Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

24 x 24"

oil and acrylic on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2011  

sold

Ta da! The final result of the process. Or close to the final result. I may do a bit of tweaking here and there, but overall I am happy with the way this one went. Here is a link to the little 6 x 6" I did in my "30 paintings in 30 days" project that was the inspiration for this larger work. I used the same photo, but did not look at actual images of this little study as I worked. I wanted to keep this one fresh and not feel like I was trying to "copy" the littler painting.

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More Progress

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

(in progress)
24 x 24 " 
© Nicki Ault, 2011  

The next stage is where I begin with oils. At this point I build things up; begin to find patterns and rhythms with the paint. I really want the main focus to be the trail that carves through the grass and the Wolf Willow, so I am hoping I can get it to read right. The resource photo I am using (you can see it taped above the canvas on the easel) was taken almost two years ago at a protected grassland area within the city limits of Saskatoon. It is a really beautiful, tranquil place right in a residential neighborhood. All kinds of wildlife call it home... and there are lots of animals, too. Bah dah bah! Thank you, I'll be here all week!

Prairie Work In Progress

Deer Trail Through Wolf Willow

(in progress)
24 x 24" 
© Nicki Ault, 2011  

I am beginning a series of work based on some of the small prairie scenes I did in my "30 Paintings in 30 Days" project. This is the start of one. I don't usually do progress shots of my paintings, partly because I never think to take pictures as I go along and partly because I'm not sure my process/progress is that interesting. Anyhoo, I did take a few pictures as this prairie scene went along. At this first stage I am using acrylics to sort out the placement of things and to get the canvas covered with colour so no white peeks out later when I begin using oils. Really it's an underpainting of sorts.