Ancient Forest

Ancient Forest

40 x 60"

acrylic and oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

sold at Assiniboia Gallery

The day has come, my solo show "Mood" opens today at Assiniboia Gallery! Shortly after I hit "publish" on this blog post I will be packing my van and starting my drive to Regina. I am so looking forward to the opening reception this evening (5-8 pm), although I know I will have butterflies and sweaty palms at the start. I am excited to meet new people and spend time with the gallery staff. They have all been so good to me. I hope they know how much I appreciate their enthusiasm and efforts, as they have been introducing my work to a whole new market.

This painting is the largest piece in the show and only the second time I have ever attempted a painting this size. There are many, many layers of acrylic underneath and then layers of oil paint on top, although the oil paint does not cover everything. A lot of the colorful, distant trees in the background are the acrylic layers showing through, as are areas of the reflection. It was all a bit of an experiment, although a couple of other paintings in the show were done in a somewhat similar fashion. Similar but different. "Ancient Forest" is painted from a photo I took on Sulphide Lake in 2013 when I went on a painting and canoeing adventure in northern Saskatchewan.

"Ancient Forest" has big impact, so I am very curious to see where it is placed within the show. I have never seen a collection of my work completely framed and presented so professionally. This just really feels like a huge milestone. I can hardly wait! I hope I don't get a speeding ticket on my way to Regina! Please join me at the reception if you can... and bring a friend.

Serene Islands, La Ronge

Serene Islands, La Ronge

8 x 10"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

A quiet little northern piece.

I was asked to paint a scene from La Ronge last November and I ended up creating two options, one using my reference photo and one using my client's photo. He chose the painting based on my image and gave me permission to try to sell the one from his. 

I've said it before and I will say it again- I love islands. And islands at sunset? Magical.

A Place of Peace

A Place of Peace

10 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

(commission)

There have been two hundred posts in 2017 and now we are at the last before we ring in 2018. Here are just a handful of the amazing highlights of what was an incredible year:

1) After many conversations through emails and phone calls, this past summer I finally met in person the lovely couple from Portland, Oregon who commissioned me to paint a vast evening sky for them. Getting to know them and the reason behind why they wanted me to do this painting shifted my entire mindset on being a landscape painter. I am forever grateful that they shared their personal story with me. I actually believe through this experience a new friendship was born.

2) The true love of another beautiful couple came knocking on my door and asked me to do a huge painting for them... a challenge for sure- the largest canvas I have ever attempted (40x60) and a subject with which I was not that comfortable (a road). Their confidence in me helped to build my confidence in me, something that has not been my strong suit. Their kindness, patience, enthusiasm, generosity and, most of all, their love story made the experience one I will never forget.

3) The family of a dear, dear friend of twenty-five years asked me to create a painting for her to help celebrate a milestone birthday. The tears she shed when she received her painting touched me deeply.

4) A woman I had never met before came to the Open Studio in November and we had a lovely chat about art and her career before she retired from teaching. She was quite interested in one of my large paintings, but had never invested in art before, so she had to really think about it and wrote down the dimensions before she left. Later that afternoon she returned, which was overwhelming in itself because that meant she fought through the worst traffic day of the year to get to the studio for a second time! She had gone home to measure and take a photo of where she would hang the painting- she wanted my opinion. I honestly believed it was a perfect spot. She went on to tell me that she wanted to do something special with this money; apparently it was a small inheritance she had recently received. She said there was one other time she had received a bit of money and it disappeared into groceries and bills. She didn't want that to happen this time. By the end of her story I was in tears and felt honoured that she chose my art to as a remembrance of this person.

5) This fall I received an email from a well-known artist, which was a delight in itself, asking me if I would create a small painting of a scene in northern Saskatchewan. It was to be a gift for a very ill friend who could no longer travel to his beloved cabin in La Ronge. We met at my studio where this artist showed me some of his lake inspired photos and I showed him a few from my canoeing and painting trip (2013) to La Ronge. He was excited about my Jack Pine photo and my ideas for it as a painting, so that became the plan for the commission. This story brings me to today's image, "A Place of Peace", which is the painting I created with this loving friendship and a very ill man in mind. I hope this scene provides hope, beauty, memories and peace as he finds strength to fight his battle. I hope the day will come when he is able to return to the place he loves in northern Saskatchewan once again.

As you can see, the highlights of my year are not about numbers or sales or galleries or art shows or the yurt retreat or even my favourite paintings. Those things certainly made 2017 awesome, but the actual highlights, when I really think back on this year, come down to the connections I made with humans through my art. It comes down to my deeper understanding of how art touches people and how art can affect actual lives. 

The highlights of my year are the stories that I was invited to be a part of, through my art. 

Thank you!

Moss Study

Moss Study

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2016

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/moss-study/463726 
sold

I am psyching myself up to start another big canvas, this time the subject will be the stunning moss and rocky hillside my paddling partner, Erica, and I found on Sulphide Lake in 2013. We were on a four day canoe trip with CanoeSki Discovery Company; the adventure was called "Canoeing and Painting In The Wild".

Have you ever been strolling, wandering, paddling, rowing, hiking, biking or jogging along and suddenly WHAM! nature hits you right between the eyes with something so glorious, so unbelievably breathtaking that you can do little more than stare with your mouth wide open, eyes brimming with tears? I hope you have had that experience. It is like a miracle. That is how I felt when I saw this moss-laden rocky hill. I was overcome with such gratitude to find myself there in that very moment to witness this bit of nature in the light of that morning. The moss was utterly illuminated. It was spectacular. And Erica was the right person with whom to experience it. When we had to paddle away I almost felt a sense of loss. To this day I am in awe of what we saw.

Fires In Northern Saskatchewan

Smoke Haze Over Waskesiu

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2013

sold

This is a sad and difficult time for my beloved province. Our northern communities are making history, but in a way that is far from desirable. The largest ever mass evacuations have taken place. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes- forced away from their communities and unimaginably asked to leave pets behind. Why? Because fire is ripping through the northern old growth forest and endangering everything in its path. It is a scary, sad and desperate time. The most recent update says that the fires may not actually be extinguished until the first snow flies. That is not nearly, remotely, ever-so-slightly soon enough. I am not sure there has ever been a time in my life that I wished money was no object. I want to do something for these families to make this extraordinarily difficult time in their lives easier. I am at a loss.

Smoke from these extensive fires has made its way to my hometown, Saskatoon, and remarkably, further south into the United States. Outdoor sports events have actually been cancelled when the air quality is so unacceptable. To put it into perspective we are five to six hours away from where the fires are actually burning.

If you recall, two years ago I went on a painting and canoe trip to the La Ronge area in northern Saskatchewan. Well, that is where the fires are burning. There and further north. I recently heard that there is now a "Lynx" fire... I can only assume that that means there is a fire at Lynx Lake which was the first lake we crossed, then Duck Lake and finally Sulphide Lake to get to our home base for the canoe trip. I am very worried about the fishing camp we stayed at and the wonderful man, Vern Studer, who owned and ran it. What will happen to his family-run business and all of the history in his home-made museum?

getting ready to "set sail" on Lynx Lake

Lori (assistant guide) and Vern Studer (owner of camp)

 Studer Homestead Museum

Sulphide Lake

  Rain, we need you... for days on end and with no lightening. Please come and bring your friends.

 The Jack Pine On Lynx Lake, La Ronge

48 x 30:

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2014

available

On The Way Home, Lynx Lake

On The Way Home, Lynx Lake

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/on-the-way-home-lynx-lake/349170

I love my reference picture of this scene so much that it is the screen saver on my computer. It is an image of the last leg of our journey home from our base camp on the "Canoeing and Painting In The Wild" adventure in 2013. I love the depth of colour in the foreground. I also love the ripples moving away from the canoe which I was paddling (not rowing... don't say "rowing" when you are canoeing) with my partner, Erica. Gosh we had fun- what an extraordinary time we had. However, if I were to do it again, I would likely forgo the seven litres of wine we brought between the two of us. It seemed like a good idea until we had to portage twice!

Down That Insecure Road Again

Jack Pine On Lynx Lake, La Ronge

48 x 30"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2014
sold

It's happened again. I have put myself in a place of discomfort and mild stress. I have submitted two of my paintings to the Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival Show and Sale. There's a juror, there's prizes, there's three possible gallery spaces the artwork could be place in... and therein lies the stress. Of course a person wants to do well. Of course it would be great if both pieces made their way into the big, main gallery. Of course it would be great to win a prize. Of course it would be great if something sold. The bottom line for me, however, is that I just don't want to make a fool of myself! How is that for setting the bar low?! Really, I just don't want to look lame in front of my peers.

Georgian On My Mind, Georgian Bay

36 x 36"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2014
sold

I chose to submit two paintings I feel really happy with, which I guess is all you can do. I think "Georgian On My Mind" is a bit of a risk to have submitted, but it is a painting that I felt really excited about as I worked. It is dark and dramatic, rather flat and graphic and really different for me. The photo of it isn't great- it's got more oomph in person. The Jack Pine was a bit of a struggle. I went back and forth sorting out the sky and water and trees- well, everything- but in the end I felt content about the result. I am especially fond of the rock. It is a painting that had me thinking about different concepts as I went along, in fact, I even did a sketch before I began working on it. There was a piece at the studio that I considered submitting, but I am so glad I didn't. People really like it, but when I listened to my heart I realized that I am unsettled about it, so it would have been a mistake to submit.

The Winter Festival show will be at the Mann Gallery in Prince Albert from February 6- March 21 with the opening reception being on Friday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m.

Jack Pine on Lynx Lake, La Ronge

Jack Pine on Lynx Lake, La Ronge

48 x 30"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2014
sold

I still find myself inspired by my canoe trip experience from summer 2013. I've been thinking about this Jack Pine for months and finally decided to take a stab at painting it. We came across this rocky point on our last day and we felt it was the perfect place to stop for lunch. This tree really made me catch my breath, it was so beautiful. My canoeing partner, Erica, and I took loads of photos of it and the reference picture I chose to work from was hers, I think, so thank you Erica!

I recently saw Cliff Speer from CanoeSki Discovery Company and it sounds like he is planning to run a third annual "Canoeing and Painting in the Wild" trip for summer 2015. If it sounds like something you might enjoy, start thinking about it and check out the highlighted links for more information.

Update: The studio where I paint has decided on a date for our first annual "Open Studio". Mark your calendars for Sunday, November 23 from 12-5, it should be a great afternoon! See details at the top of this blog.

Ravaged

Ravaged, Sulphide Lake

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2014

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/ravaged/250263

I wanted to paint another depiction of the ravaged, old growth forest- sometimes the mood isn't over and I have to keep going. I hope you like this version.

On a related note, the "Canoeing and Painting in the Wild" trip leaves today! I had such a great time last year and I really hope the weather is kind to them. It is so beautiful in this area- I can actually tear up just thinking about it. Sulphide Lake is a little piece of heaven here on earth. I know one of the participants so I am anxiously awaiting stories when she gets back in four days. Paddling and painting- it's a good combination.

Calm Day, Sulphide Lake

Calm Day, Sulphide Lake

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2014
 http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/calm-day-sulphide-lake/249621
 

As I browsed through my photos Saturday evening I came across a shot from the "Canoeing and Painting In The Wild" trip last summer. The treeline and reflection really captivated me (which must be why I took the picture in the first place), so I stayed up late and painted my interpretation. The forest in the area had really taken a beating by the Spruce budworm and, as saddened as I was by that, I found it beautiful; the ravaged forest co-existing with new growth. I find it amazing that trees, grasses, weeds and plants can spring up on such an unlikely rocky terrain.

A Group Show!

The Shield, La Ronge

48 x 36"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013
sold

My colleagues at the Studio on 20th and I are hanging a group show on Monday, July 14 at The Green Ark, a lovely furniture boutique a few doors down. We will each have one piece in the show and The Shield will represent me. I look forward to seeing this eclectic group of work and if you are around please stop by the reception on Thursday, July 24 from 7-9 p.m.

Why, Oh Why?

The Shallows, Georgian Bay

30 x 30"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013

Why, oh why did I decide to have a year of risk and challenge??? The months ahead could potentially be very stressful! I entered these two paintings in the Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival Show and Sale which is a big public gallery in Prince Albert, Sask. This is a juried show and apparently after the pieces are adjudicated they are curated into one of three galleries. I hear, from colleagues who have entered other years, that you want to find your work hanging in the "main" gallery; it is okay to be placed in the secondary gallery, but you really don't want your work in the third gallery. UGH! 

 

The Shield, La Ronge

48 x 36"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013

sold

Here is how I can tell this scenario is stressing me out... I had a bad dream about it the other night. I dreamed that the adjudicators hated my paintings so much that not only did the paintings not make the third gallery, but the judges actually put them outside under some rocks! ARGH!

I have planned, with a friend, to drive the one and a half hours to go to the opening gala tonight, but my nerves are getting the best of me. Whatever fate my paintings have received is already done- I just feel like keeping my eyes wide shut about it!

The Mann Gallery Winter Festival Juried Show and Sale

The Shield, La Ronge

48 x 36"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013

The Shallows, Georgian Bay

30 x 30"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013

Two years ago my goal for the year was to organize and be part several shows and to work hard at getting my name and paintings "out there". I think I did something like three solo shows, four group shows and participated in a handful of artisan markets. I was tired by the end of all that! Last year my goal was to take the time to learn and find new inspiration, so I took classes at the new Atelier in town and went on some fantastic adventures to paint and take resource photos; a plein air painting and canoe trip to the La Ronge area of northern Saskatchewan, a week-long painting trip to Georgian Bay with two friends and a day of four-wheelin' it through the prairie country-side with another friend. A lot was accomplished in those two years.

With the beginning of a new year I have decided, with hesitation, that this will be the year of taking chances, taking risks and challenging myself. I say that with hesitation because I do wonder if I have the guts to follow through with some of my ideas. Time will tell. The good news is that I have already taken on a risk... yesterday I submitted two paintings (the ones you see above) to The Mann Gallery Winter Festival Juried Art Show and Sale. This is the 38th annual show and sale for the public gallery in Prince Albert, SK which is about an hour and a half north of Saskatoon where I live. I know several people who have submitted work over the last few years- some of them with great success, winning prizes and awards and even having their work purchased for the gallery's permanent collection. At any rate, the risk involved is that this show has jurors who may or may not like what they see! Ack! But I don't want to be a chicken and take the safe road all the time. It is uncomfortable to be put in the position of judgment, especially in front of your peers, but I think it is the next step on my journey. So I did it, despite my initial attempts at finding excuses as to why I couldn't send anything.  My friends Bridget Aitken and Jackie Miller (who I traveled with to Georgian Bay) took a car-load of submissions to the gallery yesterday, including mine, and there will be a big opening on February 7th. I hope to go, but my husband will be away, so we will see if I can work something out.

So now that I have stated that this will be a year of taking on challenge and risk, I guess I better follow through or you might call me on it in December!

On The Edge, La Ronge

On The Edge, La Ronge

36 x 48"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013
sold

Oh how I wish you could see this at full scale. I wish the illumination of the moss and the colours would come through perfectly. Where you see the darkest darks, it is not black- it is layers and layers of deep blues, greens, purples and reds. This is a big painting with big impact. It took many hours and many layers, but I am extremely happy with the result. Hope you like it too!