Brighter Days Ahead

 

The Iris reminds us of Faith and Hope.  After a long winter,

they begin to bloom as a promise of brighter days ahead.

My garden is full of these lovely purple Iris and it does make me smile even on a rainy spring day.

I don't know about you, but hope is an eternal longing in my soul.. 

 The Bible gives us many references of hope and defines it as; "The confident expectation of and longing for the promised blessing of righteousness.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a HOPE"

You can paint this little Iris along with me on my YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfwYUSL7bjA&t=393s

There are brighter days ahead!

Happy Painting!

Ursula xo

Time to get back into the swing of things!

 We spent most of February and part of March in Florida.  Our annual trip on the beautiful beach of Navarre.  We were gone a little over 4 weeks. Our weather was so beautiful, the best it has been since we started this tradition 8 years ago.

Someone asked me what my favorite part of the trip was and I have to say, walking on the beach.  We walked at least 2-4 miles at a time.  Such a calming effect as your feet touch the warm sand and the sound of the waves lesson all your anxieties. And, of course it is always a treat to find a few new shells!  

I loved the little birds and visitors along our walks.  I think I will have to paint this little guy.  

Our condo sits between the gulf and Santa Rosa sound.  We had a gorgeous panoramic view of both.  

Stunning sunsets at night and beautiful sunrises in the morning.

It's taken me a while to get back into the groove of things here at home.  Although, it is always good to be back home again.  

Cheers!!

Ursula

P.S.  New YouTube watercolor.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1ibRWS4cbU&t=970s

Happy February!

 Not only is is Valentine's month, but it is also my birthday month.

                                              To celebrate,  I painted this sweet rose watercolor.   

Join me on my YouTube channel and paint along......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Vq0sGMGZg&t=25s

Happy Valentin's Day!

💓 Ursula 

Studio Insights

One of my New Year goals was to seek direction and spend more time in my studio.

Spending time exploring the beauty of watercolors.  It is not a medium to be totally manipulated and controlled.  

And, that of course is  the challenge and beauty of this medium.

I have been working with different papers, painting larger than I am comfortable with and watching other watercolor artists and their approach.  

I love to watch the colors mingle and create their own shapes and images.  You can create a transparency and glow that one cannot achieve in other art forms.

I titled this one "Missing the Beach today". It was fun to relive a memory from my photos as I applied each layer.  

Allowing drying time in between.  After I sketched the painting onto my 140lb cold pressed watercolor paper, I used Frisket to the white areas of the ocean and to the figure. Also, splattering some onto the areas of the sand. 

I am allowing it to sit a while and see if there is anything else needed.  It is always good to step away from any painting as not to over work it.  Something I have to keep myself from doing! 

I primarily used Daniel Smith and Holbein watercolor tube paints.  I love the properties of both!

It was also the perfect time to try out my new porcelain palette and Silver brushes I received for Christmas!

Until next time..

Ursula

xo

Folow me on YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCadJh6q94NzW2e6KP54eeuQ

Happy New Year!

" Celebrate endings-for they proceed new beginnings" - Jonathan Lockwood Hole

I took the last of my Christmas decorations down this morning.  Holding onto the beauty of the season as long as I can.  

It is also a time for a fresh start, a clean slate so to speak.  A time to rearrange my decor and possibly pass on a few items that do not work any longer.  I enjoy this time of organization and renewal.

What are your plans for this new year?  

I love this scripture in Jeremiah 29:11

" For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

As 2023 begins, I am trusting in this promise. 

Each year I choose a word for the new year.  I chose the word "Direction" for this year.  Not only in my art, but in every aspect of my life.  

Direction is described as the path that something takes, the path that must be taken to reach a specific place.  I know God has more for each of us if we just trust His direction.

Wishing you a year filled with new beginnings.....

Until next time.

Ursula

xo

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