Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Bend In The Road

Bend In The Road
6 x 6"
oil on board

I have never painted a highway before, but I have experimented with country roads. Roads offer a challenge in perspective, one that is fun to tackle, but one that I need to work on. In this situation, on the drive to Waskesiu, it felt like we were heading straight into the storm, until the road curved at the last minute.

Monday, December 28, 2015

Pea Soup Swamp

Pea Soup Swamp
6 x 6"
oil on board

I spent a decent chunk of time at the studio today. I painted two 6x6's, prepped some boards, and painted some edges. My big canvas remains untouched. It is as white as white can be and loomed over me all the while I painted my little boards. It seemed daunting and, although I studied the resource photo for awhile, I felt a bit of stage fright and couldn't quite commit to putting paint to canvas.

I will get there.

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Now for a bit of business. Apparently as of January 11, 2016 there will be some changes made to streamline things in Google. From what I gather you will now need a Google account to sign into Google Friend Connect and to follow Blogger blogs. Up until now you could sign in and follow with other accounts (i.e. Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut, OpenID, non-Google accounts), but that will be no more. Basically if you use a non-Google account to follow my blog you will now need to sign up for a Google account and then re-follow my blog and any of your other favourite Blogger blogs. It's a bit of a hassle, but hopefully not so much so that you won't do it. There is a link to make a Google account here.

As another option, if you are on Facebook and have not yet liked my art page, you can do so here: www.facebook.com/Nicki.Ault.Studio. My blog posts are automatically shared onto this page so you won't miss a thing. Or you can sign up your email on the top right-hand side of this blog and get my new  posts sent to you that way.

These change are out of my control, so I hope you understand.

Thanks for making the effort to stay in touch!

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Season's Greetings


I am sitting in my front room by the tree, lights turned down and music playing softly. A chilled glass of white wine by my side and my cowl-necked sweater keeping me cozy. We celebrate Christmas, but I realize not all who read this blog do. Regardless, my wishes for you are universal: I wish you all happiness, laughter, health, friendship, good food and a safe place to lay your head at night.

I wish you well.

I wish you peace.

I wish you art!

With love,
Nicki


Monday, December 21, 2015

The Marsh

The Marsh
6 x 6"
oil on board

The year is winding down. It has gone by so fast. I, too, am winding down, getting ready to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends. And I hope to find pockets of time to paint. I have a fresh new 48 x 30" canvas sitting on my easel just waiting for me to put a mark on. I thought about starting yesterday, but decided it was best to delve in when I know I will have the proper time to commit, so for now I painted another 6x6 for you.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Silver Lining

Silver Lining
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2015

Dusky prairie, a sunset, dark moody clouds, airy clouds, fading blue sky and above all, a silver lining. This landscape has it all.

Friday, December 18, 2015

The Tree By The Bessborough

The Tree By The Bessborough
6 x 6"
oil on board

This painting had several near-wiping experiences. I am not entirely sure about the result. Never-the-less the riverbank in this city of Saskatoon is scenic and picturesque; definitely deserving of being painted. For that reason I may attempt some more from this gorgeous fall morning. Well, it was deceivingly gorgeous- I took a walk and froze by hands despite the seemingly intense sun that was shining.

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Wild Places

Wild Places
10 x 8"
oil on canvas board
© Nicki Ault, 2015

This went through many changes for a small painting. It is better now, at least I think it is, but I guess you will have to take my word on that since I didn't take a photo of the original version. 

I have to say I am not really a fan of painting on canvas boards. I don't like the texture on a hard surface. I like canvas when it has a spring to it and I like my boards smooth.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Green On The River, Waskesiu

Green On The River, Waskesiu
6 x 6"
oil on board

As a friend said the other day, I am am feeling Decembered! I had not painted for probably two weeks and after a draggy morning yesterday I made myself go to the studio in the afternoon. I am so glad I did. It was like therapy; the feel of brushes in my hand, the smell of paint, my music playing in the background, mixing colours. It was heaven right there on 20th Street!

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Throwback Thursday!

Water Striders - Big Broadway Number
30 x 40"
acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2009

I have never partaken in a Throwback Thursday here or on Facebook, but since I haven't been to the studio lately and have nothing new to show you, I thought it may be a good way to stay in touch.

Years ago, 2009 to be exact, I was painting for my first ever big solo show in a public gallery. I ended up doing a wide range of paintings inspired by the northern boreal forest in Saskatchewan. Within that I did a series of what I call abstract reflections. I loved painting them and they were my first effort at abstract painting. They were inspired by the Spruce River and the distorted reflections caused by the water strider bugs on the surface of the water. Watching the bugs skittle around on the water made me think of dancing, so all of the paintings were titled after the idea of a dance or performance. To this day I love the paintings from that series and although all found new home, I am so happy I kept this one for myself. It hangs in my dining room and I don't think I will ever get tired of looking at it.


Wednesday, December 2, 2015

Moving Grasses

Moving Grasses
16 x 16"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2015
sold

This is the second of the two paintings I painted at the last minute for the Open Studio. I am really pleased with the colour palette and the movement in this piece. The natural wood of the panel comes through in a few places and I like the effect. Yesterday I delivered it to its new home

Speaking of new homes, I have more paintings looking for theirs! An original oil painting is a great gift and this is the season for giving. Here is a link to my available paintings ranging from $100.00 to $300.00. If you see something you want, let me know by emailing me at nicki.ault@shaw.ca. Have fun looking... and shopping...  http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/nicki-ault-2150/artwork#/available=only&mode=search&arrangeMode=false&page=1