slow to come off after 11 years!

On a completely different note... it is so humid here! What is up? I am in the middle of the prairies with no significant large body of water anywhere to be found and yet the air honestly feels like the tropics. My skin is lovin' it, my curls/frizz... not so much!

Whisper Goodbye

2011-07-13T11:36:00.000-07:00

Whisper Goodbye

6 x 6"

Another Adirondack chair plein air painting from the second evening at the Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus. Drawing all day, painting at night... doesn't get much better.

Quiet Reflection

2011-07-12T11:21:00.000-07:00

Quiet Reflection

6 x 6"

I did this little plein air painting after supper on the first night at Emma Lake. Again I went down to the beach to paint. The sky was beautiful as the sun was going down. It was calm and peaceful and I could feel myself moving to that place of quiet reflection.

Sitting Pose

2011-07-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Sitting Pose

The model we had for the drawing class was a pro. Her gesture poses for the warm-ups were excellent and her longer poses were well thought out and interesting. She could hold a pose like no other (even with the mosquitoes!)... until this one. Bless her heart, she actually fell asleep! She kept sinking lower and lower until her chest was more caved in and the arm propped on the back of the chair was at a very different angle than when we began.

I like areas of this one; I like her right leg and the overall gesture of her seated position. I think you get a real sense of the way her body weight is distributed in this pose. However, I do feel a bit bad about the man-hand I gave her! She really did have the most graceful and beautiful hands, but you would never know it by the big honkin' mitt I put on her! It's like a paw!!!

Standing Pose

2011-07-10T09:13:00.000-07:00

standing pose

This is possibly my favorite drawing from my class at Emma Lake. It is obviously not finished, and something is not quite right from the belly button up, but I don't care! How's that!? I still feel really happy with how this one went. I love it from the belly button down. I wish I could remember what the time limit was, but I don't. Thirty minutes comes to mind.

Cabin #11

a little piece of heaven

Did I mention how much I loved my little cabin? I had it all to myself and although I wouldn't want to be away from my family permanently, it was a glorious respite from never ending Lego pieces, Bey Blades and Pokemon card debris!!!

More Sketches

2011-07-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more sketches from my drawing class. With this exercise the instructor, Wes Schafer, suggested that we use line to help describe the contours of the body as opposed to relying solely on value. This was a new concept again and I had trouble getting the hang of it... it is way too easy to slip into my usual way of doing things. I'm quite happy with the drawing on the top left.

This is a detail of that drawing to show the lines used to suggest the roundness of the leg and arm and the gentle curve of the belly.

Alone With The Sky

2011-07-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

Alone With The Sky

6 x 6"

After I settled in to my sweet little cabin at the Kenderdine Campus last week I enjoyed an Adirondack chair and some plein air painting down at the beach. Really I couldn't wait to get going, the sounds and smells of the outdoors were calling me and my brush! I had returned to the place where I could let my breath out, step away from it all and feel what it is like to just be me.

in the distance you can see the chair

I watched the sky. I painted it. And I felt alone, but in a good way.

I'm Rusty

2011-07-06T22:53:00.000-07:00

One of the exercises we did on the first day of class (after gesture studies to loosen up) was draw poses focusing on shapes and masses, not so much on line. This was a stretch for me because normally I would instinctively begin drawing the outline and then shade afterward. The top two are ten minute studies, one in pencil the other in vine charcoal, and the bottom one was a 15 minute study in vine charcoal. At this point I am definitely feeling rusty and like there are cobwebs blowing around in my head!

Gesture at Emma

2011-07-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

I am back from the Kenderdine Campus and wish the drawing class I took was longer! It was all day Friday and Saturday with a bit of a recap on Sunday morning. I was extremely rusty, but loosened up a bit by the second day. If I hope to improve I am going to have to make more of an effort to draw more than a few times a decade. Anyway, I will share some of my work with you despite the fact that I am not overly thrilled or fired up about it. Above is a fast gesture drawing and I am happy with the marks; I even like the look of the adjustments I made (i.e. changed the position of the right arm and dropped the right foot down). The instructor, Wes Schafer, was really good and offered a different spin on things. It was his first time teaching and he did a great job. I'd like to learn more from him someday.

My little cabin

Home Away From Home

To me this campus is magical... when I am there I feel the history, I love the setting, I feel like I am part of nature in a really grounded way, I learn and grow and I have art talks that make me happy, happy, happy.

Girl Unfinished #2

2011-06-29T12:56:00.000-07:00

Girl #2 (unfinished)

pencil on paper

Same model as the previous post, but different day. I like this one more. The last one has a stiffness to it and I prefer how I can capture the detail with pencil. Both would have been done in roughly two hours... clearly not enough time to get the job done!

I just took a break from packing and hope to be on the road in about two hours. I always get this wave of panic and sadness when I leave my boys, but once I am on the open road with my tunes cranked I know I will begin to relax. When I was at a class at Emma Lake last year a few of us were sitting around at the end of the day and one of the ladies asked why each of us had come and why some liked it so much they had returned. "Is it the love!?" she asked. Everyone had varying responses from it being on their "bucket list", to wanting to learn from the instructor. My response was that it is the only place I have found where I can just be "Me".

Girl Unfinished

2011-06-28T22:18:00.000-07:00

Girl 1(unfinished)

charcoal and chalk on paper

Another old drawing from back in the day before paint.

I am extremely excited because tomorrow I am northward bound! I am going a day early to spend some quiet time alone at my parents' cabin at Waskesiu Lake. I may paint or read my new book... or just sleep, sleep, sleep! I need to arrive on campus by suppertime Thursday at which time I will meet the instructor and other students. It's going to be good!

Say What Now?

2011-06-27T21:32:00.000-07:00

Phil
pencil on paper

I was a bit surprised to look at the date on this portrait. In fact in my head I said, "Say what now?!" I forgot I began taking drawing classes that long ago, but after a bit of thought it all made sense, I just forget how old I am getting!