I Heart Georgian Bay

 

I am home from my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Georgian Bay, Ontario. It was an intense, art-filled journey and I tried to savour each unique moment. I got off to a bit of a rocky start- I was intimidated at the outset when I saw how prolific my travel partners had been before I got there; they had filled canvas upon canvas and board upon board. Also, the landscape was not as I had imagined- forests of red Maple were not abundant nor were weather-beaten trees jutting out of craggily rocks. I had to refocus my game-plan before I even started! What I had envisioned in my mind's eye was probably more in line with what is found further north in the Algonquin region. I definitely had my heart set on painting images that were authentic to the area and not like what might be found at home. Initially all I could see was farmland and birch forests, so I panicked- that was not what I came cross-country to paint! I had to have a little talk with myself and get on board with the elements of the landscape that were presented to me; I had to make a connection to something or I would be in big trouble! In the end I found great inspiration in the gorgeous red Sumacs as well as the rocks and boulders on the shores and in the forests. I also found inspiration in the rapids and waterfalls which I hope will make their way to canvas soon.

I could write volumes, but it is more fun to look at pictures, so here are some of my favorites... all images © Nicki Ault.

 

 

 our most excellent make-shift studio

 I like this picture- it looks like I am having 

a light bulb moment!

 

 Jackie's canvas makes a good fire!

 Tom Thomson Art Gallery, Owen Sound

me and a random dog

 

a precariously placed Inukshuk

 

 Lake Huron

 I wiped and restarted this painting approximately five times

and then it still only seemed best suited to the dart board