Down That Insecure Road Again

Jack Pine On Lynx Lake, La Ronge

48 x 30"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2014
sold

It's happened again. I have put myself in a place of discomfort and mild stress. I have submitted two of my paintings to the Mann Art Gallery Winter Festival Show and Sale. There's a juror, there's prizes, there's three possible gallery spaces the artwork could be place in... and therein lies the stress. Of course a person wants to do well. Of course it would be great if both pieces made their way into the big, main gallery. Of course it would be great to win a prize. Of course it would be great if something sold. The bottom line for me, however, is that I just don't want to make a fool of myself! How is that for setting the bar low?! Really, I just don't want to look lame in front of my peers.

Georgian On My Mind, Georgian Bay

36 x 36"

acrylic on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2014
sold

I chose to submit two paintings I feel really happy with, which I guess is all you can do. I think "Georgian On My Mind" is a bit of a risk to have submitted, but it is a painting that I felt really excited about as I worked. It is dark and dramatic, rather flat and graphic and really different for me. The photo of it isn't great- it's got more oomph in person. The Jack Pine was a bit of a struggle. I went back and forth sorting out the sky and water and trees- well, everything- but in the end I felt content about the result. I am especially fond of the rock. It is a painting that had me thinking about different concepts as I went along, in fact, I even did a sketch before I began working on it. There was a piece at the studio that I considered submitting, but I am so glad I didn't. People really like it, but when I listened to my heart I realized that I am unsettled about it, so it would have been a mistake to submit.

The Winter Festival show will be at the Mann Gallery in Prince Albert from February 6- March 21 with the opening reception being on Friday, February 6th at 7:00 p.m.