Prospect Point

Far From Prospect Point, Waskesiu
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2011  

  

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!