Sunday, May 3, 2015

Walk In The Meadow

Walk In The Meadow
30 x 30"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2015

I have really been enjoying myself at the studio these days. I have been trying to paint new and different prairie landscapes (for me)- I feel energized in a way that I haven't felt for awhile. "Walk In The Meadow" is another attempt to be bold and interesting with my brushstrokes and mark-making, while at the same time thinking about some of the things I have learned at Atelier 2302. I am well aware that this painting is nowhere near what the masters would have produced, but for me it represents the fact that I am thinking about things that I never even understood pre-Atelier 2302. For that I am grateful. I have a long way to go, but I am willing to play the long game.

Aside from this experimenting, I am also stretching my wings for the group show I have at Hues Art Supply in June with Bridget Aitken and Jacqueline Faye Miller. We are all trying to paint out of our comfort zone and that has me vibrating a bit. I have painted some real duds for this show (they will be on the cutting room floor), but a few have worked out and that has me really excited. I think this is exactly what I needed to get me out of my slump and I thank my colleagues, Bridget and Jackie, for pushing me to a new place and I thank Paul Trottier at Hues Art Supply for giving me a reason to do so. I will show you the work that makes it to the exhibition once it is decided.

6 comments:

Flora Doehler said...

This painting and the last one I saw here is gorgeous Nicki! I have always loved your colour sense and I see a strong confidence in your brush strokes.
Oh it would make me happy to see your work live!
Flora

Unknown said...

Nicki, this is beautiful. I'm so inspired by your willingness to take risks in your creative process. Can't wait to see your new work in May & June!

Barbara Muir said...

Beautiful work Nicki. I love the story behind it too.

XOXOXOXOXO Barbara

Nicki said...

Flora, I am so happy you had such a positive reaction to this painting. I would love to meet you and show you my work "live". Thanks you for taking the time to leave a comment.

Nicki said...

Thank you my dear Shauna. I look forward to seeing you soon.

XOXO Nicki

Nicki said...

Thanks Barbara. It feels so good to want to paint. Slumps suck and I hope this reprieve lasts.

XO N. XO