Protected Prairie
(revised)
24 x 24"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011
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
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.
6 comments:
Wow - you really did bring it to the next level. It's awesome - no wonder it got attention. I see what you mean about the bottom piece - again - it's that thing about our own eyes! I can really "feel" your prairie grasses. Did you go back to the field to paint or work from photos? Because it really rings true. Excellent.
You were a wonderful addition to the show. Hope someone who was there decides they can't live without this one and gets in touch. What an amazing difference between the two versions.
Well, I'm giddy with you! Outstanding job, Nicki! I think you made all the right decisions on your revision. I'm sure it got a lot of attention since it definitely deserves it.
-Don
Hi Nicki,
A gorgeous painting. I'm sure I liked it at first, and like it even more now.
XO Barbara
Thank you so much for your words, Kim. As I read your blog about this same subject I felt like I was not alone! It is crazy how we can be so close to our work that sometimes we can't see.
I reworked it at the studio and actually didn't really use my reference photos. There wasn't any Wolf Willow in the foreground of them except for that sprig I had in the original version. It needed more, so I just focused on making the painting work.
Thank you so much, Judy. It was a great event thanks to your amazing organizational skills. Truly, you put together a great show and I am honoured you invited me.
It would be great if I got a call back on this one. I'm sure happy with it.
-Nicki
Don, I am pleased you and your masterful eye agree with the changes I made. You are a good barometer and I appreciate your supportive giddyness! (is that a word?)
Nicki
Barbara, thanks! I thought it was good before, too, but now, happily, I think it is REALLY good... so that feels.... well, good!
XO Nicki
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