May love carry you through the New Year!

 This past year has been challenging for most of us.  It hasn't been easy as we navigated though another year of uncertainty and change.  I don't know about you, but I am ready for a new beginning and have hope for this coming year.

For the past few years, I have chosen a word to carry me through the year.  I print it out and put it on my bulletin board, above my computer where I can see it everyday.  My word for this year is:  "Reimagine".

I think it somewhat appropriate in light of the past two years.  I heard this word more than once and knew it was for me.  It means to imagine,  conceive, reevaluate, redefine, or create something in a new way.  

As I continue on my artist journey, I want to redefine my work and continue on the path of creative growth.  

These past two years have taught me to appreciate the smaller things,  creating more balance in my daily life.  

I wish you a year reimagined and full of love to carry your though 2022!

Ursula

xo

Happiest of Holidays!

Where has the time gone?  It seems as though summer just ended and now we are smack dab in the middle of the holiday season.  We just celebrated a lovely Thanksgiving with family in our home.  And, it seems as though we barely pause for thanks and the Christmas season begins.  

I have been busy in the studio preparing for a few upcoming shows and painting classes.  One show with our Soul Sisters United Art collective and one local Pop-Up Christmas Shop next weekend.  I am having fun painting snowmen, gnomes and ornaments.  There are tell tale signs of glitter all over my work space, floor and even my face! 

                                      Painting these reminders of the season bring me lots of joy.

Each year I paint a new Santa.  Last years Santa was painted in oils.  This year, watercolor was the medium I used.  My inspiration was a Pinterest photo of an older man with a beard.  He had so much character in his expression.  There is a slight resemblance to the photo, but as the painting evolved, it took on a life of it's own.  

On last thought before I close.  Too good not to share!

I will be teaching in Art Walk Alchemy again in 2022.  The special Black Friday pricing is available through Cyber Monday.  

Sign up under my url:  

https://www.mysticspringstudios.com/art-walk-alchemy-2022-ursula-wollenberg

A perfect gift that give all year long!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by.  I always appreciate your support and comments.  Wishing you the very best Christmas, holiday season!  Finding and sharing your joy along the way.

Ursula xo

 

Inktober

Sharing a little fun ink and watercolor painting to honor the month of Inktober.

I love painting these little ink warm ups!

 Using dipping pens in various colors,  I begin to draw in my design.  This is also a great exercise in color and repetition.  I like using the dipping pens and acrylic inks as the lines are more organic and not as uniform.  Plus, I don't even mind the drips they seem to create at times!

                                                    140lb sheet of 5 x 7 watercolor paper.

                                        Using both inks and watercolors as I begin to add color.  

                         At this stage, I can add more lines, change colors and add dots and interest.

After I finished, I added a little more white back into the mix. 

It's so fun to use your imagination and just start inking and create one of kind paintings, cards and bookmarks.  

Happy October!

Until next time.

Ursula xo

Visit my Etsy store:

https://www.etsy.com/your/shops/WildwoodDesignsArt/tools/listings

Life is a flower...

Life is a flower; spreading happiness wherever one finds it!

 Holding onto the last bits of summer.  Finding joy and comfort as I painted this watercolor still-life.  

I thought I would share my progress.  This was painted with Daniel Smith and Holbein watercolors on 140 lb. watercolor paper.  I taped the edges and painted this on my new watercolor easel.  I love that I can take it everywhere!  

  I first sprayed the paper with a mister before I began to add color and shape.

I added a small amount of Titanium White Gouache to a few of the flowers.  I also applied gouache to the vase and foreground with a palette knife.

And, always add splatters!

Ready to frame and go to a new home!

Until next time;

Ursula xo

Welcome September!

" More Color can speak to the soul in a thousand different ways. "  Oscar Wilde.

Someone just recently asked me if the colors of fall inspired my creativity.  I love the changing of the leaves and all the colors of fall.  But in my heart, I still yearn for the colors and warmth of summer.

I don't know about you, but summer has gone by too quickly.  

 I guess this quote sums it up:

"By All these lovely tokens September days are here, with summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer!"  Helen Hunt Jackson

Cheers to September!

Ursula xo

P.S.  I am honored to be teaching in Art Walk Alchemy again this coming year.  We have a great line up of teachers!  Early bird pricing is available and we also have a payment plan.  For more information, visit:

https://www.mysticspringstudios.com/art-walk-alchemy-2022-ursula-wollenberg

Live Life in full Bloom

Meaning, live life with hope, purpose, imagination and vision.

I have been reflecting on this, especially during our present time and circumstances.   

  Embracing the life and blessings God has given us.  Sharing those gifts with those around us. Our gifts are beautiful and unique.  I love this quote below:

Love is a gift, a daily practice.  We need to nurture the blooms around us and grow with grace.  The biblical meaning of bloom is about our hearts and our reconciliation relationship with God. 

I guess we need to accept where we are planted and bloom accordingly.  Asking for guidance and help along the way.  In other words, pull out the weeds and see the beauty of what is blooming around us.

I just sold this little gnome painting and the Title was; " Live Life in Full Bloom".   (My inspiration for this blog post)

The sunflower symbolizes faith and adoration for all.  Every single flower is parallel to another,  staying focused on purpose and position.  They represent longevity, love and loyalty.  A lovely reminder,

So, as I live the life that blooms around me, I am reminded of where I am planted.  To cultivate, nurture, that space on a daily basis and be thankful for the blooms that surround it!  

Until next time;

Ursula xo

The Essence of a Flower

 I had the pleasure of sitting in a on-line Zoom class with a local artist.  It is always inspiring to learn from other artists.   As she explained the complexity of a flower, she mentioned they always seemed intimidating to her.  So, her suggestion was to not actually paint the intricacies of a flower or flowers, but to paint their essence.

Both of these pieces were painted while in the room, via Zoom.

The first one was inspired by her painting of a few flowers in her garden.  The pansies were inspired by flowers in one of my flower pots.

It was so fun to see everyone's interpretation from either her demos or, from their own yard and gardens.

Take the time to paint and smell the essence of flowers all around you.  

And, if you haven't signed up for my new on-line class, "Color Splash", there is still time.  Classroom opens August 5!  I am very excited to share this fun little watercolor journey.  And you never know what you will discover as you delve in and explore your inner creativity.

https://ivynewport.com/color-splash

Happy Painting!

Ursula xo

Art by Ursula Wollenberg: COLOR SPLASH!

Art by Ursula Wollenberg: COLOR SPLASH!:   I am so excited to share my new on-line class with you.  A fun watercolor journey using acrylic inks, collage, and fun tools to create you...

COLOR SPLASH!

 

I am so excited to share my new on-line class with you.  A fun watercolor journey using acrylic inks, collage, and fun tools to create your own one of a kind paintings.

                                   This fun flamingo is the bonus lesson.  There are five lessons total!  

                                  All for the early bird pricing of $57.00.  Classroom opens August 5.

https://ivynewport.com/color-splash

Hope to see you in class!

Ursula xo

                          Dive into life and make a splash!

For the last couple of months I have been wading into my watercolors.  Learning new techniques and elements to add to my paintings. 

Working with "negative painting, adding paint around the subject matter.  Creating a more dark value in the background and forming floral shapes with the white of the paper and light under painting.  Sometimes what you Don't paint, can be just as important as what you Do paint.

The above painting was created with wet on wet as well.  Placing clear water before applying the paint.

While the paint was wet, I blew the paint out with a drinking straw.  A fun way to add movement and surprises to a painting.

When the painting was dry, I added a stencil to some of the white areas with fluid acrylic paint.  

This painting will be part of an online auction beginning June 2nd through the 3.  Soul Sisters United Art Collective.  The theme for the event is titled:  Splashes of Life.  

Join us each month and make a splash!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulsistersunited

Until next time...

Ursula xo

Happy New Year!

 

This last year has been full of many challenges for all of us.  In addition to Covid, our family faced a few set backs as well.  But, all is good and it has been clear that God has brought us through.  

Looking ahead at this new year, it seems brighter and I will continue to hold onto the goodness of God's favor in our lives.

Wishing you all a happy, healthy and year full of grace and possibilities!

Until next time;

Ursula xo