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