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About Maria - FlowingWatersArt

I'm a self-taught mixed media artist and have been creating art and a positive atmosphere in my life for as long as I can remember. I live in sunny South Florida, which serves as my inspiration for my use of bright fun colors with a whimsical flair. My goal is to inspire and empower you to find your inner happiness through creativity, as I have in my life. This website includes different tips and techniques that will hopefully inspire your inner muse to create. Welcome and join me on a wonderful journey in creating art!

Nurture Small Habits for Lasting Positive Change

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Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

Change doesn’t always come from grand gestures—it often begins with tiny, intentional steps. Like seeds planted in winter soil, small habits have the power to grow into meaningful transformation over time.

Start with something achievable: drinking more water, journaling for five minutes a day, taking a short walk, or practicing gratitude each morning. These small acts may seem minor now, but with consistency, they take root and flourish. Over time, the cumulative effect of these tiny habits can ripple through your life, shaping your routines, mindset, and overall well-being.

The key is patience and kindness toward yourself. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and there will be moments when old patterns resurface or progress feels slow. That’s okay. Every attempt, no matter how small, is a seed of possibility—worth nurturing, worth celebrating.

Consider this an invitation to reflect on one small habit you could plant today. Imagine how it might grow by the end of the year. Even the tiniest change, when practiced regularly, can become something meaningful: a new routine, a healthier habit, or a mindset shift that transforms how you approach your days.

By planting these seeds now, you give yourself the gift of time, patience, and possibility. The growth might be slow and subtle, but it is real—and it has the power to create lasting, positive change.

Thanks for stopping by—cultivate your growth, and always share the happy❤️

Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels.com

Last Chance: 50% Off Christmas Art Sale!

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🎄✨ Final Call! My After-Christmas Sale in the Etsy Shop wraps up tomorrow, and it’s your last chance to enjoy 50% OFF all original Christmas artwork.

From cozy wall art to hand-painted ornaments, every festive piece is marked down—no code required. If you’ve been eyeing something special or want to get a head start on next holiday season, now’s the moment to grab it before it’s gone.

🕛 The sale ends January 7th, 2026, and orders over $35 still ship free. Once it’s over, these prices won’t return!

Swing by my Etsy Shop today and claim your one-of-a-kind holiday art before the countdown hits zero. 🎨💫

Thank you so much for your support!

Share the Happy ❤️

Wishing You a Joyful and Healthy New Year

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As one year ends and another begins, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and look ahead with hope. Every new year brings a fresh start, a chance to set intentions, and an opportunity to grow into the person you want to become.

May the coming year be filled with joy, good health, meaningful connections, and small moments of happiness that add up to a life you love. Celebrate your accomplishments, learn from the challenges, and step forward with courage and curiosity.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and all things wonderful in the year ahead!

Thanks for stopping by!

Share the Happy❤️

After-Christmas Sale: 50% Off Unique Artworks

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The holiday season may have passed, but the festive spirit is still alive in my Etsy Shop with an After-Christmas Sale you won’t want to miss! 🎉 I’m “Sharing the Happy” with 50% OFF all my original Christmas artwork including wall decor and hand-painted ornaments—no code needed!

Whether you’re adding a little extra holiday cheer to your home or planning ahead for next year, now is the perfect time to grab one-of-a-kind art at a fantastic price! This 50% OFF sale runs through January 7th, 2026, so there’s plenty of time to shop and save on unique pieces that will brighten your space. 🛍️ Plus, enjoy free shipping on orders over $35—don’t miss out!

Hop over to my Etsy Shop and grab your original artwork before the sale ends! 🎨 Thanks so much for your support!

Share the Happy ❤️

Warm Wishes for a Merry Christmas

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Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

The holiday season is a special time to pause, celebrate, and reflect on the year with gratitude. Whether you’re surrounded by family, friends, or cozy moments of solitude, this season is a reminder to embrace joy, kindness, and connection.

May your days be filled with laughter, your heart with warmth, and your home with love. Celebrate the little moments, savor the festive treats, and cherish the memories you create—whatever holidays or traditions you hold dear.

From my heart to yours, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful, peaceful season for all.

Thanks for stopping by—spread cheer, and always share the happy❤️

The Joy of Playful Art: A Seasonal Reflection

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I’ll be honest—my art creations have slowed down a little lately. And honestly? I’m okay with that. One reason is that it’s the holidays, and I’ve been soaking up the season as much as possible: the little moments, the cozy pauses, the magic that always shows up this time of year. The second reason is a bit more behind-the-scenes—I’ve been working on plans to add a shop directly to this website. That means if Etsy isn’t your thing, you’ll soon be able to browse all of my artwork and shop right here, no extra accounts or steps required. I’m really excited about that next chapter.

As for this piece, it came from a place of play. No pressure, no rigid plan—just colors, shapes, and curiosity. It lives somewhere between abstract and impressionism, and I kind of like that it doesn’t fully commit to either. The florals feel loose and expressive, and the bold reds, warm yellows, and fresh greens felt absolutely perfect for the season. It was one of those sessions where experimenting was the whole point, and the joy was in seeing what would happen next.

Sometimes creativity—and really, life in general—doesn’t need to be about productivity or progress. Sometimes it’s simply about showing up, enjoying the moment, and letting yourself follow what feels good without overthinking it. This piece reminded me of that, and maybe it’s a gentle reminder for you too. 💛

What do you see when you look at it? Flowers in full bloom, festive energy, or just a burst of happy color? I’d love to know.

Wishing you a truly wonderful, magical day✨ Thanks so much for stopping by!

Share the Happy ❤️

Stay Healthy This Winter: Easy Self-Care Practices

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Photo by Jill Wellington on Pexels.com

Winter brings cozy blankets, hot drinks, and a slower pace—but it can also challenge our energy, mood, and immunity. This season, taking care of yourself is not just a luxury; it’s essential. Here are some simple self-care tips to keep you healthy, happy, and thriving through the colder months.

1. Prioritize Sleep

Shorter days can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm. Aim for consistent sleep, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and let yourself rest without guilt. Your body and mind will thank you.

2. Stay Active

Even a short walk in daylight or a 15-minute indoor workout can boost mood, circulation, and immunity. Movement keeps your energy flowing when the winter blues try to settle in.

3. Nourish Your Body

Seasonal vegetables, warm soups, and hydrating drinks help support immunity. Don’t forget your favorite comfort foods in moderation—they can boost both warmth and happiness!

4. Practice Mindfulness

Winter is perfect for slowing down. Try journaling, meditation, or simply taking a few deep breaths daily. Pausing to check in with yourself can ease stress and improve mental wellness.

5. Connect With Others

Even if it’s cold outside, maintaining social connections keeps loneliness at bay. Virtual catch-ups, phone calls, or cozy gatherings can lift your spirits and remind you that you’re not alone.

6. Light and Nature

Shorter days can affect mood, so soak up natural light whenever possible. A sunny morning walk or bright indoor lighting can help keep your energy and positivity high.

Winter wellness is about balance: nurturing your body, mind, and spirit in small, meaningful ways. Incorporate these habits, and you’ll glide through the season feeling healthier, happier, and more resilient.

Thanks for stopping by—take care of yourself, and don’t forget to share the happy❤️

Photo by Danik Prihodko on Pexels.com

Exploring Creative Freedom in Art Journaling

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Art journaling is such a fun way to play and get in some practice at the same time. It’s the perfect space to try out new ideas, techniques, tools, and colors without any pressure—just pure creativity.

When I make these abstract pieces, I love how the shapes and colors take on a life of their own. Simply using more or less water can create the coolest organic effects. Whether I’m brushing wet paint onto dry paper or working wet-on-wet, the results are always different, and honestly, always a little surprising!

This piece was created in my Strathmore Watercolor Journal using only three shades of blue. I added some line work and fun details with Posca pens and gold metallic markers. It turned into an interesting little design that really invites you to stop and look a bit closer.

Whatever your passion is, keep practicing and nurturing it. Doing what you love brings so much joy—and it’s amazing to see how your skills grow along the way.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

Share the Happy ❤️

Winter’s Wisdom: A Time for Reflection

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Photo by Tim Gouw on Pexels.com

Winter’s quiet invites us to pause—to breathe, to reflect, and to look back on the year with softer eyes. As the world slows down, we’re reminded that rest is part of growth, and reflection doesn’t have to come with judgment.

Seeing the Year Clearly—and Gently

Maybe this year unfolded differently than you hoped. Some goals bloomed; others never sprouted. There were bright moments, and there were heavy ones, too. Winter encourages us to accept all of it with honesty and compassion.

Instead of focusing on what didn’t happen, notice what did: the ways you showed up, the resilience you carried, the small wins that deserved celebration.

Viewing Yourself With Kindness

As you reflect, imagine reading your own story the way you’d read a friend’s—without harshness.

  • When were you braver than you realized?
  • Where did you grow, even quietly?
  • What did you learn about yourself through challenge or change?

You did the best you could with the energy and understanding you had. That’s enough.

Honoring Quiet Growth

Not every step forward is visible. Much of our growth happens beneath the surface—like winter roots strengthening in the cold. Maybe you set boundaries, tried something new, or allowed yourself to rest. These are not small things. They’re the foundations of who you’re becoming.

Moving Into the New Year Softly

Kind reflection plants gentler seeds for the year ahead. Instead of pressure, you carry clarity. Instead of criticism, you carry compassion.

Let this winter be a moment to honor how far you’ve come—and to treat yourself with the tenderness you’ve earned.

Thanks for stopping by—wishing you warmth, kindness, and plenty of reasons to Share the Happy❤️

Photo by Margerretta on Pexels.com

The Art of Emotions: Capturing Faces in Acrylic

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I’ve always been amazed at how a face can tell a whole story without saying a single word. One glance can share a feeling, a mood, or even a little secret. That’s why I love creating faces so much. Whether they turn out whimsical, serious, detailed, or abstract, each one brings its own unique emotion.

This particular piece was a fun practice session in my Strathmore watercolor soft-cover journal. It’s one of my first portraits using acrylic paints and inks. There were parts I really enjoyed and a few things I didn’t love as much—like blending the skin tones. I find that so much easier with watercolor, probably because I’m more used to working with it. But trying something new is all part of the adventure, right?

I still think about some of my very first watercolor portraits… those faces were definitely on the blotchy side! But that’s the beauty of learning—practice really does make a difference.

I’ve been rethinking a few things behind the scenes, so you’ll be seeing some changes coming to my Etsy shop and this site soon. I’m still working out the details, but I’ll keep you updated as everything comes together.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Wishing you a bright, happy week ahead.

Share the Happy ❤️