Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery - The Last Day Is...

Earlier this year I shared with you that Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery was going to be closing. Well, the day is fast approaching. Their last day of business will be on Saturday, September 3. All inventory, excluding artist-owned work, has been reduced by 50%. My 8x8 inch original artwork is still on display and for sale until that time and my three large floral pieces are also available in the back room.

 

I am beyond grateful that I had the opportunity to show and sell my art in this stunning shop that Darrell created. He has been wonderful to work with and someone I now consider a friend and mentor. I am so excited for him and the next chapter of his life, which I do believe will include much more painting time!

Flax, Canola And Popcorn Clouds

Flax, Canola And Popcorn Clouds

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available exclusively at Lifestyle By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

Here is the last of the four new paintings I delivered to Lifestyles last week. As I have been posting them here and on Facebook I have received a lot of interest, inquiries and comments. Thank you!

Top Heavy on Sulphide Lake

Top Heavy On Sulphide Lake

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

The forest on Sulphide Lake was put through the wringer after the Spruce bud worms made their rounds in 2013. I haven't been back since my canoe/painting trip that summer. Some areas were ravaged. What I am wondering now is what remains after the massive forest fires of 2015?

me canoeing
 photo © Erica Bird, 2013

Hazy Morning On Meewasin, September

Hazy Morning on Meewasin, September

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

This particular morning last year was so beautiful. I dropped the kids off at school and just had to go down to the river to take pictures. The light was so beautiful. As I looked across from one bank to the other there was a soft, gray haze- it wasn't fog, just a haze. The autumn leaves on the bush nearby looked illuminated against its surroundings. Unfortunately I underestimated how chilly it was and had to cut my walk short because my fingers were freezing.

Out By Aberdeen

Out By Aberdeen

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

On Thursday I delivered four new paintings to Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery. It is such a beautiful shop with such unique merchandise. I am sad they are closing and it may not be long now. On the up-side, I am very happy for Darrell. He was there when I dropped off the new work and he seemed relaxed, content and at peace with his decision. It is as if he has reclaimed his life. Good for him, I say!

Here is a glimpse of my work in this beautiful art, craft and design boutique...

all photos © Nicki Ault, 2016

Hi!

Hydrangea Arrangement

19 x 13.5"

acrylic, oil and oil pastel on terra skin paper

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

Well hello!!!

I have been sick. Seven days in an altered state. Not fun. Not pretty. As far back as I can remember when I get a head cold things become real bleak. My sinuses are hijacked and my eyes water uncontrollably while my head pulses to a less than enjoyable beat. NyQuil and Dristan are my best friends during these times and the best attempt I can make at bathing is a cold cloth on my eyes. Everything else is put on the back-burner. 

Now that I have come out of the other side of that virus-laden hell I am SO ready to paint it isn't even funny! I just have to find time because now the kids are out of school and getting to the studio is not easy.

Hydrangea and Lemon

21.5 x 15.75"

acrylic, oil and oil pastel on water colour paper

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

In the meantime, here are the still-available paintings I had in a show at Hues Art Supply a year ago with Bridget Aitken and Jackie Miller. They are a series of floral still lifes which were a great time of experimentation for me. Right now they are available at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery.

White Bucket Bouquet

24 x 18"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available

I look forward to having some new work to show you soon. Thanks for your patience!

Throwback Thursday

Sunset Outside The Grey Owl Howl

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2012

sold

This painting was among the first I ever delivered to Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery. It has been a good run and I am forever grateful for the experience.

From this little painting I received a commission to do a much larger version for above the fireplace of a fellow Waskesiu Lake lover. She immediately took to the subject as she had taken her children to the family dance, The Grey Owl Howl, in summer's past. She knew this view and she had seen the sunset shine through the trees in this way before. We settled on a size and then I got down to the challenge of working on a big canvas. And a challenge it was! Happily, when I finally delivered the piece, she was thrilled and even shed a tear. Her painting is below...

Sunlight Through The Pines

36 x 40"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013

sold

A Bittersweet Farewell

Well, my friends, this news is bittersweet. Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery is closing. I have had the pleasure of my 8x8's being represented exclusively by this beautiful store for the last few years. It has been a great relationship, however, I have seen Darrell work tirelessly to make his dream of a gift boutique a reality. He did it and it is stunning. At some point the balance in life can be thrown off and when that happens happiness can be at stake. I know how I am when time at the studio is few and far between- it isn't pretty!  I am so happy for Darrell that he is taking the steps to find a better balance and that he will be able to paint more and work a bit less hard. He will still have his beautiful gallery to tend to, but his wonderful staff will help him with that.

As they wind down they are reducing prices to move inventory, so be aware that all stock (excluding artist's work) is 20% off!

Clear Blue Sky

Clear Blue Sky

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

Here is the last of the seven newest paintings you can now find at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery. I love the simple statement it makes about our beautiful prairie landscape. A clear blue sky that goes on forever over a ripe yellow field. Iconic Saskatchewan.

Well friends, last night reality started to settle in. I took my son to a "pre-Collegiate night" to learn about the upcoming processes and decisions around high school registration. When I began this blog he, my oldest, was in Grade Two... and now here I am with a teenager and high school looming. I think I am feeling a bit shell-shocked. Where has the time gone? Everyone warned me that it would go fast, but you just don't realize it until it has happened. Granted we still have a ways to go before he is independent, but this milestone is making me so very aware of the others that are coming: his driver's licence, his first job, a girlfriend, then suddenly it will be Grade Twelve graduation. My head spins. It is all going too fast.

I love my boy...

The Lonely Pine

The Lonely Pine

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

This is a place I like to go with my kids or by myself in Waskesiu; Point View just beyond the marina on the highway. It is a great rest stop, picnic spot, photo opportunity and plein air painting location. The beach is not particularly inviting, it is very rocky, but that being said, it makes for good stone skipping and frog catching.

Sunset Clouds Over The Marina, Waskesiu

Sunset Clouds Over The Marina, Waskesiu

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold 

Another take on an image I used for a 6x6 back in September, this time slightly larger as an 8x8. I love the gradation of the colours in the sky.

Busy Prairie

Busy Prairie

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery 
sold 

I love how this one turned out. I loved capturing the busy fields on Bridget's newly purchased acreage. I can hardly wait to visit again when the snow melts. It will look different in spring. I can just imagine the greenery, the May flowers, the bees buzzing. It won't be long now- we are on the downward slope of winter. Come to think of it... I should visit in winter!

Driving By The Storm

Driving By The Storm

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

As you drive in the country the foreground rushes by fast, in a blur, but the distant landscape is more clear and focused. In this case the sky was also slightly blurry and hazy with rain clouds which left the middle ground a bit more sharp. 

The Blue Hour, Waskesiu

The Blue Hour, Waskesiu

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery

Hello! I have missed you! I have missed this blog! I have missed connecting via art!

The turn of the new year took me and my family to Mexico and a lovely family vacation. As a result I have been off the grid and only infrequently checking emails and doing a quick Facebook scroll. I actually prepared six blog drafts before leaving for the holiday, but once in Mexico all was in Spanish so when I tried to log into my account to make a post I did not understand the lengthy security checks Blogger was performing. As a result I had to completely allow myself to let go and take a step back from my art and online self. It was a blessing in disguise because I return utterly excited to start anew and tackle that big white 48x30 inch canvas on my easel at the studio. I am ready!

The above painting is one of the last I did in December and was delivered to Lifestyles just before I left on holiday. I will show you the other five in the coming days and then it will be on to whatever I produce in  the coming year. I hope you will stay tuned to find out.

Here, from my travels, is a relaxing scene of the blue hour in a different part of the world...

 photo © Nicki Ault, 2016

Winter Sunrise

Winter Sunrise

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold 

HaPpY NeW YeAr!!!

It's a new year! What will it bring? What will happen? What will you do? What will I do? Canvases are waiting and I am excited to see what marks are made, not just by me, but by many of you who bravely follow your creative urges and allow us to see your thoughts, moods, ideas, and emotions in a visual way. Thank you for joining me on my journey and thank you to those who let me join theirs. I am not a huge partaker in New Year's festivities, but as the calendar turns I always feel like a new slate is presented and anything can happen. The year is right there in front of us. What will take place? Some of it will be really good, and- truth be told- some might be very bad.

What I know right now is that where my art is concerned I have a few desires and plans. I hope to continue the great relationship I have with Darrell Bell and his Lifestyles store. Yesterday I delivered seven new paintings to restock after a busy holiday season. I have booked a big show at the Faculty Club on campus at the University of Saskatchewan: approximately sixteen large works for four months in 2016. I will enter work in the Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival again and I will show with my colleagues at the studio when we have events in our "home" on 20th Street. A couple of other opportunities are knocking... we will see if they pan out.

Please do stop by occasionally, or even regularly, and see what is happening!

Prairie Intensity II

Prairie Intensity II

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panels

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

A couple of months ago I did a painting for Lifestyles called "Prairie Intensity". I was really happy with the vibe it had (see below), so I decided to try to capture that same power in another painting (above). Maybe this will be the start of a few more.

Prairie Intensity

8x8

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

On a side note I am extremely excited for my weekend. On Saturday and Sunday I will be attending "Landscape Painting with Gord MacDonald" at Atelier 2302. It is part of a series of workshops Craig Berry is bringing to Saskatoon this fall and I am so happy I got a spot! I will be in student mode for forty-eight hours and I can hardly wait to be more knowledgeable come Monday! Here is a link to view work by Gord MacDonald.

Lonely Bale

Lonely Bale

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

Another painting now available at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery. I still have one more to show you and apparently one of the five new paintings has already sold!

Sandy Cliffs On Kingsmere River

Sandy Cliffs on Kingsmere River

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

I spent a lot of time hiking with my kids this summer. The Kingsmere River Trail was one I hadn't done since I was a child, so my memories were vague. I am sure the landscape changed in that time, but I really don't recall what it might have looked like back then. It is possible this sandy cliff was covered in trees and vegetation thirty-some odd years ago and that the river carved its way through the land a little differently.

On another note- big changes in Canada as the federal election is now over. I wonder how the landscape of our country will change over the course of the next few years.

Farmer's Perspective

Farmer's Perspective

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

It's federal election day in Canada! Please go out and vote! Make your perspective heard!

Starting The Night Watch

Starting The Night Watch

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

There were so many stellar sunsets this summer at the lake, I feel privileged to have been a witness. I now have heaps of reference photos to use- I am sure I will get bored of the subject before I run out of material. However... not bored yet! Here I painted the sleepy pines by the lakeside watching the sun set and getting ready to hold down the fort 'til morning. Good night clouds, good night beach, good night water....