Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Somewhere In My Dreams

Somewhere In My Dreams
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011  

sold

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.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

it is a powerful yet haunting piece Nicki... it is amazing how deep yet momentary an effect music has on all our senses. your response has been instinctive..

Nicki said...

I appreciate your words Rahina. Yes, I am noticing more and more the effect music has on me while I am painting. It's a good thing I think.

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

beautiful! You would probably think I was on crack if I told you what i like to listen to when i do my art. lol. so I won't tell you.

: )
beautiful painting!!
~Monika
in Saskatoon

Nicki said...

Monika, you have me interested in what you listen to now!

-Don said...

Beautifully done, Nicki! The energy in the strokes of the storm are balanced so wonderfully with the calm strokes on the horizon. The compliments of the purple of the storm and the yellows of the horizon add to this dynamic.

I'm so glad you were able to crank on some tunes in your studio. I can totally relate. Having music playing while I work is an absolute must.

I've enjoyed getting caught up on all your recent posts. I'm quite behind with all my blogging friends. July was a bit of a crazy month.

-Don

Nicki said...

Hi Don,

I may need to take a better photo of this one, I don't think it is doing the piece justice, but I am glad that you got enough of a feel for it that you felt you could comment. I figured if anyone noticed my complimentary palette it would be you!

I love it when I am the only one at the studio so I can turn the music up and go. I've recently enjoyed revisiting some old CD's... Peter Gabriel, The Proclaimers, The Bodeans to name a few.

I recall you saying in a post on your blog that July was a nutty month. I hope since you have resurfaced that it means things have settled down.

Take care,
Nicki

raymondwunna said...

Excellent depiction Nicki you show a lot of promise.You are an artist my dear.Keep on painting.
Raymond Wunna.

Nicki said...

Hi Raymond,

Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging comment. I appreciate that you took time to leave a message for me and I am glad you saw something you felt was worthy of a comment.