Thursday, January 22, 2015

Down That Insecure Road Again

Jack Pine On Lynx Lake, La Ronge
48 x 30"
acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2014
sold

It's happened again. I have put myself in a place of discomfort and mild stress. I have submitted two of my paintings to the Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival Show and Sale. There's a juror, there's prizes, there's three possible gallery spaces the artwork could be place in... and therein lies the stress. Of course a person wants to do well. Of course it would be great if both pieces made their way into the big, main gallery. Of course it would be great to win a prize. Of course it would be great if something sold. The bottom line for me, however, is that I just don't want to make a fool of myself! How is that for setting the bar low?! Really, I just don't want to look lame in front of my peers.

Georgian On My Mind, Georgian Bay
36 x 36"
acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2014
sold

I chose to submit two paintings I feel really happy with, which I guess is all you can do. I think "Georgian On My Mind" is a bit of a risk to have submitted, but it is a painting that I felt really excited about as I worked. It is dark and dramatic, rather flat and graphic and really different for me. The photo of it isn't great- it's got more oomph in person. The Jack Pine was a bit of a struggle. I went back and forth sorting out the sky and water and trees- well, everything- but in the end I felt content about the result. I am especially fond of the rock. It is a painting that had me thinking about different concepts as I went along, in fact, I even did a sketch before I began working on it. There was a piece at the studio that I considered submitting, but I am so glad I didn't. People really like it, but when I listened to my heart I realized that I am unsettled about it, so it would have been a mistake to submit.

The Winter Festival show will be at the Mann Gallery in Prince Albert from February 6- March 21 with the opening reception being on Friday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m.

8 comments:

Barbara Muir said...

Wonderful work. Why are you worried? You so rock. Your peers?
Who are they? You are way out there Nicki.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

CallingForth said...

These are beautiful Nicki - all the best to you!

Marcela Strasdas said...

Love the Jack Pine one! Good luck!

Rose said...

I just have to say that Georgia on my Mind is not one I would have thought I would like, but I just simply love it. It is exciting to look at. It is just wonderful. I love the other one, too...

Nicki said...

I love your fresh take on things Barbara. I could do with some of your confidence!

N XO

Nicki said...

Thank you Laurel!

Nicki said...

Marcela, I am happy you like the Jack Pine. Thanks for your good wishes.

Nicki said...

Thank you kindly Rose! I am glad you gave it a chance and that you enjoy looking at it.