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.