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

Sunlight Through The Pines And Lifestyles Show

Sunlight Through the Pines

36 x 40"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2013

sold

I haven't done many commissions, but when this one came up I felt really good about it. I initially thought it was do-able, but when it was about 80% finished I didn't feel that way anymore! I had to take a break and re-group. It actually helped to take a photo and study it at home which is when I realized that the trees seemed too heavy and it was all-over too dark. It was scary to make significant tweaks, but once I realized it wasn't good enough and that I wouldn't feel right about delivering it, it was easier to make the changes it needed. With the alterations it came alive and the light really began to sparkle through the trees like I had hoped.

I delivered the painting on the weekend and it was extremely well received, in fact, the reaction was humbling. Art can do this amazing thing that when you make a personal connection to a piece, it can transport you to a time and place in your memory, tapping into emotions for which it is difficult to find words. I am so happy it is in a home where it will be enjoyed for years to come.

As well on the weekend, I spent Saturday at Lifestyles by Darrell Bell Gallery. It was so much fun and I really appreciated the friends and family who came down to say "hi". This connection with Darrell Bell has been a big deal in my journey and it means a lot that people are happy for me. Here are some photos of my show at the boutique and my "window display" where I spent some time painting:

The funniest part of the day happened when I was painting and a small group of tourists walked by. They stopped and began taking photos of each other in front of the window with me in it!