Creativity

 What does this word mean to you?  

I don't know how many times people have told me they aren't creative.  But, what does the word really mean? 

The dictionary defines it as bringing something into existence.  Or, cause something to happen as a result of one's actions.  

We are all "created" to create, to bring something into existence.  Whether it be raising our children, hitting a ball, cooking a meal,  navigating through a problem,  communication, putting an outfit together, decorating our home, parenting and so on.

We use our creativity even if we aren't aware.  

Stephen Brewster says to "Create something new everyday".  the Bible references creativity 41 times'!

Exodus 35:31-35  God fills us with His Spirit to do creative and artistic things for his glory.  

"He instills in each of us our own unique and distinct creative expression". 

I think many times, we (myself included). are afraid to step out and use the creative gifts God has given us. 

This has hit home with me.  If we step up and out of our comfort zone, and tap into our own creativity, think what we can achieve.  We can achieve so much more if we embrace what the creator has given us.

By using our creative gifts, they reflect who we are and who He is.

Embrace your creativity and open your heart to new experiences.

Until next time...

Ursula xo

Ahh Summer!

 I hope you are well and enjoying some summer fun.  

June has been busy and I find myself craving the outdoors even though it has been extremely hot here in Missouri.  

Reflections of summer have inspired my work this past month.  My studio reflects images of summer outings, birds, flowers and more.  

I was honored to be in a couple of art showings this month where summer and nature were the theme.

Sunflowers and Watermelons will be the theme for my next in person class @ Splatter Art Studio here in Springfield, Mo.  

Sunflowers depict happiness, optimism, strength, adoration and honesty. Who doesn't need more of that in their life?  This flower surpasses all others in terms of its universal power to bring joy to people.

Watermelons and summer are synonymous.  Bringing back sweet memories of eating watermelons on a hot summer day.

Enjoy your summer to the fullest!

Ursula

https://www.splatterartstudio.com/upcoming-events/2022/6/13/celebrate-summer-with-sunflowers-watermelons-and-acrylic-paints

Change is the end result of true learning.

" The beautiful thing about learning is that nobody can take it away from you."  B.B. King

The above watercolor is one of the recent classes I attended. My painting looks somewhat different than the original but that is what makes our work uniquely ours.

 I enjoy watching someone else's brush moving across the paper or canvas.  I can get lost in each brush stroke, even how they hold their brush is mesmerizing!  Learning new color combinations and techniques are valuable in our artistic journey.  

If I were to take this photo and paint from it, I would have approached it in an entirely different manner than the instructor.  We get caught up in our own ideas and ways of doing our paintings.   I learned so much from each of the instructors I studied under.  

At times we instinctively do something without realizing why we did it that way.  Not only is learning a reminder of things we have learned along the way, but it reinforces what we know!

This week is dedicated to drawing.  Something I do not do on a regular basis and is the foundation of our art.  Grabbing my stabilo pencil, charcoal, inks, gesso and Bristol paper can be somewhat intimidating.

I have enjoyed this month of learning and stretching myself as an artist.  Reinforcing what I do know and replacing bad habits with new ideas and techniques.

Learning through art enriches our creativity, confidence and focus.  

Until next time;

Ursula

xo

https://ivynewport.com/creative-teachers-explore/ursula-wollenberg

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river in you, a joy"

 Don't loose a moment, just follow you heart.

Earlier this year, I wrote about my word;   "Reimagined"

So, I have dedicated this month for learning and growing as an artist.  I have thrown myself into various classes, some pushing the boundaries and others just for fun.  

All three of the classes have been in watercolor.  Two were online and one was in person.  I struggled with the concept in the in person class.  Looking around at others that seemed to jump right in and create a lovely painting without fear.  Just enjoying the process and not worrying about the outcome.  Even though I struggled a bit, I did learn and will apply these concepts to my future work.  

We get caught up in our way of doing things and sometimes change is difficult.  

I love this quote from philosopher, Henri Bergson.

"To exist is to change, to change is to mature, to mature is to go on creating oneself endlessly."

As I embrace this new year, I want to challenge myself as an artist.  Continuing to learn and grow, learn and do what I love.  Creating rivers of joy and to follow my heart along the way.

Allowing myself to adapt and become more flexible.  Open myself up to new ideas, encourage others and to become a better version of myself.

I will continue to take classes from my mentors.  Mentorship enables you to tap into your strengths, encouragement and support for growth.

I have a few more classes coming up and look forward to more inspiration.

Unit next time;

Ursula

xo

p.s.  Check out a few of my classes :

https://ivynewport.com/creative-teachers-explore/ursula-wollenberg

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

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

                          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