Prairie Complementary, Contrary Prairie and Prairie Opposites Attract

Prairie Complementary

12 x 12"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2019

available at Darrell Bell Gallery

All of these new paintings were recently delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery and are experiments in abstracting the landscape as well as explorations on the use of complementary colours. Each one focused on using blue (primary colour) and it's complement, orange, which is a secondary colour and across from blue on the colour wheel. I then tried to work with colours only on one side of the colour wheel between those two complements.

All of these things and more are ideas I took away from Susan Woolgar's workshop which I attended in Saskatoon at the end of March.

Learning is fun!

Prairie Opposites Attract

20 x 20"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2019

available at Darrell Bell Gallery

The Contrary Prairie

12 x 12"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2019

available at Darrell Bell Gallery

Change of Season at the River, Waskesiu

Change of Season at the River, Waskesiu

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

sold

The river last fall was magical... I want to keep painting versions of it!

Severe Weather Warning - Painting Makeover!

Severe Weather Warning

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available

I was unsure about this makeover. I quite like the original, but after a little chat and small critique with my studio mate, I decided the yellow canola field was just a bit much. Also, I realized that there was a scratch on the surface above the right hand horizon line, so something had to be done.

It's good. I like it either way, but maybe more now. I like the addition of the little clouds at the bottom of the stormy sky. Really, just the bottom half of the painting changed.

Severe Weather Warning

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault. 2016

East End, King's Island - Painting Makeover

East End, King's Island, Waskesiu

(after)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Guess what?! 

I took the weekend off! I didn't go back to the studio once this weekend after I left on Friday afternoon. Well, I realize looking back that I spent about five hours at home on Sunday editing photos, doing paperwork, organizing files, recording receipts, emailing and the like, so technically I didn't take the weekend off, but compared to the last four months, it felt like it.

Anyhoo, here is a recent "Painting Makeover" on a painting from a year ago. Not gigantic changes, but I believe the revisions make it a better painting. One thing I think adds a lot is the reflection of the rocks in the water. I lightened up the sky and changed the colour of the distant horizon. Among the other changes, I am now much happier with this painting. It feels fresh and sunny- like a beautiful day to be out in the boat and exploring the island. I hope someone who loves Waskesiu Lake, finds this at the "Holiday Salon" where it is hanging and available at Darrell Bell Gallery. King's Island is the only island on Waskesiu Lake and is named for Mackenzie King who was the Canadian Prime Minister who established Prince Albert National Park in 1927.

East End, King's Island

(before)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel, 2016

© Nicki Ault, 2017

I "googled" King's Island and have learned that it was originally known in the area as Devil's Island because according to Cree legend was inhabited by supernatural creatures! I had never heard that before, but now I want to know more! Also, I have always called it King's Island, but it seems it is actually King Island with no " 's".

By The Boat Launch, Lynx Lake - Painting Makeover

By The Boat Launch, Lynx Lake

(after)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

I really love the changes I made to this piece. It is way better now and, again, seems more finished than the original version (below). I much prefer the makeover for its simpler water, lighter sky, change in colour of the distant shoreline and the work I put into the jut of land.

By The Boat Launch

(before)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

I just delivered this painting and four others to Darrell Bell Gallery for their newest exhibition (street level gallery) of small artworks- almost every gallery artist has something in this show! There are hundreds of small affordable pieces of original art displayed and for sale, including a grid of 20 of my 8x8's!

just delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017

just delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017

 newest grid of 8x8"s at Darrell Bell Gallery

© Nicki Ault, 2017

The art is already hung and the opening reception is this Friday, December 1 from 5-8 pm. At the same time there is an opening taking place upstairs in the main Gallery (fourth floor, Canada building) for the show called "A Winter Gathering", an exhibition of First Nation, Metis and Inuit art. Sounds like a great way to kick off December!

Painting Makeover, Craig Berry and Choc'la Cure

McPhee From Highway 264

after 

(painting makeover)

12 x12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold (at auction)

I haven't done a "painting makeover" in awhile, but recently I collected my artwork from The Black Spruce Gallery and decided to freshen up those pieces. I am constantly amazed at how my eye has changed over the last several years and for this I give kudos and props to Craig Berry (Atelier 2302). Happily, all of the extraordinary information I garnered from the courses I took with him is starting to take hold. At the time, I was overwhelmed by how much I needed to learn, but I pushed through and hoped that what I was learning would begin to seep into my consciousness. I think some of it has... and there is still more stored information just waiting to take hold. I think the biggest difference I can see in my own work is my understanding and use of value. When I paint, I can hear Craig's words in my head saying, "You have more range than you think". I love that nugget. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks- at least if they are open to learning!

McPhee From Highway 264

before

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

I am very proud to say that, this year, I have been able to donate about $1800 of my artwork to five different organizations for their fundraising. It is not something I am always able to do, but whenever I can, and if it is an organization/charity that is important to me, I will try to find a way. Recently I was approached by a committee member of Choc'la Cure and I did not hesitate to say yes. The problem was that I did not have much art on hand to donate.

Slivers of Blue

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold (at auction)

However, this particular year, this particular fundraiser meant a whole lot to me. Cancer has darkened the doorstep of too many people I know: friends, colleagues, neighbors, friends of friends and people I love deeply. This year it got too close to home again. Donating a couple of paintings seemed like the very least I could do. In the end, I gave them this "made over" piece as well as "Slivers of Blue" in a shadowbox for the silent auction table. Choc'la Cure is a local charity which raises money specifically to purchase equipment for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre. Please read more about Choc'la Cure and the incredible accomplishments of these volunteers here and here.

Whew! I packed a lot in to this post. Happy Monday everyone!

The Woods

The Woods

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

 © Nicki Ault, 2017

available at Assiniboia Gallery in Regina

This was created en plein air last month when I went for a two night painting retreat up north. Usually in September I take a weekend and help clean up my parents cabin for the winter and do a little painting, but this year the cabin was closed a bit early so I was unable to use it. A few years ago I had heard about a place that sounded great near Christopher and Emma Lakes - Flora Bora Forest Lodging - so I phoned and left a message to see if there was any availability. She called back later that afternoon to say that right after I left my message, someone else called and cancelled for the two nights I wanted! Done and done!

So what is this place, you ask? Yurts!!! In the forest! There are two of them and, although they are not far from each other or civilization itself, they felt very secluded. I loved my yurt and my fire pit area and my hammocks. The trail through the forest on the property was gorgeous; the light coming through the trees on the first morning was glorious, especially with the yellows, golds, oranges and reds of the fall leaves. The property is nestled on the edge of Tuddles Lake, so there is a dock and canoes to use.

Me and my yurt! 

Look at it glow like the little piece of heaven that it is!

© Nicki Ault, 2017

Each yurt can sleep four with a queen bed and a pull out couch, but personally I think that would be a bit tight for four adults. It would be so much fun to rent both yurts and go up with three other people to paint and explore. Maybe next year. I know for sure I will go again. And again. And again!

inside my yurt 

(behind the kitchenette wall is the washroom)

© Nicki Ault, 2017

nighttime at my yurt

© Nicki Ault, 2017

not a bad fire for a city girl!

© Nicki Ault, 2017

painting "The Woods" in the woods

© Nicki Ault, 2017

Flora Bora

© Nicki Ault, 2017

Ultramarine On The Field

Ultramarine On The Field

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

Blonde stubble from last years' crops, new green growth sprouting up and water reflecting the glorious blue sky- this field is alive!

Setting Star - Silent Auction

Setting Star

12 x 12

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

This week I have donated these two paintings to a silent auction at my son's high school. They will be part of the Arts Night fundraiser he and his classmates are putting on in preparation for their big trip next month... to New York City! Yes, you heard me right. Long story, but in Grade Eight he applied and was accepted into a great Grade Nine program at a high school in our city. It has been a year of growth and discovery for him. His world has branched out and will open up even more to him after this trip. I am enormously proud of him. He is a caring, smart, funny, respectful, honest and loving person. I will be a wreck for the six days he is away, but honestly, I just know that when he sees more of what the world has to offer him he will be even more motivated than ever.

I just painted "Setting Star" specifically for this auction and "Riffle On The River, Waskesiu" was a painting I had on hand that I hope will resonate with the crowd. It is mounted in a white shadow box.

Riffle On The River, Waskesiu
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold

Questions about the auction? Just ask. (It is on Thursday evening).