Cynthia Oswald

Surface Design, Fine Art + Branding for Creatives

watercolor

Nature’s Harmony: Crafting Tranquility through Art and Design

Nature’s Harmony:
Crafting Tranquility through Art and Design

Almost a decade ago, I refocused my attention solely on creating works inspired by nature. My thought process shifted towards creating art that lifted my mood, rather than working through emotions in my artwork—almost like setting intentions through my work. “Creating the beauty I want to see in the world,” as my mentor and friend, Bonnie Christine, so often encourages. I became somewhat obsessed with the way natural forms effortlessly create beautiful compositions that seem to soothe my soul. In the last year, I’ve realized a significant reason behind my work is to bring more of nature’s abundance and fluidity into my life. This led me to question how this might psychologically affect our well-being. My research quickly led me to Biophilic design and numerous studies that demonstrate how incorporating colors, art, and imagery from nature positively affects our well-being. Now, I’m fully embracing this concept, hoping that through this process, I can bring the warmth, playfulness, beauty, and abundance found in nature directly into our homes, thereby fostering more joyfulness and peace in the world.

The Roots of My Artistic Journey: From Farmland to Canvas

From my early childhood surrounded by farmland, to the intricate botanical patterns in my recent work, the art and design that I create is deeply intertwined with nature’s abundance. This relationship with the natural world has taught me how art transcends aesthetics, becoming a channel for uplifted emotions and the transformation of spaces.

Surface Design: Weaving Tranquility into Everyday Spaces

In my pursuit of surface design, I’m fascinated by the potential of artwork and patterns to transform indoor environments into sanctuaries of tranquility—providing a place of rest and a feeling of wholeness. My aim is to capture the healing essence of the outdoors, bringing the serene and the sublime into everyday spaces. 

Historical Inspirations: Echoes of the Arts & Crafts Movement

I’ve been deeply inspired by artists like William Morris and Walter Crane of the Arts & Crafts Movement. Their influence on home interiors has paved the way for artists like myself to bridge the gap between art and design. This influence and coupled with my own experience working for a high-end printing company for over 7 years, has enabled me to seamlessly merge the beauty of past craftsmanship with the innovation of today’s design technology.

Transformative Spaces: The Impact of Nature-Inspired Installations

During a recent installation, I setup the space with these intentions in mind. Viewers were moved to share stories, write poetry, and open up emotionally, highlighting the deep connection we all have to the natural world.

Biophilic Design: Merging Art, Well-being, and the Environment

By integrating art influenced by nature into our homes, I aim to create designs that connects us to the natural environment for our well-being. Through patterns inspired by flora and the organic forms found in nature, my work invites the outdoors in. Frank Lloyd Wright stated it best when he said “study nature, love nature, stay close to nature”—the older I get the more my work becomes about the study and appreciation of our natural world.

As I continue to explore the intersection of art, design, and nature, my goal is to offer works that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to the well-being of those who engage with them. This vision is about inviting individuals to incorporate elements of nature into their personal and professional spaces, fostering a deeper sense of peace and connection, and creating a positive well-being as a result. 

Art as a Catalyst for Well-being: The Science Behind Nature’s Impact

Recent studies underscore the significant impact that nature-influenced art has on our mental and physical health. For instance, research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology reveals that viewing art depicting natural scenes can reduce stress, improve mood, and even speed up the healing process in patients recovering from illness. 

Blending art with elements of nature isn’t just about creating something beautiful to look at—it’s about weaving a sense of well-being into the fabric of our everyday lives. When we invite the outside world in through art, it’s like we’re unlocking nature’s own healing abilities right in our own spaces. Imagine the tranquil blues overlooking the water or the lively greens of a lush forest right on your wall. These aren’t just colors; they’re an invitation to calm, a way to soothe our minds, lower stress levels, and boost our focus.

From Vision to Sanctuary: Creating Environments that Nourish the Soul

With a profound appreciation for the natural world, my mission is simple: to enrich the home with spaces that restore and bring peace, imbuing them with a sense of abundance, nourishment, and wholeness. This mission gained profound importance to me as I navigated motherhood. Our home, though small, is meticulously curated with intention and wonder, from the fragrances that fill the air to the hues that paint our lives. My goal is to envelop not just my family but every individual in an environment that fosters nourishment for the soul and a sanctuary for growth and happiness. By weaving carefully designed patterns and artworks inspired by the natural world into the fabric of our daily lives, I endeavor to create more than just visually appealing designs; I aim to promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. Amid the fast pace of contemporary life, I am committed to providing a haven where the inherent beauty of nature serves as a constant source of inspiration, peace, and well-being.

I hope you can embrace the transformative power of nature-inspired art and design in your life too. Explore my collection and find the perfect piece to enhance your well-being and transform your space into a serene retreat. Discover how the beauty of nature can inspire peace and well-being in your daily surroundings.

References for further reading:

  1. Kellert, Stephen R., Judith Heerwagen, and Martin Mador, eds. “What is and is not Biophilic Design.” Metropolis Magazine, 2015. Metropolis Magazine
  2. Browning, William D., Catherine O. Ryan, and Joseph O. Clancy. “14 Patterns of Biophilic Design.” Terrapin Bright Green, LLC, 2014. ScienceDirect
  3. Yeo Ju Chung. “The Impact of Art Therapy on Mental Health and Well-being.” Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2023. Frontiers
  4. “How to Bring the Outdoors into Your Home.” The Washington Post, 2023. The Washington Post
  5. Brown DK, Barton JL, Gladwell VF. “Viewing nature scenes positively affects recovery of autonomic function following acute-mental stress.” Environmental Science & Technology, 2013 Jun 4;47(11):5562-9. doi: 10.1021/es305019p. Epub 2013 May 16. PMID: 23590163; PMCID: PMC3699874. NCBI

Transform your space into a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. Explore my collection of original art, linen wall hangings, and bespoke wallpaper, each piece crafted to inspire tranquility and well-being. Interested in a custom creation that perfectly matches your vision? Let’s collaborate to bring your unique idea to life. Reach out today to discover how we can enhance your environment with art that resonates with the soul. Together, we’ll create a space that reflects the beauty of nature and the essence of your personal style.

Visit my shop here

The “Wild Garden” Collection

The “Wild Garden” Collection

Get ready to bring the beauty of the great outdoors into your home with my upcoming collection! On May 20th, I’m releasing the “Wild Garden” collection, featuring a gorgeous array of home décor items and original fine art. This collection is all about celebrating nature and inspiring slow living.

The “Wild Garden” title is more than just a nod to the subject matter—it’s a deep and meaningful reflection of the collection’s ethos. It’s about accepting our natural tendencies while being mindful of our time and making intentional choices. With a focus on flora and fauna, each piece is grouped by its native environment and represented in a variety of mediums.

I’ve been working on this collection for years, and it’s been a true labor of love. As a lover of patterns and nature, I’m thrilled to see my interests come together in this new way. Drawing inspiration from my childhood memories of nature exploration, each piece is a unique representation of the natural world.

The Wild Garden collection represents a significant moment for me, as it’s a culmination of my artistic practice and a breakthrough in my ability to trust my instincts and intuition. This collection is the perfect blend of fine art and surface pattern design.

Each of the three larger pieces in the collection represents a different idea: acceptance of the present moment, hopefulness for the future, and appreciation for the past. With endless possibilities for exploring my love of patterns and nature, I couldn’t be more excited to share this collection with you! So get ready to embrace slow living and surround yourself with the beauty of the great outdoors.

View the collection

Transform your space into a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. Explore my collection of original art, linen wall hangings, and bespoke wallpaper, each piece crafted to inspire tranquility and well-being. Interested in a custom creation that perfectly matches your vision? Let’s collaborate to bring your unique idea to life. Reach out today to discover how we can enhance your environment with art that resonates with the soul. Together, we’ll create a space that reflects the beauty of nature and the essence of your personal style.

Visit my shop here

Charting Your Creative Path: Exploring Long-Term Career Goals with Bonnie Christine

Charting Your Creative Path:

A Long Vision: Clarity, Consistency & the Power of Small Wins

A Long Vision: Clarity, Consistency & the Power of Small Wins

Last week, I had a full schedule—so full that when the opportunity came up to chat with long-time business mentor Bonnie Christine, my first instinct was that I might not have time. But then I heard Bonnie’s voice in my head, reminding me of everything she’s taught about being bold, taking “10 seconds of courage,” and pushing through discomfort to say yes to the right opportunities. So I made space, and I’m so glad I did.

We hopped on a 20-minute Zoom call to talk about something I think so many creative entrepreneurs struggle with: How do you take a long-term vision for your career and actually make it happen?

The Power of Believing in Success

One of the most powerful moments in our conversation came when Bonnie asked:

“What if you try as hard as you can and you succeed? Are you even willing to wrap your mind around the possibility that you will succeed?”

So often, we focus on the fear of failure. But what if we redirected that energy into fully believing in success? Sometimes, the biggest hurdle isn’t the work itself—it’s trusting that the effort will pay off.

Setting Goals That Move the Needle

Bonnie also shared a key distinction: a goal needs to be something you can check off. It should be clear, specific, and measurable.

“I see a lot of people set really big goals that aren’t clear enough. They’ll be like, ‘I want to empower female entrepreneurs to live their best life.’ And like, that’s great, but it’s more of a why—it’s not a goal. A goal is something you can check when you’ve accomplished it, like signing a licensing contract or making $100,000.”

This resonated deeply with me. If we aren’t specific, how will we know when we’ve arrived? Taking the time to define clear goals makes all the difference.

The Role of Consistency & Tiny Steps

One of the biggest takeaways from our chat was how success is built not through grand gestures, but through consistent, small steps.

“Successful people only get there through consistent action. It’s not about knowing exactly how you’ll reach the goal—it’s about focusing on just the very next thing and repeating that over and over again.”

This was a great reminder that we don’t need to have it all figured out before we start. Just take the next step, then the next. Progress compounds.

Motherhood, Entrepreneurship & Time as a Currency

Bonnie and I also talked about the balance of motherhood and entrepreneurship. She shared how, after having kids, she became more efficient with her time because she had to be. It made her rethink how she worked, cut out distractions, and focus on what truly moved her forward.

“I sort of remember those years as really beautiful, but also just kind of keeping my head above water from a business perspective. I wasn’t innovating—I was just maintaining for a couple of years. But almost everyone has something—whether it’s young kids, a day job, or caretaking responsibilities. The key is making consistent progress, no matter the pace.”

As a mom of two little ones, I felt this deeply. It’s not about doing everything, it’s about doing the right things.

Trusting Intuition & Saying ‘Heck Yes’

One of the biggest shifts in my own creative journey has been learning when to say yes and when to say no. Bonnie shared her perspective on this too:

“At first, I was a ‘yes’ girl—saying yes to everything to build my career. Then I became a ‘no’ girl, realizing that every time I said yes to one thing, I was saying no to something else. And now, if it’s not a heck yes, it’s a heck no.”

I loved this reminder that not every opportunity is the right one. Learning to trust your instincts, listen to what feels right, and let go of what doesn’t align is a skill worth honing.

Want to Go Deeper? Join Bonnie’s Free Workshop

If any of this resonates with you, I highly encourage you to listen in on our full conversation above. And if you’re curious about designing patterns for fabric or wallpaper, Bonnie is hosting a free workshop on pattern design now through February 19, 2025. It’s a perfect opportunity to dive deeper into crafting a creative career with clarity and intention.

✨ Join the Free Workshop Here

What’s a goal you’ve been chipping away at, and what’s the very next thing you can do to move it forward? Drop a comment and let’s cheer each other on!

FTC Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you choose to sign up through my link. I only share opportunities I truly believe in and think will be valuable to my audience.

Behind the Scenes of the Vast Views Collection

Grounding myself in motherhood

Behind the Scenes of the Vast Views Collection

It’s 8:30 am on a Friday morning and I’ve already cooked breakfast, sang and danced, played restaurant, painted, and made a huge mess of my living area alongside my two girls (and two large dogs). We are busy over here—and by “we” I mean me—I’m busy wearing many hats. It’s just as I had hoped for, more than I ever could have dreamed, and also can be a real struggle to keep up with. Sometimes I feel like I’m 8 years old treading water and a little too far from the edge of the pool. I was never a strong swimmer. Other times, I’m in complete awe of how I can find rest by looking into their eyes, I can ground myself by caring for them, and I can find presence by being present. 

My girls are 1 and 4. They have reminded me of the little pleasures in life that fill my cup. Finding a grasshopper, discovering a new plant, soaking in a beautiful view, dancing when no one is watching, singing in the shower, goodness, even digging for worms can be exciting. I’m calling these simple pleasures into my life right now and drinking them in like my first cup of morning coffee because they ground me in these early years of motherhood. Motherhood in combination with running a business, nurturing a marriage, and fulfilling my own creative desires feels near impossible some days (notice I said nothing about a social life!). I paint the feelings I want to experience, I ground myself in the practice, and I sincerely want to create that sense of grounding and the ability to mindfully connect with the present moment for those that collect my work. 

This year I’m bringing back the mini watercolor landscapes for the 25 Days of Minis project with presence in mind. When I was a child, I would walk to the highest elevation on my parent’s property and climb a large tree that had a limb hanging over the fence row, overlooking the valley. I would walk out to the edge of the tree limb and sit there absorbing the landscape. It stirred up a well of emotions in my heart—excitement, hope, possibility. I think about how truly present I was in those moments. Free of cell phones, work, expectations, you name it. I was free to daydream and that is exactly what I did there while I looked out over the vast view. It was in those moments that the abundance found in nature seemed completely accessible to me. 

The best compliment is when I witness a child absorb my artwork. I’ve seen my one-year-old giggle when noticing a ladybug in a pattern I designed, my 4-year-old is constantly trying to procure paintings for her bedroom gallery, and when children that aren’t part of my family appreciate my work, my heart literally sings a little tune. It’s a song about daydreaming into the present moment, finding joy in the smallest pleasures, and soaking in the moments that we are in, right now. My hope is that this work can serve as a visual reminder to focus on flourishing, see the beauty and magic in the present moment and that the wild abundance that exists in nature is also accessible to us.

mini watercolor landscapes
Mini Watercolor Landscapes from the 2021 Collection

Transform your space into a sanctuary of peace and natural beauty. Explore my collection of original art, linen wall hangings, and bespoke wallpaper, each piece crafted to inspire tranquility and well-being. Interested in a custom creation that perfectly matches your vision? Let’s collaborate to bring your unique idea to life. Reach out today to discover how we can enhance your environment with art that resonates with the soul. Together, we’ll create a space that reflects the beauty of nature and the essence of your personal style.

Visit my shop here

Where art meets design

How to create cohesion in your brand (or your art)

I throw around the word “cohesive” quite a lot—whether I’m working on a client’s brand or website, composing a pattern, or painting a composition. But what does it really mean to be cohesive?

Cohesion is “the action or fact of forming a unified whole.” I’m interested in creating a feeling that something is complete, not lacking anything. And while being cohesive is so important for creating consistency with a client’s brand, I find that it is equally as important when composing a pattern, creating artwork, or designing an illustration. In my Skillshare class, Watercolor by Design, I review how seven basic design principles influence my painting practice. In the last few years, I’ve worked hard to understand my preferences, both style wise and what I’m passionate about. By doing so, I’ve been able to understand where art meets design and why the two can live harmoniously together in my work. It comes down to cohesion. 

By making intentional choices using design principles, you can create cohesion within your brand or your artistic style. Let’s review the seven basic design principles I share during my class and how they influence my design and artist practices.

Seven Basic Design Principles

1. Hierarchy

Knowing what is most important allows you to create a visual hierarchy to communicate a particular message, emotion, feeling, or mood. Creating a visual hierarchy guides the viewer’s eyes and allows them to land on a particular location within your composition. Scale, density, detail, and overall prominence play a role in determining where the focal point will be. 

2. Contrast

Contrast is an excellent compositional tool. Adding a spectrum of color values allows you to emphasize (or de-emphasize) specific areas. It can be used in combination with other techniques to create a pathway for the viewer to move through the piece. It can apply to how we use color, fonts, imagery as well as our painterly techniques. 

3. Repetition

Repeating elements, style preferences, colors, etc. can provide uniformity—or in this, case reveal your style. Recognizing and repeating patterns in your work is a great way to enhance your signature style, as well as lean into what is working for you. Repetition is also a great way to create cohesion. 

4. Proximity

In design, proximity is used to create organization and cohesion within a space. When it comes to fine art, proximity can be used to create friction, breathing room, consistency, or a combination of the three. 

5. Balance

Balance is also a tool that can be used to create a sense of friction or ease. Balance can be achieved by creating or placing objects, colors, or images at an equal distance from the center on opposing locations within the piece. I prefer compositions to feel balanced because it creates a feeling of wholeness to me.

6. Color

Color can evoke certain emotions and express values. Warm colors create a different feeling from cool colors. Complimentary colors can create balance or contrast when placed next to one another or cancel each other out when combined. Color can add depth, or lack of color can make it feel flat—both can be intentional choices. 

7. Space

Space, like balance and proximity, is important to keep in mind for compositional purposes. Negative space, in particular, can be an excellent tool to keep in mind while you are completing a composition. Space creates a pathway or a natural shape that works as a tool alongside contrast, balance, and proximity.

When a brand is well designed and adheres to a style guide, it allows us to quickly recognize that brand at a glance (almost subconsciously) and forms a sense of reliability. When an artist intentionally moves in the direction of their style preferences, we can also recognize their work. It allows an audience to engage with that artist, builds trust, and creates a connection to the work. 

If you’re interested in finding ways to use the principles listed above in your brand or your artwork, here are a couple of suggestions:

For your brand

Try listing out the above design principles on a piece of paper. Then under each item, brainstorm ways that you are currently creating cohesion in your brand using these principles. Or, if you feel there are areas for improvement, think of new ways you could begin implementing these techniques. 

For your artwork

Start by creating a lot of work (or look back on a large batch of your recent creations). Then reflect on what works well and what doesn’t—what feels cohesive to you? Write down the design principles you’re using that are giving you that cohesion. Then, create a new piece of work using the style preferences and principles that you enjoy in your previous works. If you like the outcome, consider continuing to move in that direction going forward. 

Just like the seasons, your preferences will change over time—whether you’re reviewing your brand, your artwork, or even how you structure your daily life. Recognizing those shifts allows you to make intentional choices that create cohesion, not just in your creative practice, but in the way you approach everything. Whether it’s deciding which projects to take on, how to arrange your home, or even how you schedule your time, these same principles—balance, contrast, repetition—can help you bring clarity, ease, and flow into your everyday world.

Do you have a logo in mind that embodies your business or vision, or are you looking to create one? I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts or reach out for a consultation to bring your vision to life. And if you’re a designer, why not take these principles and apply them to your next project? Let’s create logos that don’t just exist but make a resonant and lasting impression.

Bring your logo to life

My Top Watercolor Supplies

watercolor supplies

Everything you’ll need
to get started with watercolor paint

The first time I painted with watercolor, I was painting a local landscape in plein air. I loved it and took to it so quickly, as it felt a lot like drawing. And it ignited my life-long passion for watercolor. So much so that when I was getting my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts, I squeezed in a watercolor class as an elective, and then proceeded to follow my watercolor professor to paint in Italy two summers in a row. 

All that to say, watercolor is by far my favorite medium, and it has been for 20 years now. I love the versatility of the paint, and the friendliness of it. You can cozy up on your couch, allow your kids to dive right in, and meanwhile be working on a masterpiece (think Andrew Wyeth!). I’ve protected this skill set of mine, sort of hid it, nurtured it, and watched it flourish over the years. Now I’m finally ready to start sharing what I’ve learned, so I created this resource to share some of my favorite supplies that I’ve discovered throughout my watercolor journey. 

I’m a firm believer that the quality of the ingredients matters—whether you’re baking a cake or putting pigment to paper. So I’m going to share with you a few of my favorite, quality watercolor supplies … I know you’ll love them as much as I do!

Brushes

1. Beginner Brush Set — Cotman Set

This set is great because it comes with a range of 7 different brushes, making it the perfect, well-rounded set to get started with. You can figure out which brushes you prefer to work with by working with a range. 

2. Standard Must-Have — Mop Brush

Mop brushes are a must-have for painting large washes. The larger the brush the more water and pigment the brush will hold so you want to choose a size based on the size of paper you plan to work with. 

3. My Favorite — Series 7 Round Brushes

I really love these brushes because they give you a range of abilities—from fine detail to creating washes—you can do it all with a quality round brush. They are my favorite from the list. If detail is something you are interested in achieving, grab yourself a mid-sized round brush. It’s well worth the investment. 

Watercolors

Winsor Newton Professional Series

I use Winsor Newton Professional Series Watercolor when I paint. The colors are great and there’s a huge variety of tones. Below are a couple different links to different sets that you can get started with. Keep in mind that you can create a large range of colors using a basic palette. I recommend starting smaller and adding to your collection as you start to get comfortable with the medium.

1. Set of 12

2. Set of 18

3. Set of 24

Paper

1. Hot Press Block Paper

This is the paper I use all the time and I absolutely love it! It’s a block of paper. The purpose of a block is to keep the paper taut. This is 140 lb. hot press paper—which means it’s a smooth sheet and thick enough that it won’t ripple. Hot press is great for scanning your artwork. Arches makes some wonderful cold press sheets if you are looking for some texture to the paper.

2. Amalfi Paper

This is an incredible paper from the Amalfi coast — I actually first discovered it when I was in an art gallery there. It’s an incredible quality paper, fun to use, and gives you a way to explore if you want something a little different! 

Palette

1. Palette with Center Mix and Lots of Color Spaces

I think it’s really important to have spots to mix colors in the center of your palette, and then spots for a lot of different colors on the outer edge. There are a lot of suitable options out there, I chose this one as it is similar to what I use daily.

2. Beautiful Ceramic Palette

If you are looking for something that photographs well this is the palette for you.  It doesn’t have enough color spots for me personally, but it’s another great one to start with! (Perfect if you want to show photos of your supplies or your painting process!)

Extras

Here are a few extra supplies that I recommend having on hand when you are getting started: 

These supplies will set you up to dive into the medium. And if you want tips on painting with watercolor, check out my latest Skillshare class—Watercolor by Design!

NOTE: I am not an affiliate for these brands nor do I get any commission on the purchase of these products. They’re just a few of my favorites that I wanted to share with you.