Hello everyone! 
 Today is my turn to spread the news about the DecoArt Media Winter Wonderland Challenge.  

The Winter Wonderland Challenge closes on January 29, 2016.  A winner will be chosen by the DecoArt Media Design Team on February 2, 2016.

It's all about winter, blues, purples and I even some snow!

We haven't had any snow to speak of in Missouri this year, but we have seen some deer.  So, my project is inspired by the woods near our home and imagining a beautiful snow fall as I look out my window.

I began this project with a 8 x 10 canvas.  Gathered some collage papers, a doily, gesso and my DecoArt Media fluid acrylic paints.  

The first step is to apply a thin layer of gesso to the canvas.

Apply torn collage papers with DecoArt Matte Medium.

Using a palette knife, scrape on colors of Titanium White, Dark Grey Value 3 and Metallic Silver.  Keeping it loose with added texture.  Work until satisfied.

Apply texture medium with a palette knife and use the doily as a stencil.  Randomly apply to the edges of the canvas.  Creating a nice lacy texture underneath.  Allow to dry.

Now you we are ready to add the trees.  Loosely brush trees on with Sap Green.  Thicker in some areas, lighter in others.  Wash in some Primary Cyan to trees and randomly to canvas.

Apply a thick layer of Titanium White while the green is still moist.

Cut a deer shape from an old book page or newsprint and apply to foreground.

Add antlers and shade inside and around deer image with Burnt Umber.  Highlight with Titanium White.  

Using palette knife, mix of Titanium White and Texture medium, apply more snow texture to design  where needed.  Spatter  Titanium White throughout painting.  Use a little water on the brush as you spatter.  Let it Snow!!

Allow to dry.

When you are satisfied, apply washes of Primary Cyan and Dioxide Purple.  

Shade Carbon Black under boughs of tree and strengthen outline of deer and antlers with same.

Spatter with Titanium White (one more time!)

If desired, add snowflake stickers.

Thanks for visiting my Winter Wonderland!

Supplies used are as follows:

DecoArt Matte Medium

DecoArt White gesso

DecoArt Texture Medium

DecoArt Fluid Acrylics:

Metallic Silver

DarkGrey Value 3, Raw Umber, Carbon Black, Dioxine Purple, Primary Cyan and Sap Green.

Titanium White.

8x10 canvas, paper, variety of brushes.  Palette knife.

Enter the challenge by January 29 and you could be a winner!  DecoArt prize package worth $120.00

Are your ready to create your own Winter Wonderland?

Enjoy!

Ursula

In a previous post, we talked about our word for the new year.

Along with our word for the year, I realized that I also need to make some goals to achieve what I envision.  Write them down and revisit them half way through the year and again at the year's end.

At times some of these goals seem unrealistic or out of reach, but I will list them any way.  Listen to what and where God is leading.  My mind is so busy at times, that it is often difficult to just sit and listen to God's voice.  Finding the quiet is a gift and a discipline that I am still trying to achieve. 

My favorite place to find the quiet is in my studio.  There is something spiritual about creating art in the quiet when no one else is around.  I get lost in the moment and it is there that I find my peace.  

I hope to spend more quality time in my Wildwood Studio, as I call it.  Creating not only a space for art, but for listening to the stillness.  I think it is important to create a quiet space for ourselves.  Be it a little reading nook, an outdoor space, studio or somewhere we can be still.

Some of my goals are already in motion.  Just small things, but things that need attention to reach the larger goals.  Writing them down gives me accountability, making them more tangible.

I have been painting a series of "Tiny faces" on a bundle of chip boards I bought at an estate sale.  These are fun little practice pieces using collage, oils and acrylics.  Trying to do at least one or two a week.  Great warm up exercises and my goal is complete all twenty of them.

                                                                 

             

                                                                    5x7 and 4x6

I have a class coming up on line @www. creativeworkshops.me/ -It's all about the Face.  Putting the pieces together. Teaching the basics of painting a face with acrylics.  Class opens January 18, 2016.  

                                Why not make this one of your goals and join me in class.  

Finding your quiet in little things.  Making time for what makes you happy.  Take a moment and breathe in all God has for us. 

Let's reach our goals together.

See you soon.

Ursula xo