Sunday, December 31, 2017

A Place of Peace

A Place of Peace
10 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold
(commission)

There have been two hundred posts in 2017 and now we are at the last before we ring in 2018. Here are just a handful of the amazing highlights of what was an incredible year:

1) After many conversations through emails and phone calls, this past summer I finally met in person the lovely couple from Portland, Oregon who commissioned me to paint a vast evening sky for them. Getting to know them and the reason behind why they wanted me to do this painting shifted my entire mindset on being a landscape painter. I am forever grateful that they shared their personal story with me. I actually believe through this experience a new friendship was born.

2) The true love of another beautiful couple came knocking on my door and asked me to do a huge painting for them... a challenge for sure- the largest canvas I have ever attempted (40x60) and a subject with which I was not that comfortable (a road). Their confidence in me helped to build my confidence in me, something that has not been my strong suit. Their kindness, patience, enthusiasm, generosity and, most of all, their love story made the experience one I will never forget.

3) The family of a dear, dear friend of twenty-five years asked me to create a painting for her to help celebrate a milestone birthday. The tears she shed when she received her painting touched me deeply.

4) A woman I had never met before came to the Open Studio in November and we had a lovely chat about art and her career before she retired from teaching. She was quite interested in one of my large paintings, but had never invested in art before, so she had to really think about it and wrote down the dimensions before she left. Later that afternoon she returned, which was overwhelming in itself because that meant she fought through the worst traffic day of the year to get to the studio for a second time! She had gone home to measure and take a photo of where she would hang the painting- she wanted my opinion. I honestly believed it was a perfect spot. She went on to tell me that she wanted to do something special with this money; apparently it was a small inheritance she had recently received. She said there was one other time she had received a bit of money and it disappeared into groceries and bills. She didn't want that to happen this time. By the end of her story I was in tears and felt honoured that she chose my art to as a remembrance of this person.

5) This fall I received an email from a well-known artist, which was a delight in itself, asking me if I would create a small painting of a scene in northern Saskatchewan. It was to be a gift for a very ill friend who could no longer travel to his beloved cabin in La Ronge. We met at my studio where this artist showed me some of his lake inspired photos and I showed him a few from my canoeing and painting trip (2013) to La Ronge. He was excited about my Jack Pine photo and my ideas for it as a painting, so that became the plan for the commission. This story brings me to today's image, "A Place of Peace", which is the painting I created with this loving friendship and a very ill man in mind. I hope this scene provides hope, beauty, memories and peace as he finds strength to fight his battle. I hope the day will come when he is able to return to the place he loves in northern Saskatchewan once again.

As you can see, the highlights of my year are not about numbers or sales or galleries or art shows or the yurt retreat or even my favourite paintings. Those things certainly made 2017 awesome, but the actual highlights, when I really think back on this year, come down to the connections I made with humans through my art. It comes down to my deeper understanding of how art touches people and how art can affect actual lives. 

The highlights of my year are the stories that I was invited to be a part of, through my art. 

Thank you!

Saturday, December 30, 2017

Saskatoon Sunset, December 16, 2017

Saskatoon Sunset, December 16, 2017
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Merry belated Christmas!!! I have been resting and hunkered down trying to get through this unbelievable cold snap we are going through. Saskatchewan is half-way through a two week long Polar Vortex.

As I write this the Weather Network has Saskatoon in an "Extreme Cold Warning". We are sitting at -35 Degrees Celcius which they say with the wind, feels like -45. It was colder than that through the night, somewhere around -50. Brrr.

It seemed apropos that I post the one wintry scene I have painted so far this year which was delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery right before Christmas. I was on my way to the studio at about 5:00 p.m. on December 16th when the beauty of the setting sun beyond the river stopped me in my tracks. I immediately took a detour to grab some photos and then worked on this scene as soon as I arrived at the studio about a half hour later. The reflection in the unfrozen half of the river was clear and striking; it was fun to try to get it down in paint.

Saturday, December 23, 2017

The Road To Rain

The Road To Rain
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

A moody prairie scene. When you look at this painting do you feel like the road is leading you to the storm, or do you feel like it is helping you escape? It's kind of a scenario like "is the glass half full or half empty".

Friday, December 22, 2017

Phthalo Storm

Phthalo Storm
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

This painting took a bit of a turn. I recently bought a new tube of Phthalo Blue which was a different brand than the one I had before. The colour was a bit of a shock, very unlike the one I had just squeezed dry. As a result the painting I planned changed and I improvised by blending in a few other blues to tame down that crazy phthalo! It is one intense colour!

Thursday, December 21, 2017

Expressive Sky

Expressive Sky
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Moody blues with uplifting energy; this painting is a bit of a visual oxymoron.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Main Beach Solitude, Waskesiu

Main Beach Solitude, Waskesiu
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

It's not often you can catch a completely quiet moment at the Main Beach in Waskesiu: no one in the water or on the bike path or making sand castles on the beach. The question is: did I find the beach in this state on this particular evening, or did I use some artistic license to edit these things out?

Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Stars Descending

Stars Descending
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
available at Darrell Bell Gallery

As the darkness of night slowly settles in, the stars descend, offering hope for a new day.

Monday, December 18, 2017

My Prairie Dreams

My Prairie Dreams
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I delivered eight new 8x8 oil paintings to Darrell Bell Gallery on Friday. Two were sold the day before via text messages and photos. I adore this particular landscape, especially the weird dark sky at the top.
What I crazy time this has been. I went through a lot of paperwork this weekend and it looks like I have delivered sixty-one 8x8's since the end of July!!! On the flip-side, when I look at the activity from the first half of the year with the 8x8's, it was very slow. I am not sure to what I can attribute this upswing, but I will continue to enjoy it while it lasts.

Friday, December 15, 2017

Dusk Arriving

Dusk Arriving
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

There is a bit of a glow by the clouds in the upper left hand corner where the sun is trying to burn through. It is not apparent enough in this photo.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Nightfall

Nightfall
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
available at Assiniboia Gallery

These sunset experimentations have been a favourite part of my year. I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring them as a subject. I see the future and it includes more reflections.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Boreal Flare

Boreal Flare
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

A hillside forest scene: the sun slips toward the horizon beyond the hill creating an intense glow that burns between the trees.

Tuesday, December 12, 2017

Evening Harmony

Evening Harmony
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

Blues and oranges, purples and yellows... a little sunset harmonizing on this particular summer's evening.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Shady Spot

Shady Spot
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery 

A bit of an unusual composition, but I like it. I kind of feel like there should be a cow or horse standing in the shade of the trees.

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Night Light

Night Light
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

I am seriously crazy about this painting. I loooooove the colours of the sunset and water. I adore how the light bends around the pine tree. Although they look black in the photo, the trees are deep, dark blues and purples. I hope I don't regret that I didn't keep this one for myself.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

Uphill

Uphill
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

I took a lot of resource photos on this particular glorious, sunny, canola-filled day in July. We were on the way home from the lake, my kids were plugged into their devices and when I saw something especially interesting, I locked the brakes up a few times saying, "Hey, guys, I'm just going to take a quick drive down this road to get some pictures, okay?" 

It turns out my idea of "quick" is a bit different than theirs. Let's just say I took a bit of flack for how not quick they thought I was going!

Friday, December 8, 2017

Northern Marsh in September

Northern Marsh in September
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

I think the feeling of the bright, crisp fall day came through loud and clear in this painting. The final touch of the gentle, horizontal strokes on the water added the element that took it from feeling flat to having dimension and movement, as subtle as it is.

Thursday, December 7, 2017

Late Afternoon Bales

Late Afternoon Bales
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

This is the last one remaining of the six new 8x8's I delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery on December 1. Gotta fire up the brushes again!

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Strange and Beautiful

Strange and Beautiful
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery

This is one of the eight new 10 x 10" that is now available at Assiniboia Gallery in Regina - just picked up by the owners on Friday. They have been such a treat to work with; I am so excited about this new relationship!

I love this little painting... I find the cloud formation to be strange and beautiful. The sun is creating a powerful impact as it begins its slow decent toward the horizon, making parts of the cloud glow and come alive while other parts become dark and flat. Just a few waves are catching the light, but soon the whole surface of the lake will shimmer with the sun setting. I like drama in my art, not in my life.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Rustle

Rustle
40 x 30"
acrylic and oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2017
available

I'm still loving these fluttery, leafy paintings. It is similar to "Dancing With Myself", although this one has some earthy greens in it. I actually have a new one started on my easel right now... a bit more zoomed in and a different palette. Stay tuned for that.

I can't believe this painting was done in October and I am just posting it now! Yeesh! What a crazy time. I literally have thirty-three blog posts drafted and ready to post. That means there are thirty-three paintings I haven't shown yet! Some are sold some aren't. I've never been in this boat before, so I'm going to just keep paddling and moving forward. Maybe someday I will be caught up!

Monday, December 4, 2017

East End, King's Island - Painting Makeover

East End, King's Island, Waskesiu
(after)
12 x 12"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Guess what?! 

I took the weekend off! I didn't go back to the studio once this weekend after I left on Friday afternoon. Well, I realize looking back that I spent about five hours at home on Sunday editing photos, doing paperwork, organizing files, recording receipts, emailing and the like, so technically I didn't take the weekend off, but compared to the last four months, it felt like it.

Anyhoo, here is a recent "Painting Makeover" on a painting from a year ago. Not gigantic changes, but I believe the revisions make it a better painting. One thing I think adds a lot is the reflection of the rocks in the water. I lightened up the sky and changed the colour of the distant horizon. Among the other changes, I am now much happier with this painting. It feels fresh and sunny- like a beautiful day to be out in the boat and exploring the island. I hope someone who loves Waskesiu Lake, finds this at the "Holiday Salon" where it is hanging and available at Darrell Bell Gallery. King's Island is the only island on Waskesiu Lake and is named for Mackenzie King who was the Canadian Prime Minister who established Prince Albert National Park in 1927.

East End, King's Island
(before)
12 x 12"
oil on cradled panel, 2016
© Nicki Ault, 2017

I "googled" King's Island and have learned that it was originally known in the area as Devil's Island because according to Cree legend was inhabited by supernatural creatures! I had never heard that before, but now I want to know more! Also, I have always called it King's Island, but it seems it is actually King Island with no " 's".


Friday, December 1, 2017

Dimming of the Day

Dimming of the Day
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

There's something a little different about this one. I think it has a cool feel to it. Check it out tonight at the opening reception for the "Holiday Salon" at Darrell Bell Gallery. Between 5:00 and 8:00 pm, I will be there enjoying the couple of hundred pieces of original art by some of the fantastic DBG gallery artists, so please swing by and join me!

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Fresh and Free

Fresh and Free
8 x 8"
acrylic and oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Fluttery, leafy goodness.

The light, fresh, airy feel of this one makes me very happy. It's one of my favourites of this foliage series so far. There are also two other leafy prairie scenes in this colour palette at the Holiday Salon at Darrell Bell Gallery. Please come to the opening tomorrow evening, December 1, from 5-8 p.m.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Autumn and the Riffle

Autumn and the Riffle
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I have never done a fall scene of the Waskesiu River... until now! I actually can't quite believe that, but it's true and I am attempting to remedy this oversight by working from some great photos I took the weekend I stayed in the yurt. I also recently painted a 6x6 (sold at Open Studio) and I have plans to paint a 20x20 as well. I may even go larger, who knows!

This is kind of an odd view... no I wasn't standing in the middle of the river to take the resource photo for this painting, there is actually a walking bridge that goes over the river at this point. I love how calm the river was on this day; flowing away from the lake into the forest, and then when it hits the riffle, the little rapids disturb the reflection.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Fire Water

Fire Water
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Another take on a sunset image I have played with in the past. Hard to photograph. Available at the Small Artwork show on until Christmas at Darrell Bell Gallery (main level).

Monday, November 27, 2017

By The Boat Launch, Lynx Lake - Painting Makeover

By The Boat Launch, Lynx Lake
(after)
12 x 12"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold

I really love the changes I made to this piece. It is way better now and, again, seems more finished than the original version (below). I much prefer the makeover for its simpler water, lighter sky, change in colour of the distant shoreline and the work I put into the jut of land.

By The Boat Launch
(before)
12 x 12"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2016

I just delivered this painting and four others to Darrell Bell Gallery for their newest exhibition (street level gallery) of small artworks- almost every gallery artist has something in this show! There are hundreds of small affordable pieces of original art displayed and for sale, including a grid of 20 of my 8x8's!

just delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017

just delivered to Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017

 newest grid of 8x8"s at Darrell Bell Gallery
© Nicki Ault, 2017

The art is already hung and the opening reception is this Friday, December 1 from 5-8 pm. At the same time there is an opening taking place upstairs in the main Gallery (fourth floor, Canada building) for the show called "A Winter Gathering", an exhibition of First Nation, Metis and Inuit art. Sounds like a great way to kick off December!


Sunday, November 26, 2017

A Walk In The Park

A Walk In The Park
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

Suddenly, right after one of my son's soccer games late this fall, the sky shifted from dull to glorious. As I was driving home, I took a quick detour to try to capture some photos as resource for future paintings and ended up pulling into the parking lot of a dog-walking park. The view I had inspired this painting.

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Prairie Kaleidoscope

Prairie Kaliedoscope
8 x 8"
acrylic and oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

This one was a struggle, but actually a great challenge too. I made it up and kept adding layers and depth, starting with acrylic then going to oils on top. Initially I wanted the entire thing to be filled with branches and fluttery leaves, but it just wasn't working. Finally I abandoned that idea and started knocking in the palest blue to make the sky show through. That made all the difference and then I fell in love with this painting.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Martin & Paul Ultra Clear Linseed Oil

Martin & Paul Ultra Clear Linseed Oil
photo © Nicki Ault, 2017

You may recall that in September, Bridget and my studio space was being used for a video shoot. Well, here is the final product, a promotional video for a new linseed oil (you may recognize some my artwork in the background of some of the shots):


 video © Martin & Paul, 2017

This story is entirely Saskatchewan based and, I think, very exciting for many reasons. 

First off, one of the Pauls (there are two Martins and two Pauls involved with this new product), is my friend, Paul Trottier who is a fellow artist, as well as the owner of my favourite local shopping haunt, Hues Art Supply. I am thrilled that this opportunity came a-knockin' at his door. Second, this discovery opens a new avenue for Saskatchewan flax farmers. Third, the discovery connected to this product happened because of the curiosity and hard work of plant scientist, Martin Reaney at the University of Saskatchewan.

In a nutshell, after fundamental research into the chemistry of flax, Martin discovered an unexpected byproduct of flax that has led to a new patented technology of a flax-based artist quality oil. Martin & Paul Ultra Clear Linseed Oil does not cause yellowing over time which has historically been a problematic and insurmountable issue with other linseed oils. Additional features of this oil, which are welcome to artists, are its quick drying time and significantly reduced odour.

M & P press release
photo © Nicki Ault, 2017

M & P on shelf at Hues Art Supply
photo @ Nicki Ault, 2017

I have been using this linseed oil for at least six months when I received a sample. I am impressed by the buttery feel it gives my oils, I am happy about the quick drying time and I love the beautiful sheen it gives to my finished paintings. I am not being paid or compensated in any way to endorse this product, I just feel quite excited about it and wanted to share the news

Martin & Paul Ultra Clear Linseed Oil can be purchased at Hues Art Supply in Saskatoon as well as online at their website. Last I had heard they already had several orders from overseas! You can read more at these links:





Thursday, November 23, 2017

Beyond

Beyond
6 x 6"
oil on board
© Nicki Ault, 2017
available

Sometimes sunsets are not spectacular, but they can still be brilliant, with the sun setting beyond the clouds creating a beautiful backlight that reflects and shimmers on the water.

Speaking of "beyond", I am beyond grateful for the amazing support I have received this year in all things art related in my life: shows attended, purchases made, posts liked, commissions commissioned, blog stories read, Instagram followed, Facebook shared, and comments made. You have no idea how all of these things keep me motivated and how I strive to do better and better so that the time you spend joining me on this journey does not feel wasted. Is it weird that I want you to be proud of me? Or at the very least, not bored by me? Let me answer that- yes, maybe a little weird, but it's true, so I'm okay with that.

Our big Open Studio was a wonderful event despite it probably being the worst day we could have chosen. We picked the date in the spring and, for various reasons, we chose the second last Sunday in November rather than the last Sunday as we had in other years. It turned out it was the day of the Santa parade, the Nutcracker ballet matinee, a race with a the closure of the Broadway bridge and our CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, actually made the semi-finals this year and the game was at noon! Yeesh. It is beyond miraculous that anyone showed up!

I had a record breaking day, beyond my expectations, with my 6x6 paintings- eighteen of them finding their forever homes, and many of them with shadow boxes, so props to my dad for helping me get those done. I sold a big painting which was emotional for me, not because the painting was leaving me, but because the lovely woman who purchased it did so with an inheritance she had received. She wanted to do something long-lasting and special with the money, and she chose one of my paintings. Cue the tears. It touched my heart immensely. I also sold a painting via Facebook during, and unrelated to, the Open Studio which was rather exciting; my new piece "Keep Me Where The Light Is" is going to the home of a diplomat! A Canadian Ambassador if you will!!! Crazy! And I sort of sold another painting (it's on hold), but I am waffling on letting it go (I may want to keep it), in which case they will commission me for a piece anyway, so it's all good.

It was exciting to see the 6x6's fly out of the studio... eight of nine brand new pieces, not even posted, are gone and only "Beyond" remains... so let me know if it would make a good Christmas present for anyone. I have two more, even newer, 6x6 paintings to post soon that are still available... both of them starry night skies, so stay tuned.

 © Nicki Ault, 2017

What I feel is beyond words. I don't say that lightly. I really mean it. I may actually be teary and emotional until the new year. I love painting. I love painting. I LOVE painting. And I can't believe that is what I am doing with my life.

 Thank you!

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Distant Rain

Distant Rain
20 x 20"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
available

This one gave me a hard time. A real hard time. I may or may not have dropped the F-bomb on this one... and that is honestly a very rare thing for me when I paint. Actually, it's a very rare thing for me generally. I considered calling it Distant "Effing" Rain, but the G-rated title won out.

Note: All the subtle lovely bits were a bit hard to catch in a photo.

Saturday, November 18, 2017

Night Moves

Night Moves
36 x 48"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold

I have been powering through these last days before Open Studio. I am feeling more and more excited and love the work I will be showing this year. My remaining paintings are back from Boffins, and I still love them! I love my display boards of my 6x6's - I just did three more new ones, two of which are starry skies. And I love my new large work - yesterday I finally finished the rainy sky that was giving me so much trouble. This one, "Night Moves", is a bit of a force, which I was hoping it would be! I've said it before, I like drama in my art, not in my life! It's best seen in person, as all original work is, so come if you can. Here are the details one more time...


Studio On 20th is the door to the left of the Odd Couple restaurant and our event is sharing part of the day with Santa who arrives in town via parade at 1:00 tomorrow afternoon! We are open11-5, so if you plan to come around parade time you may want to avoid driving anywhere near Santa's route.

See you soon!

Friday, November 17, 2017

Keep Me Where The Light Is

Keep Me Where The Light Is
24 x 48"
oil on canvas
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold

ONE DONE! Three to go.

This big fella came out better than I hoped! I love it and it is way better in person! A new camera is on my wish list... and a tripod!

I always listen to music as I paint. The energy of the music often influences my work and keeps my brain engaged in various ways. Occasionally words or lyrics jump out at me and that was the case while painting this piece. I was listening to "Gravity" by John Mayer and the line "keep me where the light is" caught my attention. I immediately knew that was the name for this painting. 

These sunset water reflections are quite powerful, especially at the scale of this one. I think the glowing light and glistening water offer a sense of hope and beauty. The sun might be going down , but there will be a tomorrow; there will be light again. As someone who has struggled with depression (I think a very extended post-partum depression) and who has watched others struggle, sometimes just getting through the day, if you actually get out of bed, is a miracle. I truly hope that whoever ends up with this painting, feels my positive energy radiating from it, and that it helps keep them where the light is, depressed or not. 

We need more hope in this world and art can help with that.

This painting will be at Open Studio on Sunday. Come if you can!


Thursday, November 16, 2017

Big Canvas In Progress

work in progress
© Nicki Ault, 2017

I really want to show you a big painting, but the four I have on the go right now are just not quite ready. Three of the four are really close and will be done by Open Studio on Sunday, but the fourth one is a crap-shoot. This is a detail of the largest one which is 36 x 48 inches and is based on an 8x8 inch painting that I did for "Painting The Landscape" at Darrell Bell Gallery in September.

I am getting so excited for Sunday! It has been such an incredible year and I just want to get all dolled up and celebrate! I hope you can come!


Wednesday, November 15, 2017

New 6x6 Paintings For Open Studio!

 
new 6x6's!
© Nicki Ault, 2017

A quick way to show you some of the new 6x6's I will have available at Open Studio on Sunday.

Come one, come all!

 


Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Canola, Dandelions, Thistles

Canola, Dandelions, Thistles
10 x 10"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Assiniboia Gallery in Regina

Bright and cheery; a Saskatchewan summer day at its finest!

Also, how does Mother Nature know colour theory? Those purple thistles are just what the yellow fields need to really sing!

Monday, November 13, 2017

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake - Monday Makeoever

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake
(after)
16 x 16"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold

I continue to be somewhat fascinated as I do these "painting makeovers". What I have noticed with the few that I have been re-making recently is that the originals seem under-developed to me now. It is like I stopped before they were really done. And this one was only a year old. Have I grown that much in a year? Or did I go through a lazy phase? It's a curious thing.

Striped Sky, Sulphide Lake
(before)
16 x 16"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2016


Sunday, November 12, 2017

Shades of Night

Shades of Night
8 x 8"
oil on cradled panel
© Nicki Ault, 2017
sold at Darrell Bell Gallery

I super, extra love this one! It sold at "Painting The Landscape" in September. I am going to attempt a larger version of it, maybe a 20x20. I always find the deep, dark, blue and purple colours very hard to photograph well- and basically that is all this painting is! You will have to trust me that it is better in person than what this image shows.