Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival Show and Sale 2018

Rustle

40 x 30"

acrylic and oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2017

available

Last Phase, Saskatchewan Afternoon

20 x 20"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available

It's that time of year again - the annual nail-biter: the Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival Show and Sale! I almost didn't send anything this year, but at the last minute a few others from the studio decided to submit work, so I made a quick decision to enter these two paintings. I really love both of them, so I thought, "Why not?"

The Opening Reception and Awards Presentation is Friday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m. It is always fun to drive to Prince Albert for the party, but my best art pal and studio mate is on holidays, so won't be able to attend. I'm not really that motivated to go as a result, but I will muster up the energy, find a different date and hopefully find something that still fits after a long chilly, chip-eating winter. I believe pajama bottoms and a big, stretched-out cowl necked sweater would be frowned upon at this event.

Road Trip!

photo © Nicki Ault, 2016

Yesterday was road trip time! I made a quick journey to Prince Albert to deliver six paintings to the Mann Art Gallery: two paintings each for Kathy Bradshaw, Carol Wylie and myself. A lot of work was rolling in as I unloaded, and I got there at the beginning of day one! I can just imagine how much will accumulate by the end of day two. It will be an enormous job to jury the work and then curate it into the three gallery spaces. As always, my fingers are crossed that my work makes it into the largest and main gallery space. That will be an accomplishment, but regardless, I am pleased that I am taking the chance to show my work alongside some excellent Saskatchewan artists. I hope to make it to the gala on Friday, February 12 and if I do, I will have more photos to share.

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.