Poetry Experiment
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Poetry Experiment

I have been writing and sketching all summer. Usually at dawn, but somethings the words find me at other hours. I thought, perhaps I could share the occasional poem, here, with you. This one is a personal favorite, about the end of summer, fittingly. Happy September!

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Quilts meet Beachcombing: Nostalgia holding Nature
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Quilts meet Beachcombing: Nostalgia holding Nature

There’s something magical about the way certain objects can transport us back in time—whether it’s the softness of a well-loved quilt or the smooth edges of a shell worn down by the ocean. My latest collection,

Quilted Treasures, is a love letter to these everyday charms, blending the warmth of home with the serenity of the sea.

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A San Diego Native's & Artist’s Top 3 Inspiring Beach Spots
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

A San Diego Native's & Artist’s Top 3 Inspiring Beach Spots

I am from San Diego, and these are three of my favorite beach spots...

Before I get too deep into telling you which places I love and why, know that pretty much ANY beach in San Diego is a good one, a GREAT one! San Diego truly is America’s Finest City. The following spots are not necessarily the most picturesque or critically acclaimed, but they are beaches I find myself going to repeatedly as they speak to my soul.

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San Diego Plein Air Painting Adventures
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

San Diego Plein Air Painting Adventures

Welcome to the inaugural edition of our weekly blog dedicated to the art of plein air painting around the beautiful city of San Diego! Each week, I will be exploring a new part of our vibrant city, capturing its unique charm and beauty on canvas. I'll also be sharing my experiences with you, along with tips and insights into the wonderful world of plein air painting.

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Boosting Creativity by Enjoying Nature
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Boosting Creativity by Enjoying Nature

In our busy modern lives, finding a bit of nature might seem challenging for most. Even if we have access to vast spaces, we can often forget to enjoy them! For us city dwellers, even small green spaces can spark creativity and provide a refreshing break from the urban hustle. Whether it’s a nearby park, a community garden, or a green rooftop, these pockets of nature offer more than just a pretty view—they can inspire new ideas and enhance our well-being.

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Dreamworld is OPEN!
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Dreamworld is OPEN!

I'm so thrilled to share something very close to my heart with you all. As an artist, I've always believed in the power of blending the surreal with the tangible, and my latest art collection is a true manifestation of this vision. Imagine stepping into a dream, where the natural world intertwines with the whimsical and the fantastical—a place where your imagination can roam free. This is the essence of my newest MULTI series, "Dreamworld”.

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Building Dreamworlds
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Building Dreamworlds

The thing with artists is, we are always toying around with new ideas in our minds. Sometimes they come in the middle of the night, or while picking up the kids from school, or ingesting someone else’s art in an entirely different medium! Regardless of the time and place, the ideas never stop, at least not for very long, because often these ideas are a slow burn. A spark that whispers for years, growing with you.

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Seawater Treasures: The Tidepools of San Diego
san Diego, sea shells Michaela Upp san Diego, sea shells Michaela Upp

Seawater Treasures: The Tidepools of San Diego

Truth be told, this winter I have not made a ton of “art”. Although I consider my course "Blue to Bloom" to be my greatest masterpiece!

When I take off my course creator hat and put on my mom hat, which is every weekday after 2 pm, I often look for ways the boys and I can do something we all enjoy. This winter we have been OBSESSED with tide pooling.

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 5 Reasons Why Blue to Bloom Will Transform Your Creative Life
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

5 Reasons Why Blue to Bloom Will Transform Your Creative Life

Are you longing to infuse your life with the vibrant colors of creativity, connect with nature's beauty, and awaken your inner artist? Look no further than Blue to Bloom – the floral painting class designed to ignite your creative spark and guide you on a journey of self-expression and transformation. Here are five compelling reasons why Blue to Bloom will be the catalyst for profound change and artistic empowerment:

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A one of a kind FLORAL PAINTING course!
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

A one of a kind FLORAL PAINTING course!

Blue to Bloom is a comprehensive online course that takes you on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and creativity. Through a series of carefully crafted modules, you'll delve deep into various aspects of your life, uncovering your artistic strengths, connecting to your inner child, and create an original work of art entirely unique to you!

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Unlock Your Creative Potential: Join 'Blue to Bloom' - A Floral Painting Adventure!
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Unlock Your Creative Potential: Join 'Blue to Bloom' - A Floral Painting Adventure!

I'm absolutely thrilled to extend a warm invitation to you for an experience unlike any other – "Blue to Bloom"! 🌸✨

Imagine a little virtual space where you unlock the power of YOUR OWN creativity, where through art and nature we embark on a journey of self-discovery TOGETHER, and where the beauty of nature intertwines with the essence of your soul. That's exactly what "Blue to Bloom" is all about!

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My Spiritual Awakening
self help, spirituality, nature, my story Michaela Upp self help, spirituality, nature, my story Michaela Upp

My Spiritual Awakening

I had intended to write about my creative journey, and I still plan to, perhaps next week. However, something within me urges me to share a different story — the story of my spiritual awakening, or rather, its beginning.

Before I delve into it, a disclaimer, and a crucial one at that: This narrative isn't about religion, belief systems, or what some might label as the "woo-woo" life. Well, maybe just a touch of "woo-woo," but recognizing the magic in life has been the most vital aspect of my healing journey. Take from it what you will.

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Cultivating your own Creative Space
studio, creativity Michaela Upp studio, creativity Michaela Upp

Cultivating your own Creative Space

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, finding a sanctuary for creativity is essential. Creating a dedicated space that sparks inspiration doesn't have to be a costly or time-consuming endeavor. With a bit of imagination and resourcefulness, you can cultivate your own creative haven on a budget. Here are some practical tips to guide you on this transformative journey:

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5 Easy Ways to Start Gardening Without Feeling Overwhelmed
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

5 Easy Ways to Start Gardening Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Gardening can be a therapeutic and rewarding hobby, but the idea of starting a garden from scratch can be overwhelming for many. Trust me I get it, in fact I used to tell people “I don’t do ‘dirt’”. If I can get over my fear of dirt, bugs and fall in love with the act of gardening, so can you! So let me be the first to tell you- you absolutely CAN dive into the world of gardening in some form or another! Here are five easy ways to start your gardening journey without feeling overwhelmed.

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Nature’s Most Overlooked Plants: The Benefits of Weeds
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Nature’s Most Overlooked Plants: The Benefits of Weeds

Weeds get a bad rap for invading our gardens and lawns, but what if I told you that these seemingly pesky plants have a lot to offer? In this blog post, I’ll dive into the world of weeds, exploring their often-overlooked benefits and the unique gifts they bring to our lives.

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Committing to a Creative Life
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Committing to a Creative Life

What is a creative life? I would argue, each life is expressing creativity in some form at each moment, with their words, their gestures, their clothing choices etc. However, not everyone is consciously creating.

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Redefining Self-Care 2024
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

Redefining Self-Care 2024

I must be honest with you… 2023 was not my best garden year. Now to me, gardening is not a competition, in fact it is more spiritual than anything. However, I did not tend to the garden this year as frequently and with intentionality as I have in years past.

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What to do when you’ve lost your spark…
Michaela Upp Michaela Upp

What to do when you’ve lost your spark…

What to do when creatively stuck? Heck maybe you don’t consider yourself creative, but you feel that spark in you flickering away. You know the one I am talking about. That light deep inside that was so present when you were a child, or when you first fell in love, or maybe accomplished something AMAZING, or even went on an adventure of sorts?

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