Monday, September 26, 2016

                                               Hello Fall!

                                        "Autumn is a second Spring when every leaf is a flower."


It is hard for me to believe that fall is actually here and I do wonder where the summer has gone.

 So many fun things and activities seem to happen during the fall months, beginning with October.  I love to see the mums and pumpkins on people's porches.  The crisp morning air, sweaters in the evening, bonfires and fall sunshine glistening on the turning leaves.  Only to mention a few favorites.

I adore painting pumpkins.  This particular painting is on a fabric canvas and has a 2 inch burlap edge, so it is ready to hang.  The fabric and the paints interacted well together, adding unexpected washes of color within.  I couldn't resist but to add a little alcohol ink and watch it spread into the other colors.  These are the fun, scary painting techniques where you don't have much control.  It could have been a huge mistake, but I took the risk and liked the outcome.

I will be participating in my first art show in October.  Speaking of scary, it is a little, but then I am excited as well.  It will be a small sampling of my work inside an interior design and gift shop in our town.  It has forced me to finally get moving and order those business cards I have been putting off!


I Just finished this piece on a 9x16 cradled wood canvas, using a mixed media background.  I have been inspired by the wild sunflowers and Black Eyed Susan's that grow along the country highways this time of year.   I picked a few on my way home from the Kansas City workshop.  Not only did I bring the flowers home, but also some poison ivy as a souvenir! 

One more thing to mention before I sign off.  My first e-packet is available for download. Hooray!!

 I just listed it on my Etsy shop.  The link is over to the right of this post, click on and shop. Or, leave a message on this post, with your email address, I will email the pdf download directly into your mail box via paypal for a promotion cost of $10.00.  


Full instructions and photos are attached.  It is a fun and easy mixed media project on a canvas board.

                                                              Title:  Under The Rose

Enjoy the cooler temps and the new season.

                                              Keep believing, keep going and keep your heart open.

                                                                         Ursula xo

Friday, September 16, 2016

Alla Prima, meaning wet-on-wet.  A painting technique used mostly in oil painting, in which layers of wet paint are applied to previously administered layers of wet paint.



I just returned from a three day Alla Prima workshop, creating and learning with Kelly Berkley at her studio just outside Kansas City.  This was the second workshop I have attended in her lovely country studio.  The drive is a little less than three hours.  That is unless you are with a good friend and the two of you miss the turn off because you are engaged in stimulating conversation.

We went up a day early to take advantage of the spa amenities at the historic Elms hotel where we stayed.  It is the largest spa of it's kind in the state of Missouri.  The experience was like none other!




We had a smaller group this year and it was so good to see familiar faces and to meet new friends. 



                  Here we are with our completed pieces, missing Lisa, who had to leave early.

We had time to relax and sit out by the creek, walk on her land and enjoy the gourmet coffee and treats that were served each morning.

Just being around other creatives is a learning experience in itself.  Having a community (tribe) to help and support you, throw ideas out, share their journey, all make for a great time of learning and fun.

The evenings were always entertaining and Tryphena even played the piano for us inside the restaurant.  The weather was so mild that we were able to eat outside in the garden surrounded by flowers, urns and statues.


This was my favorite piece that I created.  Learning to use the oils and mediums was a bit of a challenge for me.  Even though I have been using the water soluble oils at home, I had to think a little differently.  We all chose various Malcolm Liepke images.  It was most fun to see everyone's choices and the finished paintings.


Lauri's grandson was just born a few days prior to the workshop and she chose the technique on her own photo of this precious boy.  She did a remarkable job!


                                       This was my final piece, full of challenge and learning.


                            Here is a table full of completed paintings, joy and inspiration.

I hope you enjoyed this brief journey of my weekend workshop/retreat.  It was worth every penny and I will remember, the fun and laughter (lots of laughter) the three days produced.

The final evening was spent out on the large deck, overlooking the woods and creek.  Enjoying music, food and home made wine.  Priceless!

I hope to return next year for our guest artist, Stanka Kordic.   Same time, same place........................

Until next time!
xo
Ursula


Wednesday, September 7, 2016


I went to look for a new spiral notebook and found the perfect one at TJ Maxx.  It was the only one of it's kind, and the words seemed to jump right out at me.
So perfect and has become my mantra over the past year.  Working more diligently towards my goals.

My friend and I are headed to Excelsior Springs (up near Kansas City) this weekend. We will be staying at the historic Elms Hotel and spa.  Pampering ourselves for a spa day before heading to Kelly Berkey's studio for three days of painting.  It will be like a homecoming, as we were there for a workshop last year.  It will be so fun working in her free standing studio and seeing familiar faces once again.

Painting in oils is rather a new medium for me. Exploring it this past year.  I am enjoying working with the water soluble oils.  Easy clean up, no odor and can even do washes with it. The workshop is mainly oil, an Alla Prima Portrait Workshop, capturing expression.  I will take tons of pictures and share our three days of painting and exploring the local restaurants and activities of this quaint town.

This is a painting I have started in oils this week.  I will post progress and or finished still life in my next blog post.


                                                                 A nice beginning. (even snuck some acrylic in there)

And speaking of flowers, my latest project just went live on the DecoArt media blog.  This however is not in oils.  All you need to paint your own is a vintage book cover, ribbon, torn watercolor paper, fluid acrylics and gesso.  decoart.com/mixedmediablog



Hope you try and enjoy!


Looking forward to sharing the workshop journey with you on the next post.  
Plus, something new is on it's way!  Stay tuned.

Ursula xo