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!

Shop Update: Colorful Watercolor Abstract Painting ‘Whispers of Sunset’

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Sunsets are such a beautiful sight, and they were my inspiration for this painting. The warm glow of pinks, yellows, and oranges creates a feeling of joy and serenity, capturing the essence of those magical moments when the day gives way to night.

With this in mind, I’m excited to share that “Whispers of Sunset,” a colorful original Modern Watercolor Abstract Painting, is now available in my Etsy Shop! Crafted with love on 5×7 inch, 140 lb cold press watercolor paper using professional-grade paints, this piece radiates life and captivates everyone who sees it.

“Whispers of Sunset” brings a touch of contemporary elegance to any space. Whether displayed in your living room, personal sanctuary, or workspace, it adds vibrant colors and creative energy. Plus, its versatile design lets you hang it vertically or horizontally, perfectly suited to your style and space.

✨ Just a reminder—today is the final day of the Labor Day Sale in my Etsy Shop! Enjoy 25% off select Original Art and Ornaments. ✨

Thank you for your continued support!

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Finding the Finish Line: When to Call a Painting Complete

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I’ve been having so much fun creating these smaller abstract paintings lately! This new piece is painted on a 5×5 inch canvas with a textured background in beautiful shades of pink and purple, and I just love how the colors are coming together.

One of the toughest decisions as an artist is knowing when to call a piece finished. It’s so easy to keep adding details and then suddenly feel like the whole thing has gone sideways! That’s exactly where I am with this one. I think it’s finished, but I’m not sure if I should add a few more details or just leave it as is. That’s the big question! What do you think? Should I keep going or call it done? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below😊

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend! Thanks for stopping by!!

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Thoughtful Thursday The Persistence of Memory: Salvador Dalí’s Surreal Masterpiece

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The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dali

Salvador Dalí, one of the most iconic and imaginative artists of the 20th century, is best known for his dreamlike, surrealistic paintings that challenge our perceptions of reality. Born in Figueres, Spain, in 1904 (d. 1989), Dalí’s work spans a wide range of mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, and even filmmaking.

Dalí’s art is characterized by bizarre, dreamlike imagery and meticulous detail, often incorporating unexpected elements that captivate and confuse. His most famous work, “The Persistence of Memory” (1931), features melting clocks draped over a desolate landscape, symbolizing the fluidity of time and the distortions of human perception. This painting, along with many others, showcases Dalí’s fascination with the subconscious mind, a theme he explored deeply throughout his career.

Dalí’s impact on the art world is undeniable, with his innovative techniques and distinctive style continuing to inspire artists and captivate audiences today. His works remain a testament to the limitless possibilities of creativity and the power of art to challenge our perceptions and expand our minds.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or new to the world of surrealism, exploring Dalí’s work is a journey into the depths of the human psyche—one that promises to be as intriguing as it is enlightening.

Hope you enjoyed this art history snippet, thanks for stopping by!!

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Shop Update: Soothing Watercolor Abstract Painting ‘Dreamscape’

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Colors have a wonderful way of bringing calm to our lives, and that’s exactly what I had in mind when creating my latest piece, “Dreamscape.” I’m so excited to share this soothing and serene modern watercolor abstract with you! 🌊💜

Featuring a blend of calming blues, greens, yellows, and purples, “Dreamscape” is all about harmony and tranquility. Painted with care on 7.9×7.9 inch, 140 lb hot press watercolor paper using professional-grade paints, this piece brings a sense of peace to any space. It’s not just a painting—it’s a gentle invitation to relax and unwind. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of serenity to your home or office, “Dreamscape” is a beautiful, high-quality piece that’s perfect for creating a calming atmosphere.

Head over to my Etsy Shop to see this piece and discover more original artwork. Your next favorite piece is waiting✨

Thank you for your support!

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Exclusive Discount Inside: Celebrating My Feature in Art Journaling Magazine! Surprise

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I recently received a delightful surprise on Instagram from @stampington—a special discount code to say thank you for my contribution to their Art Journaling Magazine!

Not only do I love Art Journaling Magazine, but I’m also a big fan of several other Stampington publications. Somerset Studio is a treasure trove for mixed media enthusiasts, full of creative projects, fun worksheets and more. In Her Studio takes you behind the scenes into the inspiring spaces of female artists. Willow and Sage offers unique recipes for homemade bath and body products, perfect for some self-care time. And my absolute favorite, Bella Grace, is packed with touching stories, inspirational quotes, and stunning photography. There are so many more amazing publications to explore—definitely check out their site to find your favorites!

As a token of appreciation, I’m excited to share this special discount code with you: PUBLISHED15. Use it to get 15% off everything in their store! Just head over to Stampington.com to start shopping. ✨

I’m so grateful for this kind gesture—thank you, Stampington!💖😊

Happy shopping, everyone!

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Thoughtful Thursday The Sweet Beginnings of Pepperidge Farm

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Margaret Rudkin

The story of Pepperidge Farm began in 1937, thanks to a determined woman named Margaret Rudkin. Margaret was a Connecticut homemaker who found herself on a mission to create healthy, wholesome bread for her young son, who had severe allergies and couldn’t eat most store-bought bread. With no formal training in baking, Margaret started experimenting in her kitchen, using simple, natural ingredients. After many trials (and errors), she finally created a loaf that was not only safe for her son but also delicious.

Word spread quickly about Margaret’s bread, and soon, local grocers began asking to sell it in their stores. With increasing demand, Margaret named her bakery after her family’s farm, Pepperidge Farm, and started baking on a larger scale.

As her business grew, Margaret continued to innovate. In 1955, she traveled to Europe and discovered delicious, crisp cookies that were unlike anything available in the U.S. She brought the idea back home, and that’s how the famous Pepperidge Farm cookies, like Milano and Chessmen, were born.

Pepperidge Farm grew from a small home kitchen operation to a beloved brand known for its high-quality baked goods, including bread, cookies, and crackers. Margaret Rudkin’s passion for wholesome food and her entrepreneurial spirit turned a simple loaf of bread into a household name, creating a legacy that still thrives today.

Hope you enjoyed this history post, thanks for stopping by!!

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Margaret Rudkin, Pepperidge Farm

Labor Day Sale 2024: Enjoy 25% Off Handmade Art at FlowingWatersArtShop

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Thrilled to announce this special Labor Day Sale going on now through September 3rd, where you can enjoy 25% off in the shop!🎉 Whether you’re looking for a new painting to brighten up your space or a keepsake ornament to add to your collection, this is the perfect time to shop for something unique and handmade.

The sale is live now, but don’t wait too long—these deals are only available for a limited time. Head over to my Etsy Shop now and find your next favorite piece before it’s gone! (Discount will be automatically applied at checkout.)

Thank you for supporting handmade art, and happy shopping!

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Shop Update: Colorful Watercolor Abstract Painting ‘Kaleidoscope’

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I love the rainbow of colors and this painting does not disappoint! When creating it, I was careful to choose colors that blended and played nicely together. It’s always a fun challenge because sometimes, a tube of paint that looks blue might not turn green when mixed with yellow, as you’d expect!

With that in mind, I’m thrilled to announce that “Kaleidoscope,” a vibrant, original Modern Watercolor Abstract Painting, is now available in my Etsy Shop! Crafted with love on 5×7 inch, 140 lb cold press watercolor paper using professional-grade paints, this piece truly radiates with life. It’s a burst of color that captivates everyone who sees it.

“Kaleidoscope” is perfect for adding a touch of contemporary elegance to any space. Whether you hang it in your living room, personal sanctuary, or workspace, it transforms the area into a vibrant haven of color and creativity. Plus, it can be hung vertically or horizontally—whichever suits your style best!

Thank you for your support!

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Makes my Heart Sing Art Journaling

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Ever wondered what goes on inside an artist’s mind? Well, this journal layout is a little peek into mine! I’m all about bright, fun, happy colors, whimsical touches, and the magic of everyday life. Roses and flowers? Absolutely love them. Music and art? They all make my heart sing.

This creation is part of the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram. I fell a bit behind because of the many projects I’ve got going on in the studio, but this artwork is for June’s prompt: “Makes my heart sing.” So many ideas came to mind, but the real challenge was capturing the feeling in a way that truly resonates.

After some thought, I chose ‘Art’ because, no matter what’s happening in the world, creating always brings me joy, happiness, and peace. This artwork was made in my favorite 4.5×5″ handmade watercolor journal. I used watercolor paints and markers, a white Posca pen for highlights, a sketch pencil for shading, and of course, a bit of glitter for that extra sparkly magic✨

I’ve got one more layout to do for July, and then I’ll be all caught up. I’m planning to work on that this week, juggling it with my other projects. I hope this piece inspires you in some way!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I’d love to hear what makes your heart sing. Have a fantastic weekend!

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Photo by Unchalee Srirugsar on Pexels.com

Thoughtful Thursday Guy Harvey: Marine Biologist, Artist, and Conservationist

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Guy Harvey is more than just an artist; he is a marine biologist, conservationist, and a storyteller who has captured the vibrant beauty of the ocean through his art. Born in Germany and raised in Jamaica, Harvey’s deep connection with the sea began at an early age. This bond, coupled with his scientific background, has allowed him to create art that is both visually stunning and educational.

Harvey’s artwork is renowned for its detailed depictions of marine life, particularly fish species like marlins, sailfish, and sharks. His ability to bring these creatures to life on canvas has made him a favorite among both art collectors and marine enthusiasts. But Harvey’s work goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about marine conservation.

In 1999, Harvey founded the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the marine environment. Through the foundation, Harvey has funded research, education, and outreach programs aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.

Harvey’s unique blend of art and science has made a lasting impact on both the art world and the field of marine conservation. His work continues to inspire a deeper appreciation for the ocean and the need to protect it for future generations. Whether you’re a fan of his art or an advocate for marine life, Guy Harvey’s legacy is one that resonates with passion, purpose, and a profound love for the sea.

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for stopping by!!

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