Bend In The Road

Bend In The Road

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/bend-in-the-road/436085
sold 

I have never painted a highway before, but I have experimented with country roads. Roads offer a challenge in perspective, one that is fun to tackle, but one that I need to work on. In this situation, on the drive to Waskesiu, it felt like we were heading straight into the storm, until the road curved at the last minute.

Pea Soup Swamp

Pea Soup Swamp

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/pea-soup-swamp/435741

I spent a decent chunk of time at the studio today. I painted two 6x6's, prepped some boards, and painted some edges. My big canvas remains untouched. It is as white as white can be and loomed over me all the while I painted my little boards. It seemed daunting and, although I studied the resource photo for awhile, I felt a bit of stage fright and couldn't quite commit to putting paint to canvas.

I will get there.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Now for a bit of business. Apparently as of January 11, 2016 there will be some changes made to streamline things in Google. From what I gather you will now need a Google account to sign into Google Friend Connect and to follow Blogger blogs. Up until now you could sign in and follow with other accounts (i.e. Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut, OpenID, non-Google accounts), but that will be no more. Basically if you use a non-Google account to follow my blog you will now need to sign up for a Google account and then re-follow my blog and any of your other favourite Blogger blogs. It's a bit of a hassle, but hopefully not so much so that you won't do it. There is a link to make a Google account here.

As another option, if you are on Facebook and have not yet liked my art page, you can do so here: www.facebook.com/Nicki.Ault.Studio. My blog posts are automatically shared onto this page so you won't miss a thing. Or you can sign up your email on the top right-hand side of this blog and get my new  posts sent to you that way.

These change are out of my control, so I hope you understand.

Thanks for making the effort to stay in touch!

Season's Greetings

I am sitting in my front room by the tree, lights turned down and music playing softly. A chilled glass of white wine by my side and my cowl-necked sweater keeping me cozy. We celebrate Christmas, but I realize not all who read this blog do. Regardless, my wishes for you are universal: I wish you all happiness, laughter, health, friendship, good food and a safe place to lay your head at night.

I wish you well.

I wish you peace.

I wish you art!

With love,
Nicki

The Marsh

The Marsh

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/the-marsh/434688
sold 

The year is winding down. It has gone by so fast. I, too, am winding down, getting ready to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends. And I hope to find pockets of time to paint. I have a fresh new 48 x 30" canvas sitting on my easel just waiting for me to put a mark on. I thought about starting yesterday, but decided it was best to delve in when I know I will have the proper time to commit, so for now I painted another 6x6 for you.

Silver Lining

Silver Lining

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/silver-lining/434344
sold 

Dusky prairie, a sunset, dark moody clouds, airy clouds, fading blue sky and above all, a silver lining. This landscape has it all.

The Tree By The Bessborough

The Tree By The Bessborough

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/the-tree-by-the-bessborough/434147 
sold

This painting had several near-wiping experiences. I am not entirely sure about the result. Never-the-less the riverbank in this city of Saskatoon is scenic and picturesque; definitely deserving of being painted. For that reason I may attempt some more from this gorgeous fall morning. Well, it was deceivingly gorgeous- I took a walk and froze by hands despite the seemingly intense sun that was shining.

Wild Places

Wild Places

10 x 8"

oil on canvas board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/wild-places/433985

This went through many changes for a small painting. It is better now, at least I think it is, but I guess you will have to take my word on that since I didn't take a photo of the original version. 

I have to say I am not really a fan of painting on canvas boards. I don't like the texture on a hard surface. I like canvas when it has a spring to it and I like my boards smooth.

Green On The River, Waskesiu

Green On The River, Waskesiu

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/green-on-the-river-waskesiu/433790
sold 

As a friend said the other day, I am am feeling Decembered! I had not painted for probably two weeks and after a draggy morning yesterday I made myself go to the studio in the afternoon. I am so glad I did. It was like therapy; the feel of brushes in my hand, the smell of paint, my music playing in the background, mixing colours. It was heaven right there on 20th Street!

Throwback Thursday!

Water Striders - Big Broadway Number

30 x 40"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2009

I have never partaken in a Throwback Thursday here or on Facebook, but since I haven't been to the studio lately and have nothing new to show you, I thought it may be a good way to stay in touch.

Years ago, 2009 to be exact, I was painting for my first ever big solo show in a public gallery. I ended up doing a wide range of paintings inspired by the northern boreal forest in Saskatchewan. Within that I did a series of what I call abstract reflections. I loved painting them and they were my first effort at abstract painting. They were inspired by the Spruce River and the distorted reflections caused by the water strider bugs on the surface of the water. Watching the bugs skittle around on the water made me think of dancing, so all of the paintings were titled after the idea of a dance or performance. To this day I love the paintings from that series and although all found new home, I am so happy I kept this one for myself. It hangs in my dining room and I don't think I will ever get tired of looking at it.

Moving Grasses

Moving Grasses

16 x 16"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

This is the second of the two paintings I painted at the last minute for the Open Studio. I am really pleased with the colour palette and the movement in this piece. The natural wood of the panel comes through in a few places and I like the effect. Yesterday I delivered it to its new home

Speaking of new homes, I have more paintings looking for theirs! An original oil painting is a great gift and this is the season for giving. Here is a link to my available paintings ranging from $100.00 to $300.00. If you see something you want, let me know by emailing me at nicki.ault@shaw.ca. Have fun looking... and shopping...  http://www.dailypaintworks.com/artists/nicki-ault-2150/artwork#/available=only&mode=search&arrangeMode=false&page=1

Wind On The Prairies

Wind On The Prairies

16 x 16"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

It never fails, as the Open Studio approaches everyone gets in and gets to work... finishing paintings and sometimes starting new ones, which was the case for me. At the last minute I decided to paint two new panels and as a result they were wet when I hung them for the show. Not ideal, but happily they ended up being purchased. This is one of them- I will show you the other next time. This week I will be delivering them, as well as "Dance of The Wolf Willow", to their new home at McDougall Gauley LLP in Saskatoon. This is a law office which has just moved to a beautiful new building in town. They have been there for six months and I am thrilled that they now have a little collection of my work; these three paintings are joining two others. Feeling grateful.

Moody Prairie

Moody Prairie

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/moody-prairie/429432
sold 

The light on even the darkest and moodiest of days can be glorious.

River Study, Waskesiu

River Study, Waskesiu

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015
sold

I actually painted this study after the large painting was done. Kind of backwards, I know. The big painting, "Looking To The Rapids, Waskesiu River", was based on a smaller 6x6 study which a client bought and then decided to give her sister. She wondered if I might do a similar painting on a slightly larger format for her to keep, so "River Study, Waskesiu" was born as a 12x12. Hopefully everyone is happy now!

Speaking of being happy... what an amazing 72 hours it has been! From appointments to preview paintings before the Open Studio, to the Open Studio itself and now follow-up appointments today! WOW! I am overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm shown to all eleven of us at the Studio On 20th, and in particular to those who focused their attention on my paintings. I am so grateful- it is such a validation to the work I do all year long leading up to this. Thank you!!!

Sky Over Canola

Sky Over Canola

24 x 36"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015

Here is another take, much larger this time, on the same subject as "This Is Saskatchewan". My favourite part might be the yellows in the field.

You can view this painting and many more officially displayed for our Open Studio... please come and see! Tomorrow, Sunday November 22, we will be at the studio (236A 20th Street W) from 11-5 having a grand old time with all of our clients, friends, family and hopefully we will make some new acquaintances! The common spaces are hung with art by all eleven studio artists; our individual rooms are tidied up and very presentable compared to how they look during the rest of the work year!

The Studio On 20th artists are:

Bridget Aitken
Nicki Ault
Kathy Bradshaw
Jan Corcoran
Ann Donald
Jane Harington
Miranda Jones
Brenda Kennedy
Karen Maguire
Amira Wasfy
Carol Wylie

*please note the studio is not wheelchair accessible.
 

Further Up The River, Waskesiu

Further Up The River, Waskesiu

40 x 30"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015

This is another perspective of the beautiful, ever-changing Waskesiu River on a day with a bright blue, but also cloudy, sky. The reflection was actually more spectacular than the sky itself. Painting the change in the water from calm to rushing was a challenge and I almost abandoned it, but thanks to a friend who felt it was starting to work, I didn't quit. 

This painting will be at the Open Studio on Sunday, November 22. I hope you can come. Bring a friend or two or five! Here is the invitation again...

 

Dance of the Wolf Willow

Dance of the Wolf Willow

48 x 48"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015
sold

This painting is BIG! It is the largest painting I have done to date. It is about the beautiful wolf willow and wild prairie landscape that I discovered out at my friend and studio mate's new acreage. I exaggerated the wolf willow, but perhaps not quite as much as this photo makes it appear; in reality, although the leaves are very light, they are not white, but contain many colours. I hope I captured a fluttering, dancing feeling of the wolf willow moving back into the landscape. It was a challenge. It took time. In the end I hope it is a statement piece that finds its way to an empty wall in an office or home and I hope it makes someone very happy. 

Portrait of Carrie

Carrie

charcoal and graphite on paper

© Nicki Ault, 2015

Wow! Where do I begin to tell you about the portrait drawing workshop? I guess first off I need to express sincere thanks to Matthew Mancini for sharing his incredible talent and wealth of knowledge with us. He did two demos, one of each model, to show us his process in building a portrait as well as talk us through his thoughts. At this time he was also able to demonstrate the use of different materials, including drawing with loose charcoal and a brush, something I had never done before. He spent the first morning working his way through the drawing of Carrie and then he worked on it here and there for the rest of the weekend as long as we were settled and not needing assistance.

Matthew Mancini

~demonstration of portrait drawing~

There were ten students in the class and the way Matt worked the room, I am certain we all felt very well taken care of and supported in our efforts. He was incredibly gracious and generous and had a way of zeroing in on what each of us needed. It was fascinating and inspiring to watch his drawing come to life over the course of the eighteen hours. Seeing what is possible makes me want to get better and better.

Portrait of Carrie

charcoal, graphite and white chalk on paper

© Matthew Mancini, 2015

I had forgotten just how much I love to draw. I have never spent this kind of time on a life drawing before. We had the same model and same pose for the entire weekend (two models, five students to each model), so there was time to really get into it and not feel panicked to finish. I was pleased to find the Bargue training being used in a practical, real-life scenario!

Matthew is still in Saskatoon (he lives in the country outside of Toronto) and is going to be instructing a figure drawing workshop on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings and then on the weekend he is doing another two day workshop on alla prima painting in the style of John Singer Sargent. I am sure both will be excellent and wish I was able to sign up for them. Huge thanks to Craig Berry at Atelier 2302 for bringing to our city yet another great artist for us to experience. 

Please take the time to learn more about Matthew Mancini at his website www.matthewmanciniart.com.

Portrait Drawing

Sammy

graphite on paper

© Nicki Ault, 2003

Well, the weekend is almost here and I feel ill-prepared for the workshop with Matthew Mancini. I had every intention of doing some sketching and drawing this week in my "free time" to warm myself up, but it was not to be. As a result I will be heading in cold turkey. I will be a bit stressed. I will put too much pressure on myself. I will probably feel like crying at some point (ha!). But I will survive.

I thought I would take a quick look back at some of my portrait drawings from the past, long before I ever studied at Atelier 2302. I still like them, but I would tackle things differently now. I am interested to see how the work I do at the drawing workshop on Saturday and Sunday compares to these pieces.

Alan

graphite on paper

© Nicki Ault, 2000

Marta

graphite on paper

© Nicki Ault, 2003

Jill

graphite on paper

© Nicki Ault, 2000

Jocelyn

graphite on paper

© Nicki Ault, 1999

GM Cloud Study

GM Cloud Study

11 x 14"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

Finally I am showing you the piece I created at the Atelier 2302 "Landscape Painting With Gord MacDonald" workshop in October. I worked on it at the studio one time after that weekend and probably could work on it a bit more, but I am not sure I will. I learned a lot that weekend and had things reaffirmed, including that I have much more to learn. Over the weekend the class watched Gord demonstrate his thought processes and techniques on two original paintings, one of which was a nocturne that he impressively invented on the spot. It was inspirational and motivating. As I mentioned in a previous post, he actually got me painting with a palette knife, with my finger, and with a fan brush- all to get different softening effects (fan brush) or to quickly get the paint on the board (palette knife). 

I have already taken what I learned that weekend and tweaked an existing painting that I created earlier this year. I believe what I changed is an improvement, but perhaps in another blog post you can be the judge of that.

CFCR Art Auction

Walk In The Meadow

30 x 30

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015

UPDATE: the organizers cancelled the auction, this painting will now be available at the Open Studio on November 22nd (see details at the top of this page). 

I recently submitted "Walk In The Meadow" to the CFCR fundraising committee for review. I just received word that they have chosen it to be part of one of their biggest fundraising efforts - a live art auction on the evening of Tuesday, November 17 at The Top Of The Inn (Sheraton Cavalier). There will also be a silent auction at the same event. I am rather pleased that they felt my painting might help them raise some money for their radio station. As nerve-wracking as it may be, I am working on clearing the calendar so I can attend the event. I hope they are serving wine.

CFCR 90.5 FM is a local Saskatoon radio station with a long and continuing history in our city. They are a huge supporter of the arts in Saskatoon. They were among the first of the media to be concerned and ask questions when the Emma Lake Kenderdine Campus was closed in 2012 for a three year period by the University of Saskatchewan. CFCR regularly interviews local artists and provides support to our vibrant community. In fact, the auction itself is even artist friendly which means that the artist will also receive a percentage if their work sells. I appreciate that respect.

Saturated Field

Saturated Field

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/saturated-field/425139
sold 

I have spent the last two days at the studio working on two large canvases, moving from one to the other. Both have been a struggle. One may be done... the other has a ways to go. By this afternoon I was wiping off more than I was keeping, so it dawned on me that I could stop! I will let it dry for a couple of days and then proceed. I had lots of time before I needed to be home for my kids, so I painted this little 6x6. It is a story about a water-logged field, which sometimes happens on the prairies. There is a fine balance that the farmers hope for each year between not enough rain and too much. This particular year the pendulum swung to the too-much-water side.

Heart Lake

Heart Lake

10 x 8"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/heart-lake/424708

sold

Unfortunately I am not sure this photo is of the best quality... there is a bit of a hot spot on the right side and it seems somewhat out of focus. I may try to get a better shot when I get a chance, however hopefully you get the jist.

I mentioned that a couple of weekends ago I took a workshop through Atelier 2302 on landscape painting with Gord MacDonald. Well, on November 14 and 15 I am taking another workshop! I am very excited about it- it is called "Portrait Drawing with Matthew Mancini". Please have a look at the connected link to Matthew Mancini.

I have not drawn for awhile, so it should be interesting. I will be rusty and I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of such a stellar artist, but these are the chances one takes to learn and grow. I actually feel honoured to have the opportunity to be in the position to study with Matthew Mancini. What will I learn? What will I draw? Will I be able to make a connection from the Bargue drawings to what Matt will teach? I bet I will. I am anticipating light bulbs lighting up all weekend! Stay tuned... I will post the work I will produce.

This Is Saskatchewan

This Is Saskatchewan

8 x 10"

oil on canvas board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/this-is-saskatchewan/423813
sold 

November! How did that happen? I have to kick things into high gear because our Open Studio is a few short weeks away and I want to have some new work to show... and hopefully sell. It is set for Sunday, November 22 and you are invited! Please come and bring a friend.

Stark Day On The South Saskatchewan

Stark Day On The South Saskatchewan

6 x 6"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/stark-day-on-the-south-saskatchewan/423344

There is no snow yet! I have to say that we have been extraordinarily lucky this fall, we have enjoyed a beautiful season and with Halloween around the corner it looks like we are home-free in respect to good weather. 

At this time of year there is often a blanket of white covering the land. This October is an exception with the frigid river in our beautiful city juxtaposed against the earthy barren banks of the South Saskatchewan river.

I have to say that I fussed around with the mid-foreground of this painting. It was not working at all so finally I wiped the busy marks off and it was instantly better. Very often less is more.

Prairie Intensity II

Prairie Intensity II

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panels

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

A couple of months ago I did a painting for Lifestyles called "Prairie Intensity". I was really happy with the vibe it had (see below), so I decided to try to capture that same power in another painting (above). Maybe this will be the start of a few more.

Prairie Intensity

8x8

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

On a side note I am extremely excited for my weekend. On Saturday and Sunday I will be attending "Landscape Painting with Gord MacDonald" at Atelier 2302. It is part of a series of workshops Craig Berry is bringing to Saskatoon this fall and I am so happy I got a spot! I will be in student mode for forty-eight hours and I can hardly wait to be more knowledgeable come Monday! Here is a link to view work by Gord MacDonald.

Lonely Bale

Lonely Bale

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

Another painting now available at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery. I still have one more to show you and apparently one of the five new paintings has already sold!

Sandy Cliffs On Kingsmere River

Sandy Cliffs on Kingsmere River

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

I spent a lot of time hiking with my kids this summer. The Kingsmere River Trail was one I hadn't done since I was a child, so my memories were vague. I am sure the landscape changed in that time, but I really don't recall what it might have looked like back then. It is possible this sandy cliff was covered in trees and vegetation thirty-some odd years ago and that the river carved its way through the land a little differently.

On another note- big changes in Canada as the federal election is now over. I wonder how the landscape of our country will change over the course of the next few years.

Farmer's Perspective

Farmer's Perspective

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

It's federal election day in Canada! Please go out and vote! Make your perspective heard!

Starting The Night Watch

Starting The Night Watch

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

There were so many stellar sunsets this summer at the lake, I feel privileged to have been a witness. I now have heaps of reference photos to use- I am sure I will get bored of the subject before I run out of material. However... not bored yet! Here I painted the sleepy pines by the lakeside watching the sun set and getting ready to hold down the fort 'til morning. Good night clouds, good night beach, good night water....

Out Pike Lake Way

Out Pike Lake Way

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/out-pike-lake-way/419843
sold 

This week I tackled my huge, intimidating (yet exciting) canvas. It is 48 x 48 inches and inspired by the beautiful wild prairie surrounding my friend's newly purchased acreage. It is about Wolf Willow in that landscape. Because I am painting the scene in oils I have had to take the time to let things dry before I move on, so while that happens I also got some odd jobs done around the studio, like making shadow boxes for my 6x6's, wiring some cradled panels, and purging B-R-U-T-A-L, nothing salvageable canvases. They are giving my studio bad karma- they must go. I also decided to paint a little 6x6 which you see above. It has been a good, productive week at 236A 20th Street.

Looking To The Rapids, Waskesiu River

Looking To The Rapids, Waskesiu River

30 x 40"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015
sold 

HaPpY ThAnKsGiViNg!!!

It is hard to believe that it is already that time of the year when we stop and give thanks, but it is... it is Thanksgiving in Canada. I am celebrating with my family today and feeling so grateful for all of the opportunities available to me and my children in this great country of ours. I am so proud to be Canadian; so proud of our multicultural communities and so proud of the stunningly gorgeous landscape we live in. It is difficult not to well up when I stop and pause for a minute to reflect on how good we have it here. I am grateful. 

The above is my newest large painting. It was a challenge as I went from a summer of 6x6's to a 30x40 with no transition in between. It was a bit of a jump, but I am happy with the end result. The Waskesiu River was a real source of inspiration for me over the last several months.
I hope you like it.

Fall Show - Wolf Willow

Fall Show - Wolf Willow

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/fall-show--wolf-willow/418340
sold 

Wolf Willow. I love it. What is it about those dancing, silvery leaves that captivates me so? I have made attempts to paint their loveliness in the past... sometimes successful (in my mind), sometimes not. I am gearing up to try it again on a large scale, but that big canvas on my easel is daunting.... and it is taunting me- all white and huge and full of potential.

Valley Road Wolf Willow

Valley Road Wolf Willow

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015

http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/valley-road-wolf-willow/417655
  sold

This is a quick little study for some bigger ideas I have brewing. Inspiration is drawn from the fall landscape I drove through on my way out to the Solar Gardens show last month.

Last Light By Ski Beach, Waskesiu

Last Light By Ski Beach, Waskesiu

20 x 20"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

In my last post I told you about the commission I just finished and how I actually painted two paintings in order to give the client a choice. This is the second painting... a sunset by Ski Beach in Waskesiu that was both intense and calm at the same time. A very different feel from the painting he chose, but it still included all the elements he asked for: a sunset, the lake, light and Spruce. I'm so happy that he ended up with a painting that he loves. Someday this painting will find its way to a home where it will hopefully offer a reminder of wonderful lake memories to its owner.

End of Day, Main Beach, Waskesiu

End of Day, Main Beach, Waskesiu

20 x 20"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015

(commission)

sold

Early this summer I had a lovely email from a fellow Waskesiu enthusiast asking if I would consider creating a painting to represent the feel of the national park at sunset and including Spruce, light, and the lake. Although it seemed right up my alley, commissions are tricky because you never know what the client might be imagining in their head. Never-the-less I agreed to give it a try. Lucky for me he happens to watch my Facebook page and I was able to get an idea of what he preferred based on his "likes" of the 6x6" paintings I posted this summer. That might have been a little cheaty of me, but it really helped me focus on an idea. Actually it helped me focus on two! There was another image that I thought could be the one for him, so I painted it too! I was happy to give him a choice and the above painting is the one he will be giving a home.

I have to say he was a delight to work with and he was totally understanding of my crazy life (two injured kids and a father who broke his hip- all in one month- I am glad September is over) and how it dictated the time I could spend at the studio to get his painting done. If all commissions went like this I would be thrilled to do more.

Adding to My Collection

I am so excited! Yesterday I received the beautiful and funky floral still life abstract painting that I bought from Lisa Daria Kennedy. She is one of the daily painters I have been watching and swooning over for the past five or so years. This is painting #2303 for her. Can you imagine that dedication? It is impressive to say the least. One of my other favourites, Abbey Ryan, just celebrated her eighth year of daily painting and today my painting hero, Edward B. Gordon is on painting #3168. The king of them all is Duane Keiser who pioneered the daily painting movement in 2004. His work is breathtaking. Please click on the links to learn more about each artist and to see the work they create.

So yes, with the purchase of "#2303 Beak" I have added to my sub-collection of Lisa Daria Kennedy paintings (I have five now) as well as my over-all collection of work by artists I admire. The shear joy and excitement I felt when I found the package in the mail is what I can only hope my clients feel when they receive my boxes. This summer I have shipped paintings to Edmonton, Calgary, Kelowna and I have paintings waiting to go to Mexico! It is a wild ride and I love it!

I have said it before and I will say it again... there is something, a certain je ne sais quoi, about owning and living with original art. I don't say that because I am trying to convince people to buy my work, I say that because I have experienced it first hand. To sit and look at a piece that belongs to you, an original piece of art nowhere else to be found, to imagine the mood of the artist, the thought process, the skill and vision they have. And the passion! It moves me to another place. And to know I am supporting an artist in their journey is huge to me. Huge. I will support original art when I can... like the simple and stunning faux vase I bought from Paula Cooley at Art @ Solar Gardens this past weekend. I have always wanted a piece of her work and even though buying it put me in the red for the weekend, I knew it was the piece I had to have. It was the one.

 

Can you blame me? It is a delight. And trust me, I am delighted. 

Thank you Lisa, thank you Paula!

September Fields

September Fields

6 x 6

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2015
http://www.dailypaintworks.com/fineart/nicki-ault/september-fields/414042
sold

The light on the fields at this time of year is quite spectacular. 

Thank you so much to those who came to the art show at Solar Gardens this past weekend. It is most appreciated. Unfortunately it was a little on the quiet side, but that is the way it goes sometimes. I appreciate everyone who stopped by and took a business card- I hope you will check in once and a while to see what I am up to. And please come to the Open Studio where I paint. It is on Sunday, November 20- more details at the top of the blog.

I'm Ready for Solar Gardens!

The weather looks amazing and this is going to be a great weekend at Solar Gardens for art of all types: paintings, fibre art, metal work, pottery, photography, drawings and more. Please come - the show is open Saturday and Sunday from 11-5. You will find me and my work in the big tent (I'm under the high top!). A huge thanks to Judy and Roger for pulling this show together.