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!

Thoughtful Thursday The Timeless Art of Norman Rockwell

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Norman Rockwell Self Portrait – 1960

Norman Rockwell, a master of American illustration, captured the heart and soul of everyday life in the 20th century. His art, renowned for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, adorned the covers of The Saturday Evening Post for nearly five decades. Rockwell’s work resonates with a timeless charm, portraying scenes of humor, patriotism, and human connection.

Rockwell’s keen eye for detail and his ability to depict the subtleties of human expression made his art uniquely relatable. From the innocence of childhood to the complexities of societal change, his paintings often told stories that words could scarcely convey. Iconic pieces like “Freedom from Want” and “Girl at Mirror” not only reflect his technical brilliance but also his deep empathy and social consciousness.

Beyond mere illustration, Rockwell’s art is a vibrant historical record, chronicling the American experience with warmth and sincerity. His ability to blend realism with idealism created a visual narrative that continues to inspire and comfort viewers today.

Exploring Norman Rockwell’s artwork is like taking a journey through the American spirit, reminding us of the enduring values of kindness, resilience, and unity.

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

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Freedom from Want – Norman Rockwell 1943
Girl at Mirror – Norman Rockwell 1954

Shop Update

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I’m excited to introduce a new photo package available in my Etsy shop featuring two beautiful Coastal Bird Prints of a Plover and Laughing Gulls!

Create a tranquil ocean retreat in your home with these exquisite fine art coastal bird prints. Available in 5×7 and 8×10 inch prints, you can choose to showcase them individually or as a captivating set. Plus, enjoy special rates when you purchase them together!

Don’t miss the chance to create the beachside oasis you’ve always dreamed of. Explore my Etsy Shop today and add these breathtaking coastal bird prints to your collection.

Thank you for your continued support!

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“Thoughts are like waves, we can’t stop them from coming but we can choose which ones to surf.” ~Unknown

Thoughtful Thursday Childhood Wisdom

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Artwork by Maria Vidaurre

John Lennon once shared a profound childhood memory: “When I was 5 years old, my mom always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

This simple yet powerful anecdote underscores a timeless truth often lost in the hustle of modern life. As children, we inherently grasp that happiness is the ultimate goal, unclouded by societal expectations and pressures. Lennon’s mother instilled in him a wisdom that many spend a lifetime seeking—valuing happiness above all else.

When young Lennon responded with “happy” to the question of future aspirations, it highlighted a profound understanding that fulfillment isn’t about titles or achievements but about joy and contentment. His teachers’ reaction exemplifies a common misconception: equating success with external accomplishments rather than inner well-being.

Lennon’s words remind us to realign our priorities, to seek joy in our everyday lives rather than in the relentless pursuit of societal standards of success. In essence, understanding life truly means cherishing happiness as our ultimate aim.

Hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!

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Shop Update – Ocean Whispers Watercolor Abstract

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I find immense joy and peace sitting on the beach, watching the waves roll onto the shore. The ebb and flow of the ocean, ever-changing yet calming, inspires my art deeply. It’s with this serene energy that I’ve created my latest painting. Without further ado, I’m thrilled to unveil “Ocean Whispers.”

This original watercolor abstract, skillfully crafted on 9×12 inch, 140 lb watercolor paper, delights the senses with its tranquil hues of greens and blues. The addition of glitter lends a magical shimmer, while delicate touches of gold sprinkle just the right amount of enchantment and contemporary flair, effortlessly elevating the ambiance of any room.

“Ocean Whispers” is more than just a painting; it’s a piece of the serene, ever-changing ocean that can enliven your space. Let its beauty and tranquility inspire and soothe your soul.

“Ocean Whispers” is available in my Etsy Shop (if interested)✨

I hope this painting brightens your day and sparks your creativity. Thanks for stopping by!

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“The sea, once it casts it spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” ~Jacques Cousteau

Photo by Darwis Alwan on Pexels.com

2024 Inchie Challenge Handmade Journal

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I had a wonderful time participating in the 2024 Inchie Challenge hosted by Amy Maricle at Mindful Art Studio. The challenge featured 12 prompts, and I created a small 3.5×3.5 inch journal from watercolor paper to showcase each tile.

To add a final touch of whimsy, I finished it off with a bit of glitter and ribbon.

Check out this short video of my journal—I hope it inspires you to create something fun this weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Thoughtful Thursday – Cecilia Beaux Artistry

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Sita and Sarita (1893 – 1894)

Cecilia Beaux, an extraordinary portrait artist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is celebrated for her exquisite ability to capture the essence of her subjects with grace and sophistication. Born in Philadelphia in 1855, Beaux’s remarkable talent and dedication to her craft earned her a prominent place in the art world, rivaling her male contemporaries like John Singer Sargent.

Beaux’s portraits are renowned for their meticulous detail, luminous quality, and psychological depth. She had a unique gift for portraying not just the physical appearance of her subjects, but also their inner lives and personalities. One of her most famous works, “Sita and Sarita” (shown above), beautifully illustrates her skill in rendering the delicate interplay of light and shadow, bringing her subjects to life with astonishing realism.

What sets Beaux apart is her ability to infuse her portraits with a sense of intimacy and connection. Her paintings often depict family members, friends, and notable figures of her time, each rendered with a sensitivity that reveals their individuality and character. Her work is a testament to her belief that a portrait should be a true representation of the person, capturing their spirit and essence.

Cecilia Beaux’s legacy extends beyond her stunning artworks. She broke barriers in a male-dominated field, paving the way for future female artists. Her achievements are a testament to her exceptional skill, perseverance, and passion for art. Her portraits continue to inspire and captivate, showcasing the enduring power of art to touch the human soul.

Thanks for joining me in celebrating the incredible artistry of Cecilia Beaux. I hope her story and work inspire you as much as they inspire me!

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Dorothea and Francesca (1898)
Cecilia Beaux (1855-1942)

Shop Update

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I’m thrilled to introduce a new photo package available in my Etsy shop featuring two stunning Florida Beach Coastal Prints!

Transform your space into a serene ocean retreat with these exquisite fine art coastal prints from the beautiful Florida coastline. Available in 5×7 and 8×10 inch prints, you can choose to showcase them individually or as a captivating set. Plus, enjoy special rates when you purchase them together!

Don’t miss the chance to create the beachside oasis you’ve always dreamed of. Visit my Etsy Shop today and bring home these breathtaking coastal prints.

Thank you so much for your continued support!

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“Smell the sea, and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly.” ~Van Morrison

Sea Girl Portrait Art Journaling

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I can’t believe how long it took me to complete this art journal portrait! I began with the sketch in December, and after several layers of watercolors, she’s finally finished. 👏👏 The sketch itself was time-consuming, as I wanted to get it just right. Then, I meticulously added layer upon layer of watercolors, with a few enhancements using colored pencils—though not too much. It was truly a labor of love, and I poured so much time and effort into each detail. This video shows how it all came together 😊

I hope this inspires you in some way. Have a great weekend! ⠀

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Thoughtful Thursday Special Bonds

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I have a delightful story to share with you today. In my backyard, under the oak trees, I have a bird feeder and water dish. One day, I heard a bird sounding off with five short whistles. I found it cute and mimicked the sound. Little did I know, this would be the start of a special relationship.

The bird turned out to be a red cardinal. We began whistling back and forth to each other, creating a unique bond. Whenever I filled the feeder and changed the water, I’d whistle five short notes, and the cardinal quickly learned that this meant it was feeding time.

This routine continued for months, and the cardinal grew increasingly comfortable around me, even coming very close. Then he disappeared for several days, and I worried something had happened. But one day, after I whistled, he returned briefly and then flew off, only to come back with a female cardinal. They started visiting the feeder together every morning and evening. I realized they must have a nest nearby because they eventually took turns coming to the feeder.

The real surprise came when the cardinal returned with his mate and two baby cardinals. Watching the parents feed seeds to their little ones was heartwarming. The babies, were noticeably a bit clumsy at flying but quickly got the hang of it.

Now, the babies are all grown but still visit the feeder. Whenever he’s hungry, the cardinal comes to the feeder, sings me the most beautiful song, and waits for the seeds. This special bond puts a smile on my face every day.

Forming special bonds with nature can be profoundly enriching, whether it’s hearing birds sing, the rustling of leaves, or enjoying a garden in bloom. These connections remind us of the natural world’s beauty and harmony, bringing calm, wonder, and happiness, and inspiring us to protect and cherish our environment.

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

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Make sure to check out all the slides below:

Shop Update – New Laughing Gulls Photo Available

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Check out this delightful photo of two laughing gulls! Capturing them against the coastal rocks in the Bahamas was such a joy. You can almost feel the warmth of the sun and the refreshing ocean breeze in this photo. These beautiful birds truly brought a smile to my face, and I hope they do the same for you!

This charming snapshot is available in my Etsy Shop in 5×7 or 8×10 inch sizes to add a touch of nature’s joy to your space.

Thanks for your support!!

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