Thursday, June 21, 2012

Red Alert: Winter Dogwood

Red Alert: Winter Dogwood
36 x 30"
acrylic, oil and oil stick on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2012
sold

As you might recall I have affectionately referred to a certain piece as a "monster" of a painting. Well, here it is. The term monster was used with love... it was a difficult composition, it was a difficult colour palette and it was big... however, I loved painting it! It was kind of like a Sesame Street type of monster! It was in the Family Tree show last month and I positioned on the wall directly opposite the entrance for maximum impact. I was thrilled when a couple I really love decided they needed it for their home. Gosh, that is the best feeling. 

When I finished working on "Red Alert" I realized I hadn't tackled the entire idea I originally had for these crazy red branches, so I ended up painting three smaller pieces that addressed what was still swirling around in my head. I will show you those paintings in the next few posts.

8 comments:

sherry said...

i love red osier dogwoods... they provide winter colour

Nicki said...

Sherry, aren't they beautiful? I found this one near the Mendel art gallery in Saskatoon and it stopped me in my tracks. It was very dramatic against the white snow.

suzanneberry said...

nicki, when this page appeared on my screen i let out an audible "wow!" it's absolutely stunning and i can see why it sold, it's just so beautifully done. and the palette, the deep red of the branches with bright red highlights and the cool blues in the snow, it's perfectly balanced and just incredible. congratulations.

and thank you too for your very kind comments on my blog. i so appreciate them.

happy creating my friend and again, congratulations on this painting and it's sale!

Janie B said...

Wow! That must have been hard. But, it is truly beautiful. Congrats on the sale.

Barbara Muir said...

What a gorgeous painting, and congratulations.

XO Barbara

Nicki said...

Hi Suzanne,

Wow, thanks for such great words. So glad you stopped by- it is always good to hear from you. And I'm so pleased to see new work on your blog... keep it up girl, day by day.

Big hug,
Nicki

Nicki said...

Hi Janie. What a treat to hear from you. I hope you are well. Yes, this one gave me a run for my money, but after a couple last minute changes I ended up feeling good about it.

Nicki said...

Thanks Barbara! This was the "monster" you heard me speak of.

he he

Nicki XO