Saturday, December 4, 2010

Kingfisher Trail, Waskesiu

Kingfisher Trail, Waskesiu
22x 28
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2010
sold 

I did this painting last month for my upcoming show at Moka Coffee Bar. I took the reference photo for it on the September long weekend when we hiked the trail with our kids. It was a fantastic afternoon- some really great memories were made that day. I'm happy with the way this painting turned out. I tried to stay loose and free with the underbrush and foliage. I love some of the marks in those areas. The whites of the birch do come across quite white in the photo, but in reality you would see soft pinks, blue grays and soft purples in there. I actually may switch up my plan for Moka. Initially I had planned for the work to be entirely tree related, but the woman who approached me at the Open Studio is organizing a group show for the new year with the theme of trees. Now I believe I will make the Moka collection a bit more diverse and keep some of my tree canvases available in case I end up participating in her show.

8 comments:

Artist said...

this is truly beautiful! wonderful values of greens in there!

Linda Popple said...

Really nice! The light on the tree trunks is beautiful. And your greens halp create a nice color harmony.

-Don said...

I love your brushwork, the colors, and the lighting. I especially like the tree 'hiding' in the shadows. It does a great job of balancing the composition.

I'm excited to hear that more show opportunities are coming your way.

-Don

Anonymous said...

Nicki you have a way with birches, an excellent idea to pursue more in thie vein... this one is beautiful!

Nicki said...

Hi Artist,

Thank you! I am glad you had such a positive reaction to this painting.


Hi Linda,

I'm so happy you found that the light on the tree trunks translates well enough in this photo. Photos are so tricky- they never quite do the work justice.


Hi Don,

It always feels great to get such strong positive feedback from a guy with a great eye! Thanks for mentioning the tree hiding in the shadows- I hoped it would add to the story of the light in this painting.


Hi Rahina,

What kind words. Thank you!



Thank you everyone for your encouraging words. You made my day!

Nicki

Celeste Bergin said...

this painting could not be better! I feel the cool air..beautifully done!

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

The painting is wonderful and I like your new bio photo. Very pretty.

Great work. You are cooking girl!

XOBarbara

Nicki said...

Thank you so much for that wonderful compliment, Celeste. It is nice to hear from you again.

Nicki



Hi Barbara,

Thank you... for the comment on the painting and for noticing I changed my mug shot! I hope all of your marking is winding down and that you will soon be enjoying the holidays.

Nicki XO