Fresh Start and New Beginnings

"The Magic of New Beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all."   

Every moment is a fresh beginning...

My first painting of the new year is a still life I created on an old canvas. Painting a new acrylic painting over an old one.  Working somewhat intuitively, the underlying images become faintly visible.  Also, creating interesting texture and a sense of history.

As we move forward in our creative journey, let's remember to be kind to ourselves.  Embracing continuous growth, adaptation, and experimentation.

I want to share a few traits of a successful artist that were sent to me by a fellow artist.

Humility:  Great painters stay in the learner mode.  

Courage:   Don't let fear and intimidation motivate you to play it safe.

Faith:         Start each painting expecting something wonderful to happen.  And, don't lose hope if it migrates into the ugly stage.  Just keep going.

Resilience:  Paintings are not precious, and failed attempts are part of the process.  

Believe in yourself and your artistic journey this year.

This new year is a fresh canvas and a chance to reignite your purpose!

Happy New Year!

Ursula 💕

Autumn's Embrace

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

                           Autumn is a time of reflection and letting go of what no longer serves us.

 

I found this reference photo on a royalty-free website and knew I wanted to do a painting from it.

When I first started this painting, I was ready to give up after my first layer of watercolor washes.  I haven't painted much this summer, and getting back to painting seemed slightly daunting.  

I set it aside for about a week before diving back in.  Little by little, step by step, it began to develop, and I found myself enjoying the process.  Taking risks by applying inks, watercolors, and mixing it all up!  Layer upon layer, it began to take shape.  Working through the "messy middle phase".   The real painting doesn't start until you work to bring that mess into focus.

God encourages trusting the process by teaching that He works in steps and processes to bring about His plan and promises, not instant results.  We may have to go through the "messy middle stage" before we understand the reason behind our current circumstances.  Trusting in His ultimate purpose, which works all things for good for those who love Him.  Trusting involves leaning on God.  

This scripture has been a wonderful reminder for me through the years:  Proverbs 3: 5-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

My painting may not be perfect, but each painting can teach us valuable lessons about patience, perspective and creativity.  Letting go of the pressure of perfection is what allows us for the most authentic

growth!

Until next time.

Ursula xo

Sun kissed days of summer

                                             "Summertime is always the best of what might be."

I haven't spent much time in my studio this summer.  I love going out into the fresh morning air and tending to my flower beds.  Taking nature walks, pool time , farmers market, longer days and the freedom and relaxation that comes along with it.

We will be heading to Northern Wisconsin for a cousin reunion later this month.  This will be our third year in Rhinelander on Squash Lake.  I love hearing the loons at night, the gorgeous sunsets over the lake and time spent with family and friends.

My favorite activity is kayaking on the lake.  A tranquil escape into a peaceful and natural environment. 

I took several photos  of the water lilies while out on the lake last year and have been inspired to paint a few.  

                                    "In the language of flowers, a lily speaks of love profound"

                 I used Daniel Smith watercolors, Frisket Mask Fluid and salt to the leaves in the              underpainting.

                                  My finished piece painted on 140lb cold press watercolor paper

My hope is you are enjoying these last days of summer and having some fun and feeling refreshed.

August bridges summer and fall, offering a mix of warm weather and subtle shift towards autumn.  

                                                                   Enjoy every moment!

Ursula 

 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