It's almost here!

Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018 starts in just a few days!  Are you ready to create along with us?

                                I love having a new project delivered to my in box each week.

Last year was my first year to experience a class such as this.  I loved the anticipation of seeing what was available each week.  Some times doing the lesson along with the artist, other times just watching the videos and applying what I learned to my own style of painting.  Either way, I learned a lot along the way.  Just watching how an artist uses the paint and their interpretation of the project presented was so interesting.  Gleaning insight into their soul and learning something along the way.

I am delighted to be part of this journey, along with 23 other artists.  If you haven't signed up or want more information, visit:  https://tinyurl.com/y7t6gr7j  
  Or click on the link over to the right side of this page, under "Life is Art".

Hope to see you in the PYHAS 2018 class this year!

Happy New Year,

Ursula
xo

"If the only prayer you ever say is, "Thank You, that will be enough."  Eckhart Tolle.  

      It has been a good year and I appreciate all of you who have followed me  on this little art journey.  

As some of you know, I have also been working in a Interior Design shop for many years.  As of the 23rd of this month, that chapter of my life will be closing.  I am officially retiring and will now be able to delve into my art more passionately.  Spending more hours in my studio, learning, experimenting and growing as an artist. 

So, I want to thank you once again and to wish you all a ver Merry Christmas and the very best for 2018!  See you then. 

Blessings:

Ursula xo

"A work of art is above all an adventure of the mind."

                                           

My studio has been a little quiet of late, but things are beginning to fall into place and new adventures are on the horizon.  

I love creating texture in my mixed media pieces.  Adding more depth and interest to a painting.  The above piece is a sample of what I will be teaching in Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018.  The link can be found over to the right of this page, under "Life is Art".  
     
 There are only three days left for the early bird pricing of $90, and if you do the math, it is only $2.00 per class.  22 talented artists and I am honored to be among them.  I will also be teaching a watercolor as well.  Easy bird pricing will end Monday, December 4.

In addition to this wonderful class, I will also be involved in the HeArtful Soul 

artist Collective auction beginning December 4. This is just one of the pieces I will be auctioning off during our four day Holiday Auction.  Oil on canvas, "In The Mystery"  You can find us on facebook.
Heartful Soul Artist Collective monthly auction.  Again, sharing this time with gifted artists and friends.

A wonderful time to pick up some art for gift giving.  

I hope to see you in class and don't forget to join the auction fun!

Love,

Ursula xo

by Ursula Wollenberg: Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018 - Join us today!

by Ursula Wollenberg: Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018 - Join us today!: J Treat yourself to a year of art.  You will not be disappointed. Click on the link, under, Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018, to...

Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018 - Join us today!

J









Treat yourself to a year of art.  You will not be disappointed.



Click on the link, under, Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018, to the right of this page and it will take you directly to the page.  (Under Life is Art)


Ursula
ox

Gratitude

I have had some fun using techniques learned in my last workshop I attended and with some new DecoArt products.

I thought it would be fun to share the process of this acrylic Hydrangea Floral painting; "Gratitude."

I have Hydrangea in my home year round, they are probably my most favorite of all flowers.

Hydrangea symbolize heartfelt emotions of any kind.  A bouquet can be used to express gratitude for being understood., the white meaning purity, grace and abundance.  As a fourth wedding flower, it's meaning is of grace and beauty.

       It seems very fitting to add them to our upcoming holiday of Thanksgiving and abundance.

All the DecoArt products used, are new to the line.

I began with a Canson Watercolor board.  I love using these for both, acrylics and watercolors.  

I added a thin layer of DecoArt Vintage Effect wash to the background.  A color wash paint.

The outline was created with a stabilo pencil and then paint was generously applied with a palette knife.

Most of the painting is layered with the palette knife.

I enjoy using the DecoArt Premium Acrylic Paints.  They have a nice, thick consistency and worked well with this painting technique.

The vase was the only area brushed in.  Highlights and shadows were layered with the palette knife.

I finished by using a 2" soft brayer and added more of the teal colors and white.  Adding a little more interest and texture throughout the painting.

I couldn't help but add some drips of color onto the table cloth.

Finished with a spray of matte varnish and it is ready to frame!

My hope is that you experiment and play with these new products from the line.   There is no end as to what we can create given a little paint and imagination.

With "gratitude",

Ursula
xo

p.s.  If you haven't signed up for Paint Your Heart and Soul 2018, early bird pricing is still available through this month (November).  Click on the link oner to the right side of this post and it will take you right to Paint Your Hear and Soul 2018.

Bits and Pieces

Let's just sit and chat as it has been a while since I have posted.  Life just seems to go by quickly and we can miss the beauty of what each day can bring if we don't stop and listen.

I feel as though this is the path I have been walking on of late.  Rushing here and there, worrying about work, schedules, deadlines and dirty laundry!  Letting the little things get in the way of the blessings that we  have each day.

Since I have written, I attended a wonderful workshop in Kansas City, studying under Stanka Kordic.
We watched her demonstrate with such ease and perfection.  She taught us the difference between opaque and transparent.  Going back and forth between energetic and quiet in your composition.  Listening to my intuitive self as I create each piece of art.  Something I need to apply, not only to my art, but to life as well.  I look forward to using these skills as I grow my art and to step back and take the time to find balance in my own life's journey.

Plan on taking some time for yourself today, listen and enjoy the little blessings of the day.

I plan on doing just that!  A visit to the spa and a facial await me later today.  Oh yes!

Until next time..

Ursula
xo

Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.

Summer has waved goodbye and fall is in the air.  As F. Scott Fitzgerald quoted, "Life Starts All over again when it gets crisp in the fall."

Happy Fall Everyone!

Ursula 
xo


p.s.  Visit Interactive Artist Magazine for full step by step instructions on the Fall Still-Life painted with DecoArt acrylics and media paint.

So excited to share this news and class with you!

                           So honored to be among such talented artists for this year long class.

I have been a student in the class and can tell you that it is packed with great and diversified projects. Each artist bringing their own style and techniques along with their lessons. This is the second year and it is bigger and better!!

So honored to be among such a talented group of artists to share this year long journey with you.

I will be teaching two projects, one is a watercolor technique painting and the other is a floral painting, using oils and texture mediums.

Early bird pricing is $90 with life time access.  The url may be found on this blog.  Click on  the url, at the bottom of the page to register.  Please register with the url at the bottom of the screen.  This is the only way I receive credit.  Thank you!

And guess what!?  I am giving away a free spot to the class.  Comment and share and you will be entered into the drawing.  If you have already registered, we will issue you a refund.

I will announce the winner of my give-a-way September 29!

Hope to see you in class.  It's going to be awesome!

Ursula
xo
Class link:
https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=1545968&cl=326358&c=ib&aff=326380%22%20target=%22ejejcsingle

Mingling among "The Masters"

The last few weeks have been a time of exploration and experimentation for me.  During those times of exploration, I began studying the masters paintings.  Beginning with Matisse, I painted a couple of pieces inspired by his work.

I love the bright colors and bold simplification of his work.  His "Ballerina" and my interpretation of the piece.  Using his form and my own color palette, created one of my own favorite ballerina paintings.  Painted with DecoArt acrylics and Titanium White Oil stick.

We were privileged to visit the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art this past weekend.  The museum is privileged to have added the remarkable collection donated by Henry and Marion Bloch.

The collection was added just this last spring and is a treat to the senses.   Seeing these wonderful paintings up close and personal was an emotional and delightful experience.

Viewing Monet's Water Lily painting from a distance.  It was much larger than I thought it was and, a little hard to photograph.  

                      Love the close up, the brush strokes and see how abstract it actually is.  

I had to visit the pastel room more than once.  Degas and Renoir right next to one another.  Up close and personal.  Be still my heart!

                                         From Manet to Matisse, a delight to the senses.

Of course there were many other artists idisplayed n the museum.  Another favorite  of mine, John Singer Sargent.  " Mrs. Cecil Wade, 1886.

The photo does not do the color and light justice.  The whites just seem to  sparkle against the contrast of the dark and subtle background.

The museum was most definitely the highlight of our weekend trip.  We were there most of the day and didn't see everything.  The new addition of the Bloch building and his private collection made our visit even more special and exciting.

If you are ever in the Kansas City area, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a must!

Such inspiration and too many photos to post.  Until next time.

Ursula xo

"The only way to make sense of a change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance."  Alan W.  Watts.

This is a new month, a new beginning, new focus, new intentions and hopefully new results.

I have decided to leave the group, Soul Sisters United Art collective that I have been a part of for the past year.  It wasn't an easy decision and thought about it for the last couple of months.  But, I felt it was time.

Freeing up space and time for new things on the horizon.  Giving my all to learning, sharing and teaching my art.  It always takes a while to trust yourself to take that first step.  Trusting in yourself and moving on.  

Working on some new ideas and going back to my watercolor roots.  In my last post, I shared some of my watercolors on Yupo paper.  You can go to Youtube and see a short video titled. "Watercolor Still-Life on Yupo Paper. "  I hope to add another this coming week.  

I wanted to add acrylics on this next piece and almost gave up half way through the process. Painted on a watercolor board.  The bird seemed to emerge out of the watercolor and ink background., thus, the title: "Emerge".  The bird and tree stump are painted with DecoArt fluid acrylics.   Giving them a little more strength in the midst of the soft surrounding colors. 

In addition, the fall issue of Somerset Apprentice is featuring another of my journal pages.  The magazine goes on sale the end of this month.   So honored to be featured once again.

So excited for my next big adventure, but I need to keep it under wraps for just a little longer. 

Stay tuned!

"And suddenly you know; it's time to start something new and trust the magic of new beginnings."

Ursula xo

I am often asked how does one get inspired.

Where does inspiration come from?  The notion of inspiration as a process, looking outside ourselves.  It is often described as a spiritual event.  

We look around us and see the world and how we relate to it.

"Prayer is when you speak to God, and inspiration, intuition and creativity is when God speaks to you."

We welcome and open ourselves to the creative process and the connection to our inspiration.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, turning a mere thought into a reality.

There are times when I go down to my studio, grab a canvas and do not know where to begin.  Looking at a blank canvas can be very intimidating.  As would be a blank page waiting for words to fill it.  

Set limitations for yourself  take the leap of faith and begin.  Staring with that first word or priming the canvas with a coat of paint or gesso.  

Searching Pinterest, learning from the "Old Masters", picking up a magazine, walking in nature and listening to that inner connection.

My last few paintings were inspired by a class creating watercolors on Yupo paper.  I learned so much and continued to explore the possibilities this medium provided.  

One of the ladies in class had on an elephant shirt.  Needless to say, when I returned home, I continued the techniques I learned in class and painted my own elephant.  And oh, was he fun!

Love the freedom this paper gives, watching the colors intermingle, run and play with one another.  Adding drips, spraying the piece with alcohol, using inks, the possibilities were endless.

Inspiration can come in many forms, doodling, watching a you tube video,  taking an online class and just watching the videos.  I find I am inspired by watching others paint and create.  Just watching how they hold the brush, or add an unexpected color.

Let your imagination soar, try new mediums, experiment, explore, live and create.

The word "inspire" relates to the words "aspire".  The Latin word is inspir.,

which comes from inspirare., which means to "Breath Into".

Explore, Listen, Breath Into and Create!

Ursula 

xo

It is hard to believe that the 4th of July is coming up very soon.  It is the end of June and summer has just begun.

Camp has come and gone in a flash.  So many months of training, preparation, excitement and now it is only a memory.  It was a wonderful experience and I will never forget the faces of my two girls.  I was their counselor for the entire week, spending nearly every second with them.  Some of the other campers tugged at my heart as well.  It wasn't an easy week, it had it's share of drama and tears.  I watched some of the other staff members and was blown away by their dedication and commitment to these kids.  It was my first year, but many have done this for 5 years or more.  

Royal Family is a wonderful organization and relies on donations to operate their camps for foster kids throughout the country.  

I painted this blue girl after my return from camp.  Watercolor and stabilo pencil.  I did not intend on painting her blue.  I picked up what I thought was a black stabilo pencil and began to draw her outline.  I soon realized that the pencil was blue and just continued with the blue theme.

She is beautiful on the outside, emotive color and expression depict that there is something that she has hidden within.   Very much like the kids at our camp last week.

If you have the time; watch the movie ,"Camp".  It is based on a true story and worth watching.  Giving you a little insight into the world of these kids.

Oh, and guess what??  I caught my first fish!!

Until next time.

Happy summer!!

Ursula xo

 

June is my favorite month of the year.  The spring rains subside, everything is green and the flowers are in full bloom.

Our deer population has grown by two.  As I look out my window, I can see mama and her two spotted fawns grazing in our yard. Such a beautiful site.  The birds, chipmunks and our garden bunny have also been very busy. 

                        The studio has also been a place of new creations and good news.  

Painting World magazine featured my Rooster/Sunflower painting in the June issue.  It is such a nice article, they made me proud.  I used a variety of mixed media materials, DecoArt paints and mediums.  Collage and even added a sunflower.

                                         Loved creating the barn like, textured background.

My Floral Expressions, on line class, opened up this week as well.   It is hosted by Kara Bullock and she did a beautiful job putting the class together.  It is not too late to join.  Some of the students have posted their work on our private Facebook page so far,  and it is so exciting to see their work.  

                                        Floral Expressions karabullockart.com, under classes

                                                     Here is the fun bonus lesson.  

I will be taking a break for a week, as I attend a Royal Family Kids camp where I will be a counselor.

This camp is for children from the foster care system.  There will be 33 kids and I will be responsible for two precious girls.  This will be my first year and I am excited and apprehensive all at the same time.

I would appreciate your prayers for all the kids, counselors and workers involved for the week.

I will see you after camp!  

Ursula xo

It's a wrap.

Finished up the final videos to my on line workshop.

        Loved painting this little sheep on a wood canvas board.  He/She is the bonus lesson for the class.

I had to film in between jack hammers and back hoes.  We are having our backyard remodeled so to speak.  Tearing out concrete and the old pool that has had a huge leak for the last 5 years or more.  I hope the mess and expense will be worth it in the end.

So, a little challenging, but managed to get the filming in between their breaks, as it was quite loud. And capturing the sunlight in between the drizzle and clouds.  My table sits in the sun room, looking out at the big mess.

There are three main projects, a warm up lesson and a bonus lesson, with this little sheep painting.          She even has flowers in her hair!  And, if you like sunflowers, this is a fun project to do using black gesso!

For more information, and to sign up for my class titled:  Floral Expressions.  Visit:  https://karabullockart.com/product/floral-expressions/
FLORAL EXPRESSIONS - Kara Bullock Art


Thanks for stopping by and happy painting!!

Ursula  xo

by Ursula: The secret is finally out!

by Ursula: The secret is finally out!: For the last couple of months, I have been working with Kara Bullock on a brand new floral class that is now open for registration. Pr...

The secret is finally out!

For the last couple of months, I have been working with Kara Bullock on a brand new floral class that is now open for registration.

Preparing for this class has been quite the learning experience for me as well.  Lighting and editing have been been my biggest challenges.  Although I have had a few on line classes in the past, I have learned so much more on the how to of putting a class together.

I have created a Pinterest page for the class and we will have our own Facebook page to share our art, thoughts and tips.

There are five lessons, three main lessons, one warm up and one bonus.  I have put my heart and soul into each of these lessons.  I would love for you to join me on this beautiful floral journey.

Visit:  karabullockart.com to find out more about the class.  Kara Bullock Art

Early Bird registration is open now!!

Hope to see you in class.

Ursula
xo

Just listed in my ETSY shop!

Visit my ETSY shop and find this lesson and a couple of others.  The link is posted onto the right of this page, just click it on and browse to see which lesson or class suits your needs.  It's fun to paint in your jammies and not have to go anywhere to learn.  I enjoy taking on line classes in the privacy of my own home and hope you do too.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks for looking!
Ursula

Celebrate the dreams, the searches, and the treasures of your life.

                 A quote from a wonderful little book titled: 

             

                Live What you Love, notes from an unusual life by Bob and Melinda Blanchard 

                                       who live in Anguilla, BVI and own a local restaurant.

We just returned from a memorial trip to the British Virgin Islands, where my sister and her husband live.  In Tortola.  We stayed across the way on a small island that they own, Marina Cay.  Our son, brother and sister-n-law were along with us.  Each day was a treasure.  Whether it be sunning on the beach, watching the sail boats come in, listening to the waves lap upon the shore, snorkeling, swimming, breakfast in the open restaurant, or just filling our lungs with the fresh sea air.

                               Spring Regatta view from the back of our little 9 acre island.

One of my favorite memories is swimming with the dolphins.  Something I always wanted to do, but never really thought I would.  Here are a couple great shots of me and my Dolphin friend, Polo.  He is twenty eight and the oldest dolphin in the park.  Each one of them were born in captivity, they were not taken out of the wild.

I love this quote from the book and seems to be very fitting here.  "Have the courage to let your life           and stories and experiences be both odd and wonderful."

Love this shot of our walk down the path to the beach.  If you look closely, you can see the little family sitting under the tiki hut.  Our favorite place to hang out each day.

                                       "May you be blessed with an unusual life"  

Thanks for joining me on my little journey. 

Until next time, 

Ursula 

Just what the doctor ordered!

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Pensacola Beach Florida.  Nature all around us and soaking up lots of vitamin D.   Love the wind in my hair and sand in my toes.

This was our fourth year and the weather was at it's best.  I even got into the gulf water for the first time.

We were there for the Mardi Gras parade as well.  Much different than the stories you hear about New Orleans.  Family oriented and tons of fun.

              Our condo had such beautiful views all around of both, the Bay and the Gulf.

While there, Somerset Apprentice was released.  It was so fun going into Pensacola's Barnes and Noble and purchasing a copy and seeing how beautifully my article was featured within it's pages.

                                               So thrilled and grateful for this opportunity.

                   There are more new things on the horizon and cannot wait to share them with you.   
                                    Thanks for stopping by and allowing me to share with you.
                                      The year has just begun and I am feeling very "Blessed".

Until next time,
Sending lots of love
Ursula xo

Practice Makes Perfect

                 Spending time to learn something new, or perfect something you already know .
                                                  Never too old to learn something new.
                                    A new way of doing something that you never thought of.
                                                 Finding the time to just play and explore.

I have spent the last month and a half doing just that.  Playing with new ideas, pulling out supplies that were tucked away, visiting the local art shop and taking a few on line classes.  The above photo is a result of a new tube of Daniel Smith,  Cobalt Teal Blue and intense pencils.  It has been quite a while since I used the pencils and I found them to be so fun to work with.  I then added watercolors to the design as well.  I used a piece of canvas and applied Americana Canvas Gel Medium to the surface before I began to draw.  Something else that has been tucked away in the corner of my studio.

Another inktense just completed. Think I am addicted.

Playing with values and faces.  Refining and looking at them differently.  New ideas on how to begin and listening to what others have to say.  Charcoal, gesso and stabilo pencil were used on this one.

New ideas, new ways of doing things.  Sometimes they didn't work.  So, I would try again.  Other times, they looked as though it wasn't working, but then kept at it.  Some went into the trash, I won't lie.  But even at that, it was a learning experience.

What better way to spend the winter months.

Learn, explore, pull out those long lost supplies and grow!

Have fun trying!

Until next time,

Ursula xo

                                       

In The Stillness

The idea of this painting was inspired by a theme of inner peace and spirituality.  Working intuitively and not always sure where she would lead me.  It wasn't until the very end that I added the bird.  Gentle falling leaves, hints of flowers and a hidden message were all placed into the background.  I am learning to work more intuitively, listening to the whispers.

In the stillness we can almost hear the whispers.
The calling of creation.
The flutter of their wings.
The falling of the leaves.
In the stillness,
God speaks to the silence of the heart.

Ursula
xo

Roses on canvas

New Adventures

The new year has started out in full swing and would like to share the news with you.

Our Soul Sisters United Art Collective has begun and our third auction is scheduled for February 1 and 2.  We would love for you to join us and see all the amazing art that has been created to auction off.  There are ten of us all together, each with their own unique style and beautiful work.  The link is posted onto the right side of my blog.

Thank you DecoArt for believing in me and allowing me to be part of the Media team again this year.
There are free tutorials and videos for your viewing each month.  A great team of artists and a wonderful company with great product.  Did you know that DecoArt is debuting a line of tube acrylics in February?  How exciting and can't wait to use them!  My first lesson will be live on February 9.  

The first Splatter Art Studio (Springfield, Mo) class is scheduled for January 23.   Most of you cannot attend, but you can paint the project as I have an e-packet listed in my Etsy shop.  Come on over and download the class!  "Under The Rose" I would love to see your finished project.  All directions and full photos are listed in the packet.

Have you subscribed to Interactive Artist Magazine?  It's a great e magazine and they will be featuring one of my designs in the upcoming February issue.  visit: www.https://interactiveartistmagazine.org

So, as you can see, the studio has been a busy place of activity and creativity. 
Stay tuned for more updates......

Feeling blessed!
Love,
Ursula

It's here, a fresh new year!

"Hope", to expect with confidence.  To cherish a desire with anticipation.    

 

My chosen word for 2017 is hope.  Synonyms include; aspiration, desire, wish, expectation, ambition, goal, plan, design and dream.

It didn't come to me until yesterday when I opened up my daily devotional.  There it was, in big bold letters, my word for the year ahead.  I knew it was perfect and great timing on the first day of January!

Last year most certainly had it's challenges, as my husband and I both lost our mothers.  We also lost our precious little West Highland Terrier of eleven years.

My word is very fitting as we embark upon new adventures, new possibilities and hope for every day living.

Some new and exciting things are on the horizon and I look forward to sharing them with you in the days ahead.  

As I close, I will leave you with this thought, this scripture....but as for me, I will always have hope.  Psalm 71:14

May our choices reflect our hopes, not our fears.

Love,

Ursula