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!
I recently finished this new abstract watercolor and couldn’t wait to share it with you 💜💙
This piece began as pure play—no plan, no rules—just letting the watercolors flow and seeing where they wanted to go. Soft violets and calming blues gradually layered together, forming shapes and textures that felt peaceful, almost like a quiet horizon or a gentle moment of stillness at the end of a long day.
One of the things I love most about abstract art is that it’s open to interpretation. Everyone sees something different, and there’s no “right” answer—only feeling. Some might see a landscape, others might feel a mood, and sometimes it’s just the colors themselves that speak.
For me, this painting was a reminder of the joy in letting go, of exploring without expectations, and of finding calm in the simple act of painting. It’s these small, playful experiments that keep my creativity flowing and my love for watercolor alive.
I’d love to know—what do you see or feel when you look at it?
I have some exciting news to share with you. The other day while browsing in Barnes & Noble, I came across the latest issue of Stampington’s Somerset Studio Magazine. Late last year I submitted my accordion art journal for their “With Flying Color” Challenge, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that my piece received an honorable mention!
While I didn’t have an article published this time, photos of my art journal appear on pages 142–143, which was such a wonderful moment to see.
Sometimes creativity has a beautiful way of lifting our spirits, and seeing my journal in print thanks to Stampington Somerset Studio was such a bright moment this week—a wonderful reminder of the joy of creating.
This week has been an emotional one for me after losing my sweet Chanel just a few days ago. Seeing my colorful journal layout unexpectedly in the magazine felt like a little ray of light right when I needed it most. The happy colors and playful design instantly made me think of her and brought a smile to my heart.
Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderfully creative weekend ahead! 🎨✨
I have three beautiful American Cocker Spaniels — Chanel (13), Rosie (3), and Sadie (1.5). Chanel was a fun-loving pooch who was crazy about swimming, running, and especially playing ball. If her toy landed in the pool, she’d give you that look… “Someone has to get it — please let it be me!” Sometimes she’d even “accidentally” drop it in herself just to go swimming. 😂
At only three years old, Chanel lost her vision. In the beginning, she bumped into walls and would sit down with a deep sigh of frustration. It broke my heart. But just a few days later, something incredible happened — she began mapping the house using her nose, carefully learning every room and space. Before long, she moved confidently through life again.
Swimming no longer felt safe for her, yet she never stopped playing fetch. At the command “listen,” she would pause, focus on the sound of the ball, and run confidently to retrieve it every time. People were always surprised to learn she was completely blind — she never allowed it to slow her down or define her spirit.
She was the matriarch of our family, always making sure everyone was safe and accounted for. Despite everything she faced, Chanel chose joy every single day. She became my reminder to stay positive and focus on what truly matters. I feel incredibly blessed to have had her in my life and to have learned so much from her — about resilience, unconditional love, and finding happiness no matter the circumstances.
This past Monday, 3/2/26, Chanel went to heaven.
She is deeply missed, and though there have been many tears, I know she would want to be remembered for her playful spirit, her courage, and her endless joy.
Take time to slow down and cherish the moments you share with those you love — furry or human. Life moves quickly, and the magic is happening right now.
💖 I know the angels have Chanel, and she’s running free again — forever loved, forever remembered, forever in our hearts. 💖
“Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole.” ~ Roger Caras
Lately, I’ve been spending time simply learning — and honestly, it has been such a refreshing experience.
These two small watercolor pieces came from practice sessions while taking Laura Horn’s online class, “Painted Horizons.” The focus has been on layering transparent washes to create depth, atmosphere, and soft horizon lines. Working slowly and building color step by step has taught me to trust the process a little more.
One of the paintings grew naturally from experimentation with layering effects. I allowed the watercolor to move freely, watching how each transparent wash changed the mood of the piece. Practice work like this feels freeing because there’s no pressure — just curiosity and exploration.
The second piece began with color inspiration from the Color Cube by Sarah Renae Clark. I challenged myself to match the palette using my own paints, which meant quite a bit of mixing and adjusting along the way. Using colors I wouldn’t normally combine pushed me outside my comfort zone, and in the end, I truly love how the warmth and glow came together.
What I’m discovering again is that practice isn’t separate from finished work — it is the work. Every experiment teaches something new, opens creative doors, and brings fresh energy into the studio.
Sometimes growth happens quietly, one small painting at a time.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this creative journey with me. I hope you have a wonderful and inspiring day!
In a world that moves at constant speed, slow living is a quiet choice to be present.
It isn’t about doing less or stepping away from life. Slow living is about living with intention — choosing awareness over urgency and meaning over momentum.
We are often encouraged to stay busy, productive, and always connected. Yet many of us feel tired, distracted, and disconnected from the very moments that make life meaningful.
Slow living invites something different.
It looks like:
savoring small daily rituals
creating without pressure
allowing rest without guilt
noticing beauty in ordinary moments
being fully present where you are
This practice isn’t seasonal or temporary. It’s a way of moving through life with greater care and attention.
When we slow down, creativity deepens. Conversations feel richer. Even simple routines become grounding instead of overwhelming.
Slow living reminds us that life isn’t a race to complete — it’s an experience to notice.
You don’t need to change everything at once. Begin with one small pause today. One intentional moment is enough to start.
What is one way you’re choosing to slow down this week? Share in the comments — I’d love to hear.
Thank you for stopping by today — I hope your day is filled with something beautiful.
I’m so excited to introduce a brand-new design — the “When Color Smiles” Abstract Tote Bag! This colorful tote transforms one of my original acrylic paintings into a joyful, wearable piece of art. Whether you’re running errands, heading to the beach, or carrying your favorite sketchbook, this tote brings creativity along for the ride.
Inspired by expressive brushstrokes and uplifting color, the When Color Smiles tote features vibrant aqua, lemon yellow, lavender, and soft pink flowing together in a playful abstract design. The movement of color gives the bag a light, happy energy that instantly brightens everyday moments.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Tote Printed in vivid color on durable fabric, this tote is designed for real life. It’s available in three sizes with multiple handle color options, making it perfect for errands, market runs, beach days, travel, or creative outings. It also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves art and unique accessories.
✨ Stop by my Flowing Waters Art Shop to see all the details and choose your favorite size. Your next favorite carryall is waiting for you!
Thanks so much for stopping by and being part of this creative journey with me.
We all have days that feel heavier than expected. Plans fall apart, energy runs low, or emotions sit closer to the surface than we’d like. On days like these, it’s easy to get pulled into frustration or self-criticism. That’s exactly why having a personal mantra can be so powerful.
A mantra is more than just a phrase — it’s a gentle anchor. Something you return to when your thoughts start spiraling or your confidence dips. It doesn’t have to be poetic or profound. It just needs to feel true and supportive to you.
Why a Mantra Helps
When a difficult moment hits, your mind tends to repeat whatever thought is loudest — and often that thought isn’t kind. A personal mantra interrupts that loop. It gives your brain a new script, one that steadies you instead of adding pressure.
Think of it as emotional muscle memory. The more you repeat your mantra during calm moments, the easier it becomes to access when things feel overwhelming.
Finding Words That Feel Like Home
A meaningful mantra usually grows from what you most need to hear. Ask yourself:
What do I struggle to believe on hard days?
What reminder would calm me right now?
What truth do I want to return to?
Your mantra might be simple:
“One step at a time.” “This moment will pass.” “I am allowed to go gently today.”
Notice what creates a small sense of relief when you say it. That’s your signal you’re on the right track.
Making It Part of Your Day
A mantra works best when it becomes familiar. Try repeating it while making coffee, walking, journaling, or taking a few slow breaths. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s creating a habit of returning to yourself with compassion.
Over time, your mantra becomes less of a phrase you say and more of a mindset you carry.
A Gentle Reminder
Difficult days don’t mean you’re failing — they mean you’re human. A personal mantra is a gentle act of care that says, “I’m here for myself, even now, and I give myself grace.”
Take a moment today to write down a mantra that feels supportive and true for you. Keep it somewhere visible, return to it often, and let it remind you that you’re allowed to move through hard days with compassion. If you feel comfortable sharing, I’d love to hear what words steady you — your mantra might inspire someone else, too.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a beautiful and magical day ✨
Recently I’ve been working exclusively in 100% watercolor — no pens, no pencils, no mixed media — just paint, water, and experimentation. Limiting my tools in this way has been incredibly freeing. It removes distractions and brings my focus back to the natural movement of pigment, allowing watercolor to lead the conversation.
There’s a calm that comes from watching color bloom and settle. Working this simply reconnects me with why I love watercolor in the first place — the balance of intention and surrender.
Small Swatches, Big Discoveries
I started by creating lots of small watercolor swatches to test new color combinations, brushes, and techniques. These mini studies are where discovery happens. Each swatch becomes a low-pressure space to explore how pigments blend, separate, and create unexpected textures.
This playful experimentation feels both energizing and grounding. There’s no pressure for perfection — just curiosity. Some color pairings surprised me with their softness, while others produced bold, atmospheric effects that immediately sparked ideas for larger pieces.
From Testing to Finished Pieces
After choosing my favorite swatches, I moved into four 6×6 inch watercolor abstracts, carrying those discoveries forward. Even at this stage, the process stayed experimental. I adjusted water ratios, layered washes, and allowed organic edges to form naturally.
Each piece evolved from those early tests, maintaining a sense of freedom while gaining structure and intention. The result feels like a conversation between exploration and refinement — guided, but never forced.
Why This Process Matters
Working this way has been deeply refreshing for my creative mindset. Focusing on pure watercolor encourages patience, play, and emotional presence. It reminds me that experimentation isn’t separate from finished work — it is the foundation of it.
When I give myself permission to explore, my paintings feel more alive and expressive. That sense of freedom carries into the final pieces, creating art that reflects both process and feeling.
With Valentine’s Day arriving this Saturday, hearts, cards, and handwritten notes start taking center stage. While today we might exchange store-bought cards or digital messages, the tradition of sending sealed letters reminds us that love letters once carried a powerful sense of ceremony — and romance.
Long before instant communication, a sealed letter wasn’t just mail. It was an experience.
When Love Was Sealed by Hand
In ancient civilizations, sealing a letter with wax ensured privacy and authenticity. But beyond practicality, sealing a personal message created a moment of intention. Imagine the care involved — writing by hand, folding the paper, melting wax, and pressing a seal to close it.
For lovers, this ritual transformed a simple note into something intimate and meaningful. A sealed letter whispered, this is meant for you alone. It was romance you could hold in your hands.
Wax Seals and the Language of Emotion
By the Middle Ages, wax seals carried symbolism. Nobility used them for authority, but personal letters — including romantic ones — embraced the seal as part of the message. Even wax colors held emotional meaning. Red often symbolized passion and love, making it a fitting choice for Valentine correspondence.
A sealed letter didn’t just deliver words. It carried feeling, anticipation, and connection.
Love Letters as Keepsakes
Unlike modern texts that disappear into a scroll, sealed love letters were treasured objects. They were tucked into boxes, reread by candlelight, and saved for years. The physical act of opening a seal heightened the emotional experience — a small dramatic pause before reading heartfelt words.
It’s easy to see why Valentine traditions grew from this culture of handwritten affection.
The Romance of Letterlocking
Some messages were folded using intricate techniques known as letterlocking — turning paper into its own envelope. These clever folds protected secrets and added artistry to the exchange. For romantic letters, it created a sense of mystery and delight.
Opening one felt like unlocking someone’s heart.
A Tradition Worth Reviving
Even in our fast-paced digital world, Valentine’s Day offers a beautiful excuse to slow down. Writing a note, sealing an envelope, or adding a decorative wax stamp can transform a simple gesture into something memorable.
You don’t need medieval tools — just intention. A sealed letter reminds us that love isn’t only spoken — it’s crafted, shared, and preserved.
This Valentine’s Day, consider putting pen to paper. Your message might become a keepsake… a modern echo of a timeless tradition.
Romance has always lived in the details — in ink, in folded paper, and in the anticipation of opening a heartfelt message. Thanks for stopping by, and may your Valentine’s Day be filled with meaningful moments and a little old-fashioned magic.
I’m excited to introduce my newest 8×8 abstract painting, “When Color Smiles,” a piece that celebrates the simple joy and energy that colorful abstract art can bring into a space.
From the very first layers, this painting felt bright and expressive. I worked intuitively, allowing vibrant colors to move freely across the canvas, blending softness with bold moments. The result is an original modern abstract painting that feels playful, uplifting, and full of life — like color itself is sharing a happy moment.
One of the things I love most about creating small abstract paintings is how much personality they can hold. Even at 8×8 inches, this piece carries movement and emotion. The layered colors create depth and visual interest, inviting you to pause and explore the details. Every angle reveals something a little different — a gentle transition, a pop of brightness, or a subtle rhythm in the brushwork.
Abstract art speaks in feeling rather than words, and “When Color Smiles” is all about warmth, optimism, and creative freedom. Whether displayed on a shelf, gallery wall, or cozy corner, this colorful abstract painting is meant to bring a lighthearted energy into its surroundings.
Creating this piece reminded me how powerful color can be — not just visually, but emotionally. Sometimes a painting doesn’t need a story or explanation. Sometimes it simply exists to lift the spirit.
Stop by my Etsy Shop if you’d like to see more details about this uplifting piece.
Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
Flowing Waters Art 