Severe Weather Warning (Again) and Makeover Monday!

Severe Weather Warning

(after)

12 x 12"

oil on cradled panel

© Nicki Ault, 2018

available 

This is the third and final redo on this painting. I first reworked it this spring when I decided the field was a bit too bright. I felt better about it, but ultimately, as I lived with this updated version, the sky didn't have the presence I felt it should have for a painting called "Severe Weather Warning". A couple of weeks ago, as I was puttering around trying to decide what to paint, I realized the horizon line on this one needed to drop down so the sky would feel more ominous. I also darkened the distant sky to add to the feeling of an impending storm and to create more depth to the piece. This is the final incarnation of "Severe Weather Warning". This is where the buck stops. It will not change again. 

Below you will find the first "makeover" and then the original painting:

Severe Weather Warning

(after first makeover)

Severe Weather Warning

(original)

I'd love to hear your thoughts!

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".

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