Updates before we reach 2025

It's been a while since I last posted on Blogger. So what's the latest in the world of Inky Leaves, or should I now say - Úrsula Romero as I have also undergone a significant identity shift, which many of you I am sure will think is complete artistic suicide. 

"…all true artists shed their hides multiple times in their lives, letting any trace of a fixed mark fall away in the process. -David Whyte"

I have different priorities and am quite pro-artistic suicide. I felt pigeonholed in the world of botanical art with the nom de plume 'Inky Leaves' and having this new name means I can now branch out. Why limit yourself?! It is also more Spanish friendly and as my life has undergone such significant changes since the pandemic and brexit, me moving my base being one of them, a Spanish name is considerably helpful. I only wished I had dared to have done it sooner.

I continue to work on the Blue Flower Project, but at a slower pace - it'll be a life's work. Akin to Novalis' book, which inspired the idea, Blue Flower will never be complete. I intend to publish a book of paintings up to this point as Volume I. News on this will come soon on my Substack, which you can follow by clicking the link. Most of my posting will be done here now as I move away from blogger. Blaue Blume will be limited in edition, just like Leafscape and lay-flat bound. I like books - they make the art accessible. As a child, I was obsessed with picture books. They always calmed my mind and offered a pathway to escape this world and enter another. Maybe this is why I like to make books now.

Other news is I have opened a new Inky Leaves School which is called Casa de la Morera. Here I teach one-to-one or two-to-one classes over two days. It's a great chance to combine learning with a bigger holiday in Southern Spain. You can visit me and book time to see the sights - from the Alhmabra in Granada to the mesquita in Cordoba and the beaches of Malaga. More information can be found here:

CASA DE LA MORERA

I no longer teach on Patreon as I found the platform clunky for long videos. I sometimes offer online workshops on zoom and these are usually advertised on Facebook, Instagram or Substack. If you are interested in a class on leaves or black backgrounds get in touch at mail@ursularomero.com.

I also offer online mentoring at £40/hour which can cover anything from business planning to painting techniques. Often I find students just like to check in now and then with someone to talk about their art and their progress so that the artistic journey is less lonely. If you are someone who thinks you'd benefit from a one-to-one, again message me. I'd love to be able to help. 

More information about online mentoring can be found here - Mentoring

More information about visiting me for tuition can be found here - Visiting

Current 2024 Exhibitions

I am thrilled that quite a lot of my work is currently on show at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery at Kew Gardens as part of Felicity Aylieff's exhibition. More information about this can be found here: Botanical Blues. The exhibition is open until March 23rd 2025. Thank you Shirley!

Rory McEwen: A New Perspective on Nature

My big Poplar leaf also continues to tour the USA with Rory McEwen's work as part of his retrospective. The tour will continue until August 2025 and the full itinerary can be seen here: Rory McEwen in the USA

There will be more updates soon ow I am possibly (finally) writing again. It's taken me 5 years to get my voice back. Wishing you all a very festive time this winter solstice and a Happy New Year. Thanks for joining me on the ride!

xxx

New Inky Leaves School of Flower Painting!

I am incredibly excited to announce that this year I opened the doors to my new arts house Casa de la Morera - for courses, exhibitions, film nights and secret suppers. Casa de la Morera is a homestay, artist retreat and part-time school. Built in 1904, this timeless Andalucían house sits in the heart of the village of Albuñuelas overlooking the orange groves that adorn the banks of the Rio de Saleres. The house was known as one of the most elegant houses in the village back in the 40s-60s with its intricately patterned floor tiles, high ceilings and tall doors. The worn splendour of the property is as alluring as it is unique. The integrity and charm of this house has been preserved in every room, from its bakerlite light switches to its huge windows, the latter of which were rescued by the previous owners from an older Napoleonic manor house in the 1950s. Staying or learning in Casa 2 Cadiz is an opportunity to embrace the imperfections created by the tear of time and to explore its mysteries and authencities.

Watercolour painting courses

At my Spanish residence, I am offering painting and sketching holidays. All are welcome. The days consist of painting, sketching, eating, drinking and taking time to explore Granada's most abundant valley.

Education is at the heart of everything I want to do here at Cadiz 2. As the years roll by I want to be able to provide a wealth of inspirational learning opportunities for everyone from childhood years and beyond, internationally and locally. It’s all part of my mission to connect people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds with each other and the natural world, whilst simultaneously inspiring and empowering them to continue growing into the people they want to be, with the skills they want to learn, in a relaxing, Mediterranean environment. 

Casa de la Morera is a great place to visit if you want a slow, nourishing weekend in the hills of the Lecrín Valley in Southern Spain. If you want to escape the demands of daily life whilst enhancing your painting skills, eating delicious food, learning the odd Spanish phrase and catching a few rays of sunshine. Some of the courses include excursions to restaurants with views of the Alhambra Palace after a relaxing afternoon in the Arabic Baths of Granada.

For more information about some of our very first courses for 2024 see below:

Private Tuition and Mentorship with Úrsula Romero 

It is possible to book Úrsula for one-to-one tuition at her residence in Casa de le Morera. These two day mentorships concentrate solely on tuition for two days. You get to spend the day with the artist and experience his way of life and work in his studios. We have several walks here in the village you can explore for relaxation and a bar next door if you'd like to spend some quiet time in solitude or get to know the locals! All breakfasts, lunches and dinners are local. Tuition is 4 hours a day, but you can use the studio for longer. Accommodation is in the village.

£600 for two days

Includes: 

Two nights stay in a private B&B in Albunuelas 

Food and wine 

Airport transfers from Granada Airport 

Use of the studio 

Paper up to 56 x 76 cm 

What isn't included: Specific materials such as paint brushes, watercolor paint

A helping hand to catapult your painting onto a new level 

Do you feel lost and unsure how to grow your art into a thriving business? 

Do you feel you need to learn new skills in painting? 

Do just feel alone in your studio and crave a nurturing hand? 

Are you trying to find your own voice as an artist? 

Do you find it difficult to schedule study time? 

Do you need someone who you can trust as a soundboard to discuss ideas with?

MENTORSHIP:

🔸️I'm offering five places for private, 1:1 mentorship program to help you find your voice as a painter.

🔸️The spaces for this are very limited so I can give you more.

🔸️Meetups are on Zoom or WhatsApp. You can also message me on WhatsApp anytime if you're struggling in the studio and need a few minutes of guidance.

🔸️You can opt for as many sessions as you like.

🔸️Paid by an hourly rate at £40 which includes all homework and help given in between sessions on Whatsapp.

🔸️Meetups are tailored to your specific needs as everyone is unique.

🔸️We can discuss everything from art techniques, watercolors and art business, to exhibition curation, publishing and marketing.

Doubts and complications arise all the time in an artist's career and it takes someone who has ridden the waves of success and failure to help, encourage and motivate others. When you are working with me, I will set realistic goals that you can achieve in your time and help you find your style and voice within your work. I'm your teacher, mentor, coach, personal trainer and business consultant. I am here to help you navigate the botanical art world as an illustrator, a painter or photographer. My role is to support you on your journey of self-discovery. If you're interested in learning more about my Mentorship program, or booking a session, please contact me at mail@ursularomero.com.

I look forward to meeting you!