Sunday, November 27, 2011

Kindness and Joy: Life on the Prairies

Kindness and Joy: Life on the Prairies
48 x 30"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011 
NFS 

I love this painting. Love it. It makes me happy beyond words. It is exactly as I wanted it to be. Every brush stroke on this painting was made with a pure and genuine love of creating art. It was one of those magical times when everything was flowing so well that I almost felt like I was on a different plane. It was like the elixir I needed to get into the spirit of painting again and stop the inexplicable funk I've been in with my art lately. Here is the lovely back story to which I eluded the other day...

Early last week I arrived home with the kids for lunch and found a small pile of mail in the front porch. A package had been delivered with my name on it, but no return address. It was a tad mysterious- I couldn't recall ordering anything. I opened it up and the most beautiful book on The Group of Seven was inside with a small note...


It was from a friend who had been reading my blog and wanted to encourage me to accept the lows with the highs and to remind me that I am a good artist. How beautiful is that? The very next day I went to the studio and this painting happened. (I love this painting, just so you know). And since then I have been creating non-stop and can hardly wait to do more.The friend who sent it to me has the initials K.J. and so the title "Kindness and Joy" is a reference to her and the beautiful gesture that got me back on track.

I love this painting.

And now I am heading to the Open Studio! Wish me luck!

14 comments:

Judy Wood said...

I love this one too!! And I'm a total believer in your ability and your art.

Barbara Muir said...

Absolutely beautiful. I'm a believer too. And a fan.

XO Barbara

Anonymous said...

that is soooo wonderful and kind. makes me kinda teary. angels are everywhere. Your art is amazing and just keep on painting
peace
CheyAnne

Nicki said...

Thank you Judy, that means a lot to me.

Nicki said...

Barbara... thank you dear friend.

XO Nicki

Nicki said...

Hi CheyAnne,

It's true... I actually felt touched by an angel and I have been so excited about painting ever since.
Have a wonderful day!

Nicki

Kim Rempel said...

Nicki, that is one of the best things I've heard in a while. Delightful! Thoughtful, surprising, useful..! The painting is beautiful and fresh. It came from a gret place. And I have that book and it is a TREASURE!

Nicki said...

Hi Kim,

It's a pretty awesome story isn't it?! I have good, good friends. My wheels are turning, thinking of ways to pay it forward. That book is a treasure.

I like your description of "beautiful and fresh" for this painting. The palette I used does seem light and fresh... I really wanted it to have a dance-y feel. I love it if I do say so myself.

:o)

suzanneberry said...

and well you should, it's incredible!

Nicki said...

I'm glad you think so Suzanne. Your opinions always mean a lot to me.

N.

-Don said...

What a way to defeat the funk! There is no better feeling than when it all just comes together, seemingly without effort. I see the joy.

I hope you had a wonderful Open Studio with a great turnout. Even better, I hope you made some sales!

-Don

Nicki said...

Hi Don,

That's good news, you see the joy I was feeling. It hasn't stopped either... I've enjoyed every painting I have done since that gift arrived. I must get them posted. Even the one I began before the gift arrived (my love/hate painting) has been resolved. Hopefully I can ride this wave for a while. :o)

The Open Studio was great and I will be posting about it tonight.

Nicki

Anonymous said...

you are right to feel as you do about this painting... it is beautifully balanced Nicki...

Nicki said...

Thank you Rahina, I'm pleased you think so. It really was a joy to paint.

N.