Hazy Morning On Meewasin, September

Hazy Morning on Meewasin, September

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

This particular morning last year was so beautiful. I dropped the kids off at school and just had to go down to the river to take pictures. The light was so beautiful. As I looked across from one bank to the other there was a soft, gray haze- it wasn't fog, just a haze. The autumn leaves on the bush nearby looked illuminated against its surroundings. Unfortunately I underestimated how chilly it was and had to cut my walk short because my fingers were freezing.

Out By Aberdeen

Out By Aberdeen

8 x 8"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available exclusively at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery
sold

On Thursday I delivered four new paintings to Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery. It is such a beautiful shop with such unique merchandise. I am sad they are closing and it may not be long now. On the up-side, I am very happy for Darrell. He was there when I dropped off the new work and he seemed relaxed, content and at peace with his decision. It is as if he has reclaimed his life. Good for him, I say!

Here is a glimpse of my work in this beautiful art, craft and design boutique...

all photos © Nicki Ault, 2016

Severe Weather Warning

Severe Weather Warning

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available

July has been glorious! Summer in Saskatchewan can't be beat. Our countryside is ever-changing with fields ripening and skies brooding. Don't ever let anyone convince you the prairies are boring!

Thistles And Wild Spaces

Thistles And Wild Spaces

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

sold

The purple thistles were so pretty against the greens in the fields out at Beaver Creek on Saturday. I love a wild and unruly prairie.

Flax Meets Canola

Flax Meets Canola

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

sold

My drive out to Aberdeen the other day proved fruitful in finding a field of flax. The sight was seriously spectacular! (Alliteration anyone?)

Revisiting Lynx Lake

Revisiting Lynx Lake

12 x 12"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2016

sold

I got a wonderful message from The Black Spruce Gallery that they sold a couple of paintings for me recently and they had a customer wanting a painting similar to one she saw there last summer. I hope she sees "Revisiting Lynx Lake" and loves the additional clouds I added to this version. This painting and "Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake" are both on their way north and will be available at The Black Spruce Gallery by the weekend.

On The Edge Of Canola

On The Edge Of Canola

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2016

sold

I took an impromptu drive out to the country yesterday morning after my dad phoned to say that his buddy saw the most gorgeous canola and flax fields out by Aberdeen. I was thrilled to get the tip and had actually just filled up my gas when the call came, so it seemed like it was meant to be. 

It was a glorious morning. The canola is further along than the flax, and WOW!- that canola was so bright it hurt my eyes!

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake

16 x 16"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2016

available

I created this painting using one of my little 6x6's called "Forest On Sulphide Lake" as a study. Actually, I didn't look at it much as I painted "Striped Sky", instead I used the same resource photo to work from. I love the sky and I love the reflection. 

Every now and then I check out my stats on my Daily Paintworks Gallery and as it turns out "Forest On Sulphide Lake" has had on average more than double the views of any other painting posted on that site by other artists on that same day! Crazy! Hopefully that means a sale could be looming!

Canola And Low Laying Field

Canola And Low Laying Field

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2016

sold

In the last seventy-two hours it poured! Some areas of our province have been hit really hard, in particular Estevan and Arborfield, with devastating results to some families. I love stormy skies and dramatic prairie scenes, but I do not love their potential to wreak havoc

Canola In Bloom

Canola In Bloom

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2016

sold

I am feeling extremely enamored with the prairies right now even though I have not ventured out of the city for ages, or so it seems. Recently while I was sick and stuck at home I experienced thunder storms, heavy clouds and glowing sun through my window while resting on the couch. It all got me daydreaming about what the countryside would look like and so when I finally got to the studio on Thursday I had to explore those ideas. Canola in all its glory is such an iconic Saskatchewan scene.

July Rain

July Rain

6 x 6"

oil on board

© Nicki Ault, 2016

sold

I spent some time at the studio yesterday while my kids had some Grandma and Grandpa time. It felt great to be back in that environment, but my energy was low. I guess I am still recovering from being sick. Anyway, the dark skies and rain we have had lately made me want to paint a dramatic canola scene. I found some old reference photos in my folders and went to work. I have another to show you tomorrow. 

The weather for the weekend looks stormy so it may be my chance to get out into the country and take a fresh batch of photos. My friend, who lives a half hour south of the city, has invited me out and offered to give me a tour of the country back roads. The bonus... she knows where to find some flax fields!

Hi!

Hydrangea Arrangement

19 x 13.5"

acrylic, oil and oil pastel on terra skin paper

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

Well hello!!!

I have been sick. Seven days in an altered state. Not fun. Not pretty. As far back as I can remember when I get a head cold things become real bleak. My sinuses are hijacked and my eyes water uncontrollably while my head pulses to a less than enjoyable beat. NyQuil and Dristan are my best friends during these times and the best attempt I can make at bathing is a cold cloth on my eyes. Everything else is put on the back-burner. 

Now that I have come out of the other side of that virus-laden hell I am SO ready to paint it isn't even funny! I just have to find time because now the kids are out of school and getting to the studio is not easy.

Hydrangea and Lemon

21.5 x 15.75"

acrylic, oil and oil pastel on water colour paper

© Nicki Ault, 2015

sold

In the meantime, here are the still-available paintings I had in a show at Hues Art Supply a year ago with Bridget Aitken and Jackie Miller. They are a series of floral still lifes which were a great time of experimentation for me. Right now they are available at Lifestyles By Darrell Bell Gallery.

White Bucket Bouquet

24 x 18"

oil on canvas

© Nicki Ault, 2015

available

I look forward to having some new work to show you soon. Thanks for your patience!