Monday, August 31, 2009

A Full Day

This has been the most exciting day for me... Who would have ever imagined that I would discover comments from Edward B. Gordon on my blog?!!! I am overwhelmed that he took the time to have a look at what I have started here. And then when I realized he read the story of my sad attempt to get one of his paintings I broke into a bit of a cold sweat. Luckily he seemed to have a sense of humour about it and I am glad he was entertained. Seriously, how cool is he anyway? A master painter, a dedicated artist, an intelligent business man, a poet (in my mind anyway), and one class act.

I was so excited to find his comments that I couldn't contain my secrecy any longer. I immediately emailed "my girls"; three of the best friends a person could ask for. The email I sent them was  filled with exclamation marks and OMG's. I'm a lousy typist at the best of times ( I took art in high school instead of typing), but add in shaking hands and it becomes a true gong show. It wasn't long before they emailed back and may I just say that I love them? They were equally excited, if not more so than I was because not only were they hearing about the comments, but they were finding out about my blog for the first time. I would never have imagined that a side effect, if I can call it that, of having kids would be that I would meet the most wonderful women and they would become such a vital part of my life. I am so lucky.

I received an email from the St. Thomas More Gallery curator today wondering if I had thought of a name for my show because she is going to get started on some of the advertising later this week. She said it could be something as simple as Nicki Ault: Recent Work. It seems a bit dry and because all of the pieces are inspired by the boreal forest I feel like there should be some reference to it in the title. I'll have to think on it. My sister put in her two cents and offered up "The Boreal Fo Real". It made me laugh. I'm open to suggestions if anyone reads this.....

You Can Go Back
16x20
sold

And here is another painting that I plan to include in the show. It is acrylic on canvas and is 16x20". It is one of my favorite places to paint en Plein air. Spruce River in Prince Albert National Park. It is the subject of the other two reflection paintings I posted a few days ago. It is a glorious slow moving river that winds its way through the forest then out into the meadows and back in again. It looks different every time I am there.

I am extremely grateful to Barbara Muir, another artist I have discovered in this blogging world, for stopping by my blog and posting such kind-hearted, supportive comments. She is an excellent portrait painter who approaches her subjects in such a unique and vibrant way. Her portraits exude character and life.

Ahhh, this has been a full day. And now to go to bed... my little people register for school tomorrow. My little Tommy will be going to Kindergarten. He is so ready for school, but I don't know if the school is ready for him... he doesn't have a library voice and he likes to use the word "poop" way too much.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

beautiful handling of reflections and water, and great interpretation of colours. and welcome to art blogging. beautiful work:) r.

Tammy Hext said...

Hi Nicki,
First - I love your work and congrats on the upcoming show. I am a Mom as well that put painting aside for a while and decided to plunge in to the world of blogging as well. Keep up the great work, I look forward to your next paintings.

Nicki said...

Hi Rahina,
Thank you so much for stopping to have a look at my blog. It means a lot to receive comments from such talented and well respected artist.


Hi Tammy,
Ah, it's nice to meet a new blogger like myself. It's all very exciting... and seems to be such a supportive environment. I'm excited to watch where this journey takes you.


Smiles to you both,

Nicki

Anonymous said...

Nikki, this painting is totally gorgeous! I feel like I want to step into that forest and into that pool of water
Very inspiring!
Flora

suzanneberry said...

Your work is amazing! I absolutely love the richness. So beautiful!

Thank you so much for your kind comments on Paper Study! Very much appreciated. best, Suzanne

Unknown said...

Welcome to blogging! Your paintings are really spectacular and I'm sure you will be able to make a name for yourself at the gallery. I love the way you paint water.

Nicki said...

Hi Flora,
Thank you so much! And I have to say that Bear River looks like a place that could be very inspirational to artists.

Hi Suzanne,
What a wonderful treat to see that you came to have a look at my blog. I should also have mentioned to you that not only did I love the paper studies, but I thoroughly loved all of your bugs. You are one talented lady.

Hi Deborah,
Thank you! This blogging world just seems so supportive - it really is what I have been needing. Congratulations on starting your daily paintings. And I love your cradled wood panels with bird images that you posted on August 2.

Thank you ladies for taking the time view my blog and say hello.

Nicki

Jeffrey J. Boron said...

Oh, Oh...this is a really beauty Nicki..

Jeffrey

Nicki said...

Jeffrey, thank you! Your comment means more than you know!

Take care,
Nicki

Barbara Muir said...

Hi Nicki,

I am so touched by your kind comment. Your work is beautiful and deserves every bit of praise it gets.
Good luck with all the school arrangements. You are amazing.

Take care,

Barbara

Nicki said...

Hi Barbara,

I'm glad you saw these comments. I have really noticed that in the blogging world you are such a supportive influence on so many artists. You are the one that deserve praise!

Nicki

Unknown said...

What a great piece to have done en plein air. I'm impressed. Your brushwork is bold, and I like that.

Nicki said...

Thank you so much Cristall. I really appreciate you stopping by to have a look!

Take care,
Nicki