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:

University of Saskatchewan press release

The Western Producer

Martin & Paul - About

Show At Boffins Restaurant!

News flash! On Monday Darrell Bell hung some of my work at Boffins restaurant on the University of Saskatchewan campus! He emailed me last week to see if I had anything on hand at the studio that he could use to create a small show for the summer. Luckily I had five paintings that he was able to mix with a couple of pieces of mine he already had at the gallery.... and voila! A solo show is born! Huge thanks to Darrell for thinking of me for this opportunity.

 

 

 

*All photos courtesy of Darrell Bell.

Show at the University Club

© Nicki Ault, 2016

First, let me thank everyone who came by our Mother's Day Tea at the studio on Sunday. It was fun! When it was over I went home and enjoyed an evening with my boys: barbecued steak for supper, pretty flowers, chocolates, hugs and even a little foot rub from my youngest.

Monday morning came and something hit me pretty hard. I felt rather incapacitated, but luckily it let up for the afternoon because I had to get my show hung at the University Club, which I did. I used almost all the paintings I brought and I think it looked quite good when all was said and done. The lighting is a little dark in some areas, so I am not sure how some of the work will look in the evenings.

© Nicki Ault, 2016

© Nicki Ault, 2016

By suppertime I was riddled with aches and pains, complete exhaustion and a headache. I have been down for the count for the last three days, but today I feel more like myself. It has been a long time since I was ill. Lots of sleep was the answer.

© Nicki Ault, 2016

There are easily twenty paintings on display and for sale at the University Club. It is a lovely place to go for a meal, but if you just want to stop in a look at the work the best time to do that is between 2:00 and 3:00 in the afternoon when the restaurant is quiet.

© Nicki Ault, 2016

 © Nicki Ault, 2016

The University Club (formerly known as the Faculty Club) is the first building on the left-hand side when you turn to go to the Administration Building on campus.

© Nicki Ault, 2016

I'd love to hear from you if you get a chance to see the show- it will be up until the end of August.