Author Archives: Maria - FlowingWatersArt

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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!

Finding Forever Homes for Art: An Artist’s Journey

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There’s nothing quite like the feeling of knowing one of my pieces has found its forever home. As an artist, it’s such a heartwarming moment when someone connects with a painting I poured my soul into. I’m so grateful every time a collector chooses to bring a bit of my art into their world—it’s truly the best kind of encouragement to keep creating from the heart.

🌸 “Pretty in Pink” is a vibrant acrylic abstract bursting with texture and color. Layers of pinks, purples, and blues come together in a bouquet of joyful energy. This piece was such a delight to create, and it’s an honor to know it’s now brightening someone’s day in a new home.

🌼 “Blooming Whispers” is a cheerful mixed media piece featuring soft watercolor blooms with a dreamy, abstract touch. Hung by a colorful beaded handle and topped with sparkly yarn, this piece has a whimsical charm that always made me smile. I’m so happy it’s now bringing joy to someone else’s space!

Thank you so much to the collectors who supported my work—you made my week! 🥰

If you’re curious about what’s still available, feel free to visit my Etsy Shop and take a peek. I’ve got more blooming beauties and colorful abstracts waiting to be discovered.

Thanks for visiting, and I hope you have the most amazing weekend!

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Simple and Chic Home Updates on a Budget

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Photo by Blue Bird on Pexels.com

Want to breathe new life into your home without breaking the bank? These ten easy and affordable home improvement ideas will help you transform your space with simple updates that deliver big style and comfort—no expensive renovations required.

  1. Paint a Room (or Just a Wall)
    A fresh coat of paint can completely transform a space. Try a bold accent wall or go light and bright to open up a small room.
  2. Update Cabinet Hardware
    Swap out outdated knobs and handles in your kitchen or bathroom. It’s a simple change that instantly modernizes the space.
  3. Add a Splash of Color with Pillows
    Brighten up your living area with a few new pillows in colors that pop. It’s an easy, affordable way to refresh your decor and add personality.
  4. Rearrange Furniture
    Sometimes, a new layout is all you need. Move pieces around, switch rugs between rooms, or bring in décor from other parts of your home.
  5. Swap Out Old Decor for Modern Accents
    Replace dated vases, wall art, or tabletop items with clean, modern pieces. Even just a few updated accents can give your room a fresh, current feel.
  6. Swap Out Old Area Rugs
    An outdated or worn rug can make a space feel tired. A new rug—whether patterned, textured, or neutral—can anchor the room and instantly refresh the look.
  7. Improve Lighting
    Replace old bulbs with warm, energy-efficient LEDs, or add a thrifted lamp for cozy ambiance. Lighting can dramatically change a room’s mood.
  8. Try Removable Wallpaper
    Add color or pattern to a room with peel-and-stick wallpaper—great for a feature wall or small space, and easy to remove when you’re ready for a change.
  9. Refresh Your Bathroom Textiles
    Swap out old shower curtains, rugs, and towels for new ones in your favorite colors. Whether you update one item or all three, it’s a quick and affordable way to breathe new life into your bathroom.
  10. Add Plants
    Introduce greenery with easy-care houseplants. Plants not only brighten a room but also improve air quality and add a natural, calming vibe.

With just a few thoughtful changes, you can refresh your home’s look and feel without a hefty price tag. These simple updates prove that making your space more beautiful and inviting doesn’t have to mean big budgets or big projects—just a little creativity and a bit of fun.

Thanks for dropping in—hope you found some inspiration!

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Bring Nature Home: Cypress Knees Art Prints Available

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Have you ever seen a tree create its own sculpture garden? That’s exactly what cypress trees do with their mysterious, knobby roots known as cypress knees. Rising from the earth like ancient figures, these natural formations seem almost otherworldly—and I couldn’t resist capturing their quiet power and beauty in a recent photo.

This new print, now available in 5×7 and 8×10 sizes in my Etsy Shop, brings the organic elegance of these tree-root sculptures into your home. I love how the light dances on the water, highlighting the rich textures of the knees and the reflective greens of the surrounding plants. It’s a peaceful, earthy moment frozen in time.

Whether you’re decorating a cozy cabin, adding warmth to your office, or simply craving a deeper connection with nature, this print is a gentle reminder of the hidden artistry all around us.

✨ Your print will be thoughtfully packaged in a clear cellophane sleeve with a rigid backing board, then shipped in a durable mailer to ensure it arrives in perfect condition—ready to brighten your walls.

Thanks for supporting my nature photography journey! 🌿 If you’ve got a favorite natural wonder you’d love to see in a future print, let me know in the comments!

Looking for more nature-inspired prints? Stop by my Etsy Shop to explore the full collection—each piece is created with heart and designed to bring the outdoors in.

Have a wonderful day!

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Exploring Playful Abstract Art Techniques

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This playful abstract emerged from a session of pure experimentation. I challenged myself to use familiar tools in unfamiliar ways—flipping brushes, dragging paint with unexpected edges, and layering with silicone paint brushes. The result? A vibrant swirl of turquoise, chartreuse, and magenta, accented by whimsical dot patterns and textural scribbles.

I didn’t set out with a plan—just a curiosity about what would happen if I let the tools guide me instead of the other way around. It was liberating to loosen control and trust the process. The spiral shapes, scattered blocks, and spontaneous marks became a visual journal of that exploration.

This piece is a reminder: sometimes the best discoveries come when you stop trying to make “art” and just start playing.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a peek into my creative experiments. Wishing you a colorful, joy-filled weekend—see you next time!

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Exploring Rembrandt: Master of Light and Emotion

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Rembrandt Self Portrait 1642

Today, I’m spending a little time with Rembrandt—one of history’s true artistic legends. Born in 1606 in Leiden, Netherlands, Rembrandt van Rijn rose to fame during the Dutch Golden Age as a painter, printmaker, and master of light and shadow. But beyond his technical brilliance, what makes Rembrandt’s work so moving is the emotion and humanity woven into each piece.

Rembrandt created hundreds of paintings and etchings—everything from grand biblical scenes to quiet, contemplative self-portraits. He painted the rich and the poor, the well-known and the overlooked, all with the same sense of dignity and soul. His use of chiaroscuro (the dramatic play of light and dark) didn’t just highlight physical features—it illuminated emotion, struggle, and inner life.

What’s especially inspiring is that Rembrandt’s life wasn’t easy. He experienced deep personal loss, including the death of his wife and three of their children. He also faced financial ruin later in life. And yet, he kept painting. In fact, some of his most powerful and introspective works came during these harder years. His late self-portraits are raw, honest, and quietly beautiful—proof that creativity doesn’t vanish in the face of hardship. Sometimes, it deepens.

Rembrandt’s art reminds me that no matter what we face, creativity has the power to uplift, connect, and inspire. So let’s keep creating, keep expressing, and let our light shine—just like he did.

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into art history—thanks so much for stopping by!

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A few of Rembrandt’s Paintings:

The Artist in his Studio 1629

The Storm of Galilee 1633

The Night Watch by Rembrandt 1642

Rembrandt Self Portrait 1669

Vibrant Macro Photo Print: Sunburst

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I’m excited to share my newest photo print, Sunburst—a vivid macro photograph of a glowing orange Mexican sunflower. This striking bloom practically radiates warmth, making it the perfect piece to add a splash of sunshine to your home.

Whether you’re updating your gallery wall or looking for a thoughtful gift, Sunburst brings a cheerful burst of nature indoors. Available in 5×7 and 8×10 sizes, each print is carefully packaged to arrive ready to frame and enjoy.

Take a peek in my Etsy Shop and let a little extra light into your day!

Thanks for your continued support!

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Trusting the Process in Abstract Art Creation

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A Painting in Progress

Working on these abstract paintings is always an adventure—each layer tells part of the story, even the ones that get buried beneath others. This 18×24 inch piece has been evolving for quite some time now. I’ve been adding layers slowly, letting each one guide the next, and I’m finally starting to fall in love with it.

The Midnight Pause

There’s always a point in the process where I feel the urge to keep going—adding more color, more movement, more energy. Last night was one of those moments. I was tempted to keep layering well past midnight, but something told me to pause. So I listened. I stepped away and promised myself I’d take another look in the morning with fresh eyes. I’m so glad I did.

A Fresh Look in the Morning

This morning, I brought the painting into a sunnier room and propped it up by the window. The natural light made the colors come alive in such a lovely way. I sat there with my delicious chocolate shake, just soaking it all in—and that’s when it hit me: it didn’t need much more. Maybe just a few soft lines or subtle shapes, but nothing major. For now, it feels close to complete. And that feels really good.

Trusting the Process

It’s moments like these that remind me why I love making art—learning to trust the quiet pauses just as much as the bold brushstrokes.

Let’s Chat!

Have you ever taken a break from something creative, then come back to it with fresh eyes? I’d love to hear how that’s worked for you—feel free to share in the comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a beautiful and relaxing weekend!

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Anticipating Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

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Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

As a kid, I enjoyed watching the original Mission: Impossible TV series. It was filled with action and intrigue—the kind of edge-of-your-seat drama that kept you guessing. The original show aired from 1966 to 1973 and set the stage for a legacy of high-stakes espionage storytelling.

Fast forward to today, and the Mission: Impossible film series, starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, has taken that same spirit and cranked it up with globe-trotting stunts, intense plot twists, and jaw-dropping action. Since the first film in 1996, each installment has built on the last—faster, bolder, and more daring than ever.

What truly sets the series apart is Cruise’s commitment to doing many of his own stunts, whether he’s hanging off cliffs, scaling skyscrapers, or free-falling from planes. It’s this mix of physical intensity and smart storytelling that keeps the franchise fresh and fans coming back.

Here’s a look at all the films in the Mission: Impossible series so far:

  1. Mission: Impossible – May 22, 1996
  2. Mission: Impossible 2 – May 24, 2000
  3. Mission: Impossible III – May 5, 2006
  4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol – December 16, 2011
  5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation – July 31, 2015
  6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout – July 27, 2018
  7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One – July 12, 2023
  8. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Coming May 23, 2025

From its roots as a classic TV show to the edge-of-your-seat blockbusters we see today, Mission: Impossible has proven that some missions really are worth accepting—again and again. I’m especially excited for the upcoming installment, The Final Reckoning, which appears to be the last in the series. You can bet I’ll be heading to the theater to see it—stay tuned for a movie review!

Are you a huge fan gearing up to catch it on the big screen tomorrow? Here’s a link to the movie trailer: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Trailer)

Hope you’ll be able to see it! Thanks for stopping by!!

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New on Etsy: Stunning Sunset Reflections Art Print

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Bring the vibrant glow of twilight into your home with Sunset Reflections—a bold abstract Giclée print inspired by the striking beauty of sunset skies mirrored on water. With rich purples, deep blues, and vivid greens flowing together in a dynamic composition, this piece adds color and energy while still offering a calming presence.

Adapted from my original watercolor, each print is professionally reproduced to capture every bold brushstroke. Available in a variety of sizes from 5×7 to a stunning 24×36 inches—Sunset Reflections is easy to style in any space, big or small.

Now available in my Etsy Shop—ready to frame, hang, and bring a touch of magic to your walls.

Here’s to a week filled with creativity, joy, and bright moments! 💫

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Creative Ways to Enhance Your Concertina Art Journal

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I’ve been having a bit of fun and working in my concertina art journal also known as an accordion journal. The next four pages burst with layered whimsy and creative reuse. I started with collaged butterflies—each one crafted from stash papers I had previously made. Their wings are full of bright colors and lively movement, bringing a sense of flight across the spread.

To add a bit more charm, I included collaged pieces from an old book page and sketched in snippets of musical notes. They bring just the right touch of vintage whimsy. I also added gold pen accents that catch the light in such a lovely way, tying everything together with a gentle shimmer. One page has a leafy collage that helps ground the butterflies and adds a sweet little nod to nature.

On the far right page, I included a small pocket—just big enough to hold a hand drawn woven paper and a cut-down strip from a loose watercolor painting. It’s a little surprise tucked into the page, inviting interaction and a closer look.

This spread is all about play, texture, and transformation—breathing new life into forgotten bits and well-loved papers. I had so much fun watching it all come together, layer by layer.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my latest concertina journal pages! Do you have favorite treasures hiding in your stash that always inspire you? I’d love to hear what you’ve been making—feel free to share in the comments.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderfully creative weekend ahead!

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