Prairie Chaos - Makeover Monday!

Prairie Chaos

(after)

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available at Darrell Bell Gallery

This is a painting makeover that I did awhile ago and forgot to publish. The original, from 2015, was somewhat experimental, but after some time it began to feel a bit raw or unfinished which spurred on the remake. I tried to keep the loose and chaotic energy, but pulled together the colours and values a bit more.

Prairie Chaos

(before)

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

Homeland - Makeover Monday!

Homeland

(after)

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available at Darrell Bell Gallery

Here's an oldie (2014 - below) that I reworked in 2018 (above) and never got around to posting. The new version is on the grid at Darrell Bell Gallery. Some areas changed entirely and others stayed almost completely the same.

Homeland

(before)

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2014

Prospect Point - Painting Makeover

Prospect Point

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2018

sold

The original was painted in 2015 (below); I liked so much about it- especially the clouds, and yet something always bothered me. I remember trying to make the water glow with the pale reflection of the sky. The water was calm that day but at the same time did not really reflect what was above. Over the years it never stopped bothering me, so I finally decided to make a few changes and add a bit of a reflection for the point of land. I think now it feels more like water and not a frozen-over lake. I also softened the edge of the shoreline which helps it read better; it no longer looks like the trees are sitting on top of the water.

  Prospect Point 

(before)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

Peach Clouds and Blue Fog at Sunset - Makeover Monday!

Peach Clouds and Blue Fog at Sunset
(after)

10 x 10"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

sold at Assiniboia Gallery

This is a painting makeover of a piece (below) that went to Assiniboia Gallery last fall, but I never got around to posting online. I was never totally confident in the painting and perhaps never should have let it leave my studio, so this spring when I delivered a few paintings to the gallery I actually brought it home and ended up reworking it for my solo show "Mood". I absolutely LOVE it now! And it totally fits the theme of the show which opens this Thursday, June 7th. Lesson learned - trust my gut. It is often right.

Peach Clouds and Blue Fog at Sunset
(before)

10 x 10"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

Severe Weather Warning - Painting Makeover!

Severe Weather Warning

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available

I was unsure about this makeover. I quite like the original, but after a little chat and small critique with my studio mate, I decided the yellow canola field was just a bit much. Also, I realized that there was a scratch on the surface above the right hand horizon line, so something had to be done.

It's good. I like it either way, but maybe more now. I like the addition of the little clouds at the bottom of the stormy sky. Really, just the bottom half of the painting changed.

Severe Weather Warning

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault. 2016

A Drive In The Country - Makeover Monday!

A Drive In The Country

(after)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available

Okay.

I am super shocked I called the original painting from 2015 "done". I vaguely recall my intention while painting the original; I was likely trying to stay "loose" which I have basically been told all of my artistic life. For some reason that has become the standard around these parts. As if "loose" in itself is enough.

Guess what? It's not.

You can paint loose, but have no understanding of chroma, value, hue, composition, patterning, edges, rhythm, light, proportion, design, etc. I don't claim to have the breadth of knowledge that many, many, many artists out there in the vast art world have, but there is one thing that I have figured out in this small part of the world... loose does not a good painting make.

A Drive In The Country

(before)

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

So if you are like me, someone who loves a little detail, who loves painting somewhat realistically and who loves to refine their work to an extent, and you are being told ALL THE TIME to stay "loose", well, take it with a grain of salt. Being loose has its place, but it is not the whole place. Rather, I submit to you that your goal be to keep learning, keep reading, keep experimenting and if you take workshops, learn from a variety of people. Do not turn your nose up at instructors who are classically trained. While their way may not be how you necessarily want to paint, they know their stuff and there is a wealth of historical knowledge they can offer you. Also, look at a lot of art. Figure out what is happening in the artwork you love. Really examine it. And do the same with artwork you don't like. What is happening that repels you? Make notes even!

Keep on keeping on and as you evolve (which is hopefully an ongoing journey), the knowledge you've been absorbing will begin appearing in your work in really good ways.

Most of all, paint like yourself, not like someone else, because if you don't, who will?

From The West - Makeover Monday!

From The West

(after)

30 x 30"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available

I struggled with whether or not I should tweak this one. I actually quite love the original, but there was always something small niggling at me. In the end, after a good discussion with a friend, it boiled down to the ground. There was nothing about the sky I wanted to alter, but we concluded that somehow the bright colour of the grass didn't match the overall mood created by the clouds. It's a quirky piece to be sure, with the odd composition of the clouds coming in from the left, but that is a good chunk of what I love about this painting- it's a bit weird. Anyway, I ended up darkening and dulling down the value and chroma of the green. I also subdued the distant strip of yellow and made is less uniform. I think that really pushed the horizon back. I added depth (highlights and shadows) to the grouping of trees and broke up the straight line at their base. I also added more small and vertical brushstrokes in the foreground to help build more depth. It's hard to see in the "after" photo, but I added some deep blues and purples to help connect the ground to the colours in the sky.

From The West

(before)

30 x 30"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2016

These painting makeovers have been a huge learning experience. This is the first one that I was really quite hesitant to do, but I am glad I decided to go for it even though the transformation was not a very dramatic. 

On a side note, I just tried to get to the studio and yikes!!! We had, I would say, about eight inches or more of snow over the weekend and the roads are a nightmare with people stuck everywhere and all of the street parking deep under the white stuff. I drove around trying to find a place to park where I felt confident I could drive back out, but gave up and just came home. I guess it is computer work and cleaning for the day!

Sky Fire II - Makeover Monday!

Sky Fire II

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available

I painted the original version of "Sky Fire II" a year ago. It looked like a forest fire then and it still does now, even though it is actually a sunset. When I decided to make it over, I was very tempted to revamp it to look more like a sunset, but in the end I decided to stay true to the feel of the original in that regard.

The makeover is much more refined; so much better, from the softer clouds to the light reflected on the water and filtering through the trees on the grass. Also, two trees now are rooted to the ground rather than floating miraculously above. Can you see them? How did I miss that detail? I actually can't believe I considered the original finished. I'd be curious to know what you think.

Sky Fire II

(before)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

Ultramarine Dugout at Warman - Painting Makeover

Ultramarine Dugout at Warman

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2018

sold

These "painting makeovers" have been a huge learning exercise for me. I honestly feel that over the last year alone I have grown so much in my understanding of my materials, and more specifically, my understanding of value and colour. I have so much more to learn, but I am encouraged by the fact that I am aware of my own growth.

I actually don't have too many more paintings on hand that I feel are worthy of a makeover, but I do have a stack of work worthy of a wood chipper or table saw, whichever I have access to first. Those babies are going down and NEVER seeing the light of day! They are canvases, boards and paper pieces that I hate so much I have no desire to invest anymore time on them at all. Except, that is, the time it will take to destroy them. They actually repulse me! Ha!

Ultramarine Dugout at Warman

(before)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

I do have some, though, that I like enough to try to improve. So there will be a few more makeovers. There are a handful that I did early last year which now seem to stop just short of my current standards. I love the fact that even within a year's time I would do things differently on some pieces. I love that my "eye" has more experience. In some cases it's because they now seem unfinished, in other cases they just seem dull and lifeless (an issue that is more apparent in person and hard to show in a photograph). Above is one that had both problems. I feel like now the "after" version packs the punch that I hoped for originally. The deep blue water of the dugout finally has the vibe I was going for in the first place. The shape of the foreground grasses is better and I am happy that I decided to make an entry point to the left of the bottom centre, breaking up the line of the grasses. I also love the subtle changes to the clouds.

I am curious to hear your thoughts. If you have an opinion one way or the other; drop me a comment here, on Facebook or on Instagram- I'd love to hear from you!

A New Day

A New Day

(after)

16 x 16"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available

A New Day

(before)

16 x 16"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

Happily, the "after" on this painting makeover seems way more bright, fresh and finished compared to the original. I am waaaay more on board with the middle-ground and much more happy with how the horizon and sky feel pushed back. The various greens and sunny yellows really give a sense of cheer and hope for a new day, so now the title makes more sense. As much as I loved the expressive nature of the "before", I think it seems much more resolved as a painting now, and I managed to keep some of the fun marks in the foreground anyway. Much better, me thinks.

East End, King's Island - Painting Makeover

East End, King's Island, Waskesiu

(after)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Guess what?! 

I took the weekend off! I didn't go back to the studio once this weekend after I left on Friday afternoon. Well, I realize looking back that I spent about five hours at home on Sunday editing photos, doing paperwork, organizing files, recording receipts, emailing and the like, so technically I didn't take the weekend off, but compared to the last four months, it felt like it.

Anyhoo, here is a recent "Painting Makeover" on a painting from a year ago. Not gigantic changes, but I believe the revisions make it a better painting. One thing I think adds a lot is the reflection of the rocks in the water. I lightened up the sky and changed the colour of the distant horizon. Among the other changes, I am now much happier with this painting. It feels fresh and sunny- like a beautiful day to be out in the boat and exploring the island. I hope someone who loves Waskesiu Lake, finds this at the "Holiday Salon" where it is hanging and available at Darrell Bell Gallery. King's Island is the only island on Waskesiu Lake and is named for Mackenzie King who was the Canadian Prime Minister who established Prince Albert National Park in 1927.

East End, King's Island

(before)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel, 2016

© Nicki Ault, 2017

I "googled" King's Island and have learned that it was originally known in the area as Devil's Island because according to Cree legend was inhabited by supernatural creatures! I had never heard that before, but now I want to know more! Also, I have always called it King's Island, but it seems it is actually King Island with no " 's".

By The Boat Launch, Lynx Lake - Painting Makeover

By The Boat Launch, Lynx Lake

(after)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

I really love the changes I made to this piece. It is way better now and, again, seems more finished than the original version (below). I much prefer the makeover for its simpler water, lighter sky, change in colour of the distant shoreline and the work I put into the jut of land.

By The Boat Launch

(before)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

I just delivered this painting and four others to Darrell Bell Gallery for their newest exhibition (street level gallery) of small artworks- almost every gallery artist has something in this show! There are hundreds of small affordable pieces of original art displayed and for sale, including a grid of 20 of my 8x8's!

just delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017

just delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017

 newest grid of 8x8"s at Darrell Bell Gallery

© Nicki Ault, 2017

The art is already hung and the opening reception is this Friday, December 1 from 5-8 pm. At the same time there is an opening taking place upstairs in the main Gallery (fourth floor, Canada building) for the show called "A Winter Gathering", an exhibition of First Nation, Metis and Inuit art. Sounds like a great way to kick off December!

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake - Monday Makeoever

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake

(after)

16 x 16"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

I continue to be somewhat fascinated as I do these "painting makeovers". What I have noticed with the few that I have been re-making recently is that the originals seem under-developed to me now. It is like I stopped before they were really done. And this one was only a year old. Have I grown that much in a year? Or did I go through a lazy phase? It's a curious thing.

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake

(before)

16 x 16"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

Painting Makeover, Craig Berry and Choc'la Cure

McPhee From Highway 264

after 

(painting makeover)

12 x12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold (at auction)

I haven't done a "painting makeover" in awhile, but recently I collected my artwork from The Black Spruce Gallery and decided to freshen up those pieces. I am constantly amazed at how my eye has changed over the last several years and for this I give kudos and props to Craig Berry (Atelier 2302). Happily, all of the extraordinary information I garnered from the courses I took with him is starting to take hold. At the time, I was overwhelmed by how much I needed to learn, but I pushed through and hoped that what I was learning would begin to seep into my consciousness. I think some of it has... and there is still more stored information just waiting to take hold. I think the biggest difference I can see in my own work is my understanding and use of value. When I paint, I can hear Craig's words in my head saying, "You have more range than you think". I love that nugget. It turns out you can teach an old dog new tricks- at least if they are open to learning!

McPhee From Highway 264

before

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

I am very proud to say that, this year, I have been able to donate about $1800 of my artwork to five different organizations for their fundraising. It is not something I am always able to do, but whenever I can, and if it is an organization/charity that is important to me, I will try to find a way. Recently I was approached by a committee member of Choc'la Cure and I did not hesitate to say yes. The problem was that I did not have much art on hand to donate.

Slivers of Blue

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold (at auction)

However, this particular year, this particular fundraiser meant a whole lot to me. Cancer has darkened the doorstep of too many people I know: friends, colleagues, neighbors, friends of friends and people I love deeply. This year it got too close to home again. Donating a couple of paintings seemed like the very least I could do. In the end, I gave them this "made over" piece as well as "Slivers of Blue" in a shadowbox for the silent auction table. Choc'la Cure is a local charity which raises money specifically to purchase equipment for the Saskatoon Cancer Centre. Please read more about Choc'la Cure and the incredible accomplishments of these volunteers here and here.

Whew! I packed a lot in to this post. Happy Monday everyone!

Pea Soup Swamp (Painting Makeover)

Pea Soup Swamp

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

Wowzie! This new version makes me sooooo happy. I am all about that reflection. The original (below) just seems so basic; so unfinished. I think the "after" scene is much more sophisticated. Growth. That is what I am seeing in myself with these makeover Mondays. And it feels good.

Pea Soup Swamp

(before)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

Heavy Sky At Dusk (Painting Makeover)

Heavy Sky At Dusk

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

available

Here it is... the doozy I mentioned last week.

I consider myself a person of reasonable taste. Good taste even. So what the bleep was I thinking with the original version of this painting in 2014?! Honestly, it is brutal! Three years ago I apparently thought the "before" was good enough to post it on my blog and in my Daily Paintworks gallery. I'm not even saying the "after" painting above is the best thing I have ever done, but I will say that it is miles better than what I did three years ago.

Heavy Sky At Dusk

(before)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2014

What this says to me, thankfully, is that I am growing and learning and refining my taste. It means I am not stagnant and I am moving forward. This growth is at my pace which could be slower or faster than that of others, but it really doesn't matter in the end, what matters is the progress is there. And I do feel I am progressing. If nothing else these painting makeovers are revealing this to me and that is a valuable thing.

Islands On Sulphide Lake (Painting Makeover)

Islands On Sulphide Lake

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

 Islands On Sulphide Lake

(before)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2014

The changes on this one are not particularly dramatic, but I love it now! I love the entire feel so much more. This painting is about the islands and the distant land masses; I feel like now it actually reads that way. And I am not sure it is obvious in the photo of the original, but when I looked at it with fresh eyes (three years later!), it really became clear that it seemed dull and unfinished. After I "made it over" it came to life- the water is better, the islands are better, the sky is better. I love this painting now!

Moss Study (Painting Makeover)

Moss Study

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

Another painting makeover.

If absolutely nothing else, the water is much, much better. Much.

Moss Study

(before)

6 x 6"

oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2016

Reimagined Sky (Painting Makeover)

Reimagined Sky

(after)

36 x 36"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

Before I get into this painting makeover, I want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who attended our Mother's Day Tea at the studio yesterday! It really has become a fun event... and very busy! Your support is genuinely appreciated.

Okay, this painting has been a thorn in my side about three times over! The below "before" image is actually the second run I had at it in 2016; the original was painted in 2015 (see bottom image). Hopefully last week's repainting makes the third time a charm!

The original was quite harsh and intense- all of the edges of the clouds were sharp and the foreground grasses were soooo dark. In my second go-at-it I softened everything overall, but it still didn't sit right with me. The area at the horizon line looked very muddy and I never did like the yellow sky. When I originally tackled this canvas I had given myself the challenge of painting a big sky without using blue. Hence the yellow and purple scheme. The only part I ever really loved was the middle-ground field which I have hardly touched from the original in 2015 and, in fact, I like that portion even more in the final makeover version (above). It now seems to glow and radiate the sunlight. In the most recent repainting, I basically overhauled every other aspect of the thing! I created a new sky and slough and I activated the front grasses with more variation in colour and pops of light. I also spent time softening some of the edges of the grass so now it doesn't look cut-out.

Reimagined Sky

(before)

36 x 36"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2016

Reimagined Sky

(original - before the above before!)36 x 36"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2015

That was a doozy of a painting makeover, but I am so much happier to have it hanging in the studio now. I'd be curious to hear your thoughts, so if you have time, please leave a comment.

Heat (Painting Makeover)

Heat

(after)

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2017

sold

I have been doing some paining makeovers over the last several weeks. I have some work at the studio that I am seriously not happy with, so what do I do? Store them indefinitely? Throw them out? Burn them? Or rework them and hopefully salvage the situation? Honestly, some are getting filed under "G" for garbage, but there are others I am trying to resurrect. This is one.

Heat

(before)

6 x 6"
oil on baord

© Nicki Ault, 2013

I like the makeover approximately one thousand times more!