Spring is here, embracing the new season.

Much is happening around this season of spring.  My tulips are in full bloom along my back yard fence.  Standing so proud and tall with their delicate petals and vibrant colors.  Reminding us of rebirth and renewal.

I have been embracing shapes and color within my new paintings in acrylics.  Making such a creative mess in my studio!  But having so much fun exploring and incorporating new ideas and ways to approach a painting.  

It has been interesting to learn how to set up a still life with the perfect lighting and back drop. 

I will return to watercolors again, but learning from different mediums helps us in many ways.  "It aids retention, knowledge, motivates interest in the subject matter and illustrates the relevance of many concepts."  The versatility allows us to explore different techniques, material and styles, enriching creative expression.  I often like to combine my mediums at times.

 For example; Create a fluid colorful background in watercolor and use opaque acrylic paint forms that layer over the watercolor.  A combination of transparency, fluid effects and giving you a wide range of techniques and textures.  It's fun to experiment and you may be surprised what you discover.

So many reasons to embrace this time of year.  Longer days and warmer temperatures.  Renewal, fresh beginnings, hope and a new sense of optimism.  

Oh, and we celebrated our 50 year anniversary this spring and are in the planning stages for our son's wedding in May!

Life is good!

Until next time;

Ursula 

Brushstrokes Matter

Have you ever wondered why brush strokes matter in a painting?  Regardless of the medium brushstrokes evoke movement, texture, depth and emotion.  Each brush stroke is unique! Using a variety of brushes helps us loosen up and create a more interesting and textural piece of art.  This allows us to feel the energy and convey the experience to the observer. 

 Making a painting more painterly so to speak.  Giving your art a deeper level, other than just color.  It allows us to achieve the desired effect of detail in different areas of a painting.  

Many of us use only two to three brushes in a painting.  I encourage you to practice and pull out all your brushes and see what each one can do. Variety is key.  Allow your art to stand out and recorded in your brush strokes.  

While creating the  above finished painting, I used at least 8- 10 different brushes and a palette knife .  

The above painting was created with Golden acrylic paints and inks on canvas.

Until next time.

Happy Painting!

Ursula

Autumn

Autumn, a time of change and acceptance.  

 It's always a little sad and I feel slightly melancholic when the seasons change from summer to fall.  The term "fall" stems from the leaves or "falling of the leaves". 

There have been several changes in my schedule and studio along with the change of the season.

I am very excited to share a four week in person class I will be teaching at The Springfield Art Museum.  We will be delving deeper into the wonderful world of watercolor.  I love the way watercolor can capture a particular light and mood.  The fluidity and transparency of the medium.  The unexpected and convenience of a hands on experience.

For more information:  https://www.sgfmuseum.org/161/Adult-Studio-Classes

Experimenting with gouache has been so much fun.  I often add some gouache to my watercolor painting, so I purchased a Holbein Gouache set and had fun experimenting.  Often times, adding some watercolor to the mix.  I had a few mini hard boards and primed them with clear gesso before painting.  Changing and experimenting with new paints and methods is always beneficial and fun.  Gaining knowledge from one medium can give insight to other mediums and techniques.  

Joining a local gallery has been in the back of my mind for some time.  So, Formed Gallery in Springfield, Mo. was kind enough to accept my work.  My family and I went to the first Friday art walk together last week.  There are so many beautiful pieces of art in the gallery, from jewelry, pottery, paintings, and more. https://www.formedgallery.com/

A few more changes are coming and I am excited and trusting that this new season will bring growth, flexibility, strength and progress.

I love this scripture verse and know that through these new challenges, I need to trust the Lord whole heartily.

Until next time:

Ursula xo

Fun With Gouache

 I recently purchased a set of Holbein gouache paints and a few small 6 x6 hardboard panels.  Taking a break from watercolors,  I fell in love with these paints and this medium.

This was my first attempt and really enjoyed the process.  I shared it on my Youtube channel so you can see the progress and paint along with me.

 It is quick drying and requires no mediums.  I did prep my board with clear gesso before I began to paint.  Because it is water based, you will always see the color underneath.  That is what I like about it!  

Gouache is an opaque watercolor, consisting of natural pigment, water and a binding agent. It is similar to watercolor and may be used alongside watercolors.  I have added gouache to several of my watercolor paintings through the years.  It is most commonly used by illustrators, graphic designers and for commercial use.

Henri Matisse used gouache on white paper during his last decade.  It has been widely used during the last 12 centuries.

I do love the consistency of the Holbein brand of gouache.  

Here is a little peek at the last one I painted a few hours ago and inspired by Matisse style of painting.

If you have tried it, let me know your thoughts.  

Have fun!

Until next time.

Ursula xo

Brighter Days Ahead

 

The Iris reminds us of Faith and Hope.  After a long winter,

they begin to bloom as a promise of brighter days ahead.

My garden is full of these lovely purple Iris and it does make me smile even on a rainy spring day.

I don't know about you, but hope is an eternal longing in my soul.. 

 The Bible gives us many references of hope and defines it as; "The confident expectation of and longing for the promised blessing of righteousness.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a HOPE"

You can paint this little Iris along with me on my YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfwYUSL7bjA&t=393s

There are brighter days ahead!

Happy Painting!

Ursula xo

Time to get back into the swing of things!

 We spent most of February and part of March in Florida.  Our annual trip on the beautiful beach of Navarre.  We were gone a little over 4 weeks. Our weather was so beautiful, the best it has been since we started this tradition 8 years ago.

Someone asked me what my favorite part of the trip was and I have to say, walking on the beach.  We walked at least 2-4 miles at a time.  Such a calming effect as your feet touch the warm sand and the sound of the waves lesson all your anxieties. And, of course it is always a treat to find a few new shells!  

I loved the little birds and visitors along our walks.  I think I will have to paint this little guy.  

Our condo sits between the gulf and Santa Rosa sound.  We had a gorgeous panoramic view of both.  

Stunning sunsets at night and beautiful sunrises in the morning.

It's taken me a while to get back into the groove of things here at home.  Although, it is always good to be back home again.  

Cheers!!

Ursula

P.S.  New YouTube watercolor.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1ibRWS4cbU&t=970s

Happy February!

 Not only is is Valentine's month, but it is also my birthday month.

                                              To celebrate,  I painted this sweet rose watercolor.   

Join me on my YouTube channel and paint along......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Vq0sGMGZg&t=25s

Happy Valentin's Day!

💓 Ursula