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