Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Northern Majesty

Northern Majesty
36 x 48"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

At the end of what I thought was the last painting session on this piece, I turned my easel to face the door so when I came in the next day with fresh eyes I would get an immediate impression. When I arrived the following day, I walked into my space and actually gasped upon the sight of this painting. I knew right then it was done.

For my solo show "Mood" at Assiniboia Gallery in Regina, June 7-30 with an opening reception on Thursday, June 7 from 5-8 p.m.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

You're Invited to "Mood" at Assiniboia Gallery!


So excited for this!!!

We are about nine days away from my solo show! The opening reception is on Thursday, June 7th from 5-8 p.m. and I will be there! I would love it if you could come and help me celebrate both this new collection of work and this milestone in my art career!

Assiniboia Gallery is located at 2266 Smith Street in Regina (306-522-0997) and you can see the work available in this exhibition here with the exception of the 40x60 canvas that is still on my easel getting some finishing touches. This last image should be delivered and on the website by the weekend.

The painting pictured on the above invitation is called "Golden Tamarack on the Riffle" and it is 36x36. It is from the beautiful autumn day last year when I drove to the Waskesiu River from the yurt I was staying at near Emma Lake. Not only did I want to portray the golden colours of September in the forest, I really wanted to capture the effect of the calm water hitting the rocks further down the river.

Okay, circle the 7th on your calendar and we will see you there!

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Infinite Sky

Infinite Sky
(commission)
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold 

I put a few things on the back burner while I was working so hard to get ready for my show at Assiniboia Gallery next month. I painted this little commission awhile ago but knew it was not needed until August, so I delayed delivering it. I finally got that task done yesterday, as well as a few other jobs.

I must say that it's pretty cool when an artist, who is miles ahead of you in success and experience, commissions you for a little piece of art. This very thing has happened twice now in the last six months. It makes me feel like I am on the right track.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Long Weekend Debut

Long Weekend Debut
10x10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

A week ago, on Instagram, I posted a photo of the first sunset I witnessed at the lake this year on Friday evening of the May long weekend. I went to the lake with my oldest son and his friend; I painted and they fished, played Frisbee golf and ate cinnamon buns from the local bakery!

I was so excited to be back up north that I was compelled to get up on Saturday morning and attempt to paint the feeling of hope and contentment I felt from the warm, golden light shining through the trees. This painting captures my mood that evening.

I delivered this painting on Tuesday and it will be in my solo show "Mood" at the Assiniboia Gallery in Regina from June 7-30.


Thursday, May 24, 2018

Flax Up Front

Flax Up Front
20 x 20"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery


Canola + flax + dramatic sky = Saskatchewan!

I SO love this one! For my solo show "Mood" at Assiniboia Gallery in Regina, June 7-30.

In exactly two weeks I will be driving down to Regina for the opening reception of  "Mood"! I really am so terribly excited. I will be at the gallery from 5-8 p.m., so if you are in or near Regina I would love it if you would come to help me celebrate this big milestone in my career. A year ago I hadn't even met Jeremy or any of the amazing people at the gallery, and now look!

Well, actually that isn't quite true. Two years ago in September of 2016 I attended the first ever Art Now Saskatchewan Art Fair at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon. It was a wonderful exhibition of professional galleries (belonging to Sask Galleries) showcasing their artists in beautiful "booths". Of all of the booths, one gallery stood out to me, Assiniboia Gallery from Regina. They appeared so professional, yet accessible, they had a great range of artists and artwork and everything was framed! I remember very clearly chatting with the lovely woman who was working when I passed through- she was delightful and she had the cutest haircut! And now I know her! Jen is awesome and I am thrilled she represents my work alongside Jeremy (gallery owner) and Tammi (gallery manager).

Over the next two weeks a good portion of the twenty-four paintings I delivered will be framed by Moranda and Ben, so when I next see the paintings they will be all dressed up for the party! And I still have one more huge piece to deliver when it is done and dry, so I appreciate them accommodating its later arrival.

I would love it you would help me spread the word - I will have an invitation to share soon! Thank you!

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

View of the Points at Point View, Waskesiu

View of the Points at Point View, Waskesiu
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
available at Assiniboia Gallery

Point View - a perfect picnic spot just beyond the turn-off to the marina in Waskesiu. This is the view looking towards Birch Bay or Seven Mile Beach.

Delivered yesterday for my solo show "Mood" at Assiniboia Gallery in Regina, June 7-30.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

A Certain Kind of Light

A Certain Kind Of Light
30 x 48"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

This is the biggest sunset reflection I have done to date and its intensity is somewhat lost on a small computer screen. It is big! I can hardly wait to see it hanging in the Assiniboia Gallery next month! 

I am actually on my way now to deliver it plus twenty-three other brand spankin' new paintings for my solo show which will be exhibited in the gallery from June 7th-30th, however the work is available for purchase now and can be viewed online here. One has already spold! I just sent ten more images of finished work to the gallery, so the website should be updated with them very soon. I actually have one more painting on my easel, so there will ultimately be twenty-five pieces in the show. The last one is a doozy... 40x60! - as big as the huge sunset/road commission I painted last year!

Monday, May 21, 2018

Overcast at Sunset

Overcast at Sunset
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

Quiet and subtle, just a little colour at the horizon.

For my solo show "Mood" at Assiniboia Gallery, June 7-30.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Northern Wetlands

Northern Wetlands
30 x 30"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

Dark, cool shadows and glowing, autumn light make a really great combo. Plus those little golden tamaracks in the distant are the sweetest.

For my solo show "Mood" at Assiniboia Gallery, June 7-30.


Saturday, May 19, 2018

A Complicated Land On A Still Day

A Complicated Land On A Still Day
20 x 20"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
available at Assiniboia Gallery

For my solo show, "Mood", at Assiniboia Gallery!

Sometimes the mood created by a scene is light and bright; it makes you feel happy and alive. That's how I felt when I saw this scene last year... no wind, birds chirping, crickets singing and the sky was clear and blue save for some sweet little clouds at the horizon.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Caught In The Sunset

Caught In The Sunset
24 x 36"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

I have been busting to share this painting with you! I think I started painting it in February and the last tweak happened about ten days ago! It will be in my solo show at Assiniboia Gallery which opens on June 7th and I love everything about it! It is definitely one to see in person!

Thursday, May 17, 2018

Platinum and Blonde Reflection

Platinum and Blonde Reflection
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

For my show at Assiniboia Gallery there will be a lot of large work, but I am also doing a series of 10x10 panels because you know I love working small! The first group of images I submitted to them went live on their website yesterday and this painting already garnered some attention. 

I absolutely love it! This painting really makes me happy. I think it totally captures the mood of a rough and windy day on the lake. The sun is shining through the clouds, but you just know it isn't really warm, I mean - look at the colour of the water! Those steely greens and grays tell you to put a jacket on. Even the shimmer of the sunlight on the water is not very warm; cool shades of platinum and blonde!

This painting is a version of an 8x8 I painted for Darrell Bell Gallery last year called "Choppy Waters" which now resides in Lethbridge.

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Golden Tamarack On The Riffle

Golden Tamarack On The Riffle
36 x 36"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

Last fall when I stayed at the yurt (Flora Bora Forest Lodging at Emma Lake), I drove to Waskesiu a couple of times and one of those times I decided to drive to the river. I am so glad I did because it was glorious! Not a breath of wind, autumn colours glowing behind the evergreens and, there on the small island of grass was the little tree I noticed in the summer. This time, however, it was clear that the little tree was not just any ol' tree - it was a Tamarack and it had on its suit of gold!

This is the painting that Jeremy and his team chose, from the three image options I sent, to use for the invitation to my solo show at Assiniboia Gallery!

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

A Solo Show at Assiniboia Gallery!!!

detail of "Golden Tamarack on the Riffle"

It feels great to finally share my big news with you!

I have a solo show at Assiniboia Gallery!!!

For the past five months I have been working harder than ever to paint a collection of work that will comprise my first ever solo show in a private art gallery!

A year ago if you would have told me I would be represented by the Assiniboia Gallery, never mind that they would offer me a solo show two months after signing on with them, I very well might have told you to stop messing with me and asked you to give it a rest. Or something to that effect.

I feel extremely grateful and honoured that Jeremy and his team are giving my work the spotlight in their beautiful gallery for most of the month of June. I seriously do not want to disappoint, but thankfully I have never been more excited about painting and hopefully it will show in the work. It has been four years since my last solo show, which was at Hues Art Supply, and I am beyond excited to unveil what I believe to be my best collection of work to date. Starting tomorrow, and over the next few weeks, I will be releasing images of the paintings that will be in the show. The Assiniboia Gallery will also begin uploading images to this page on their website where the paintings will be available for purchase with the understanding that they are committed to hang in the gallery until the end of June.

My show, which I am calling "Mood", is all about the special moments you stumble upon when out in the landscape away from the busyness of life; those moments that take you off guard, stop you in your tracks and cause you to suck in your breath by the shear emotion of what you see. In this collection of work I have tried to paint the feeling of the moment with the colour and light being important elements to help create the mood.

The show will run from June 7-30th with an opening reception on Thursday, June 7th from 5-8 p.m. I will be there with bells on and I am going to count on you to help me spread the word! I don't know a lot of people in Regina, so please share this info if you know anyone who may want to attend. The official invitation will be coming soon.

Thank you for so much for your enthusiastic support and interest in my art. It feels great to share this milestone with you! You have kept me going since I started this blog almost nine years ago!
I look forward to your thoughts and comments as I post the work.

Monday, May 14, 2018

Announcement of Announcement!


It's been a long time coming, but tomorrow, May 15th, is the day! I had hoped to do it on the weekend, but felt rushed with everything else happening. I want to do this announcement right because it is a pretty fantastic situation and one of the main reasons I have been working so incredibly hard the last five months.

So, thanks for bearing with me and tomorrow I will share the news!

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Graphite Sky

Graphite Sky
36 x 36"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2018
available

Here is one of my BIG announcements!!!

About three and a half weeks ago Darrell Bell asked if I would paint something specifically for the next show he was putting together for the gallery, the theme being black and white.

Um... yes!

I delivered the work on Saturday and the show was installed on Wednesday with a Happy Hour reception planned for Friday from 4-6 p.m.! I can't wait to see the finished product. It is going to be a sleek, minimal and modern show and I am thrilled to have been asked to create something! Darrell also created a painting and the rest of the show is pulled from the stunning inventory at his gallery. The group of artists in this show is diverse and stellar, I find myself thrilled and shocked to be among them. I have definitely had a few "I'm not worthy" moments. I mean look at this list: 

Michael Batty, Darrell Bell, Ronald Bloor, Stanley Brunst, Vicki Christou, Tod Emel, Michael Hosaluk, Ernest Lindner, Zachari Logan, Trevor McDonald, Jackie Miller, John Noestheden, Alison Norlen, Laura Payne, Adrian Stimson, Dave Stonhouse, David Thauberger, Mark Totan

Pinch me, I might be dreaming! (And I am tired enough that I actually really might be!)

I really love the painting I produced. It shows much better in person due to the subtle touches of colour that add to the overall atmosphere, like pale violets and blues at the horizon and pale, dusty yellows where the sun glows behind the clouds. One of my favourite elements is the dark stripe of black across the field. I feel like this painting has a very modern touch and would look great in just the right sleek and well designed space. 

I copied this invitation from Darrell Bell Gallery's Facebook post:

As a side note, I think that is my all-time favourite David Thauberger painting.

I will be dropping by the Happy Hour to enjoy the cocktails and snacks and, of course, the art! Come if you can!

Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Calm at the Breakwater

Calm at the Breakwater, Waskesiu
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

This one was done ages ago and never got posted. I am behind in getting my work "out there", but luckily it sold anyways! I shall keep picking away at my backlog, but also... NEW LARGE WORK and ANNOUNCEMENT coming very soon!!!

(Those are excited all-caps not angry all-caps)

Monday, May 7, 2018

Autumn Tamarack

Autumn Tamarack
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
available

This little golden tamarack on the Waskesiu River was adorable.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

Snapshot Of A Prairie Day

Snapshot Of A Prairie Day
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold

I found some old reference photos in a box at the studio, so I have been using them as inspiration for new work. The photo I used to paint "Snapshot Of A Prairie Day" is also the image I used to paint "This Is Saskatchewan" and "Billow". Have a look at the links and see if you find that interesting. Looking back at them, I know I do.

Among the multitude of things that I have on the go, I am trying to prepare a little stockpile of 6x6's for next weekend's Mother's Day Tea Art Show and Sale at our studio. I sold quite a good number last year, so I want to be prepared this year in case the same thing happens. It is such a lovely event, please try to come if you can. Here is the invitation again just in case...





Thursday, May 3, 2018

Them Thar Hills

Them Thar Hills
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold

I wonder if there is gold in them thar hills.

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Little Golden Tamarack

Little Golden Tamarack
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2018
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I have still got paintings I painted awhile ago and have not yet posted. Here is one from February. It sold pretty quick I think. I love the light blue ripple on the dark water in the background.

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Mother's Day Tea 2018


It is hard to believe that it is time for our third annual Mother's Day Tea! Our studio is gearing up for the first of two events we host each year and despite its name, it is not just for mothers! Please come and bring a friend... or two or three! Tell anyone who you think might enjoy a social afternoon that involves yummy food and original art. There is a lot to do and see in the neighborhood as well, so you can make a real day of it! We will have lots of new art available and a few artists may even be working at their easels. It is always fun to get our place all cleaned up and pretty looking for guests. Hope to see you!