Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Cloud Over Emma

 
Cloud Over Emma
7x7"
oil on canvas
sold

I have been saying for awhile now that I would like to try my hand at oil paints. I have been enjoying acrylics, but have felt that I am limited by them to an extent, especially if I want to go for a softer more blended look. Acrylics just dry so darn quickly that you either have to work fast or else use a gel medium (not a fan) to keep them wet longer. Well, last month I was extremely close to ordering the full gamete of oil paint and supplies through Opus online because they had a sale on their Gamblin brand (Karin Jurick uses many of their colours). Then the practical and frugal side of me kicked in, as it often does, and said, "Why don't you crack open the starter set you got for your birthday a couple of years ago before you shell out the big bucks?" So yesterday I went to the studio and that is exactly what I did! I pulled out that little set of 12 colours and had the time of my life! Seriously, it's a whole new world ... I swear could hear Alladin and Jasmine singing as I painted... or maybe it was this guy.... "a whole new world, a new fantastic point of view... a dazzling place I never knew... it's crystal clear that now I'm in a whole new world..."

So the result of my studio playtime was this little sky, and another which I will show next time, on a canvas I had prepared ages ago with a cadmium orange (acrylic) ground. You can see the orange peaking through here and there and I like the undertone it gives the lighter part of the sky above the horizon. I was a pretty large mess when I finished for the day because I kept forgetting the paint was wet, so there will be a learning curve fo sho, but you know what? I think I'm up for it! And today when I went in I got some serious encouragement and positive feedback from two of the other artists that were there working. They both especially liked this one, so here it is for you to see... my first little oil painting since first year university (many moons ago)!  

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Woohoo!!!!!! You've taken to oils like a duck to water girlfriend! The brushstrokes, the luscious colors, everything seems to have brought your vision of the world to a whole new level! I can hardly wait to see what else is around the pike! Love this cloud!

Unknown said...

Oh, and I loved you describing the experience like a choir of angels singing, "A Whole New World" to you. Oh, that "guy" was kind of cute too.

Anonymous said...

Nicki, it is a most wonderful cloud painting! i do hope you enjoy painting in oils. because they dry so slowly, it gives me time to mould or scrap the paint away:)

Unknown said...

Nicki, I LOVE this one! The cloud is great but I also love the water reflection and the colours in the sky between water and cloud ... really beautiful. Really.

I miss you ... I called you last night but it was busy the few times I tried. Wondering how the boys are doing back at school?? I sure had fun mini-golfing with you all last week. How precious was Sam?? Love him.

Hugs to you ... can't wait to see the next painting. I'm proud of you!
XOXOXOO JJ

Tammy Hext said...

NIcki - this is so gorgeous!!! Cannot wait to see more.

Nicki said...

Hi Sheila,

Thank you (x)2 for both your comments! Yes, I googled the song and got Nick Pitera... I thought he seemed pretty talented and like he had some personality. I'm pretty excited about what is around the pike too! Thanks for your encouraging words.

Nicki


Hi Rahina,

I'm sure I will be contacting you with many a technical question and for some expert advice as I explore oils. Glad you like this one.

N.


Hi JJ,

Thanks and I am glad you think this is a good one. We had fun spending time with you... we must do it again soon.

XO Nicki


Hi Tammy and thanks... I may be contacting you for tips too! You are awesome with that thick buttery oil paint.

Nicki

suzanneberry said...

WOW!!! I logged on to you blog and was instantly awash with goose flesh!!! I love this painting, it's so powerful. Looks like you'll be spending some coin on oils, no? and thank you so very much for your incredible comment, it was lovely and meant a lot!

JRonson said...

the clouds r amazing x) very expressive

Nicki said...

Hi Suzanne,

Nice to hear from you. Thank you for such enthusiasm as I venture into oils on this one. It was lots of fun and, yes, a trip to the art supply store could be in order!

Nicki


Hi JRonson,

Thank you so much for looking at my blog and for leaving a comment. Please feel free to do so anytime. I'm glad this cloud struck you... I see that you are a very expressive painter, so that means a lot.

Nicki