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’m so thrilled that Amy Maricle at Mindful Art Studio is hosting the 2024 Inchie Challenge. I’ve had the pleasure of participating in the past 2 years and it was always a blast! There’s something so special about creating these mini works of art.
So, naturally, I had to jump on board once again. It’s become a bit of a tradition for me now, and I just can’t resist the opportunity to focus my creativity in such small sizes. These were all created on 2 inch square watercolor tiles and Amy provides the prompts for 12 consecutive days.
I’m catching up but these are my creations for the first 3 days:
Day 1 – Leaves
Day 2 – Patience
Day 3 – Love
If you’re even the slightest bit curious about exploring your creative spark, I highly recommend joining in on the fun. Visit Amy’s website at Mindful Art Studio and click the link at the bottom of the screen to join the Inchie Challenge. Trust me, you won’t regret it! Who knows, maybe we’ll end up sharing some Inchie-inspired masterpieces together. 😊🎨✨
Thanks for stopping by!!!
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“Imagination is the most marvelous, miraculous, inconceivably powerful force the world has ever known.” ~Napoleon Hill
Few natural wonders evoke the sense of awe and wonder quite like Niagara Falls. Located on the border between the United States and Canada, this magnificent waterfall complex is a testament to the raw power and beauty of nature.
Spanning the Niagara River between the province of Ontario in Canada and the state of New York in the United States, Niagara Falls consists of three breathtaking waterfalls: the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls, and the Bridal Veil Falls. Together, they form the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world, making Niagara Falls a must-see destination for travelers from around the globe.
The sheer magnitude of Niagara Falls is best experienced up close, whether by taking a thrilling boat ride on the iconic Maid of the Mist or embarking on a scenic helicopter tour for a bird’s-eye view of the cascading waters. Feel the mist on your skin and hear the thunderous roar as millions of gallons of water plummet over the edge, creating a spectacle that ignites the senses and leaves an indelible impression.
But Niagara Falls offers more than just breathtaking views. Surrounding the falls is a vibrant ecosystem teeming with diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike. Explore the lush landscapes of Niagara Parks, home to picturesque gardens, hiking trails, and stunning vistas overlooking the falls.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a moment of awe-inspiring beauty, Niagara Falls offers something for everyone. Soak in the majesty of nature’s masterpiece, and let the timeless allure of Niagara Falls leave you breathless and inspired.
Hope you enjoyed this post today, thanks for stopping by!!
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“Their roar is around me. I am on the brink of the great waters—and their anthem voice goes up amid the rainbow and the mist.” ~Grenville Mellen
Immersing myself in the serene beauty of the beach is one of life’s simple pleasures, and there’s nothing quite like watching the graceful dance of shoreline birds. This is a moment in time I captured of a plover on the Florida West Coast, foraging for food upon the pristine sandy shores.
What’s truly remarkable is the individuality and vibrancy that each bird exudes—a testament to the fascinating diversity of nature’s creations.
This beautiful print is available in my Etsy Shop in 5×7 or 8×10 inch sizes to add a touch of coastal charm to your surroundings.
I love to create in my journal in between studio projects, it’s a creative sanctuary for me. I found this image of flowers in an old Romantic Homes magazine and couldn’t resist creating a journal spread around it. I fell in love with the vibrant springtime vibe it had.
Beginning with the blank canvas in one of my favorite Strathmore watercolor journals (7.75×9.75″), I let my thoughts flow onto the page. Layer by layer, I added pieces of decoupaged tissue papers and snippets from old books, creating an interesting textured background. I used everything in my studio from watercolors to acrylic paints, pens, colored pencils, and even a sprinkle of glitter, to add depth and dimension to the design.
I finished it off with a quote by Steven McCanie:
“The master has failed more times than the beginner has even tried.”
May this glimpse into my creative journey inspire you today. Thanks for stopping by!!
In the realm of American art, few names resonate with as much brilliance and innovation as Georgia O’Keeffe. Her iconic works, characterized by bold colors and an unparalleled sense of abstraction, have etched her name into the chronicles of art history.
Born on November 15, 1887, in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, O’Keeffe’s journey to artistic eminence was a gradual but determined one. After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Art Students League in New York, she honed her craft, eventually forging a distinctive style that would set her apart in the male-dominated art world of the early 20th century.
O’Keeffe’s artwork is perhaps most renowned for her depictions of flowers, particularly her larger-than-life renderings of blossoms such as “Jimson Weed” and “Black Iris” (both shown below). These paintings, with their meticulous attention to detail and magnified perspectives, transcend mere representation, offering viewers a glimpse into O’Keeffe’s profound reverence for the beauty and mystery of nature.
Jimson Weed – Georgia O’Keeffe
Black Iris – Georgia O’Keeffe
Yet, O’Keeffe’s artistic repertoire extends far beyond floral motifs. Her evocative landscapes, inspired by the stark beauty of the American Southwest, capture the essence of the desert with a simplicity and depth that is truly captivating. From the majestic contours of the New Mexico terrain to the haunting allure of bleached bones against a vast sky, O’Keeffe’s landscapes invite us to contemplate the raw, elemental forces of the natural world.
In addition to her mastery of painting, O’Keeffe was also a pioneer of modernism, experimenting with abstraction in ways that challenged conventional notions of representation. Her series of abstract works, such as “Music—Pink and Blue No. 2” and “Abstraction Blue (both shown below),” showcase her innovative use of form and color to evoke emotional and psychological states, inviting viewers to explore realms beyond the confines of the tangible.
Music—Pink and Blue No. 2 – Georgia O’Keeffe
Abstraction Blue – Georgia O’Keeffe
Today, Georgia O’Keeffe’s legacy endures as a testament to the power of artistic vision and the enduring allure of the natural world. Her paintings continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the globe, reminding us of the boundless possibilities of creativity and the eternal beauty that surrounds us.
In the words of O’Keeffe herself, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way—things I had no words for.” Indeed, her art speaks volumes, transcending language and time to touch the hearts and minds of all who behold it.
Hope you enjoyed this today, thanks for stopping by!!
I’m playing catch-up with the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram. Only one prompt a month, and I still managed to fall behind! 😂 For March, the prompt was “Collaged Animal.”
So I’m sharing one of my all-time favorite photos of my pup, Chanel. That bashful look gets me every time! She’s an absolute sweetheart, and her resilience is truly inspiring. Despite losing her sight at 3 years old, she wakes up every morning with boundless joy and still plays fetch! She’s got a lot of determination and a great attitude💖
This was created in my 4.5×5″ handmade watercolor journal, using watercolor paints and pens. I added a felt heart and a sprinkle of rhinestone hearts, along with the collaged image of my little girl.
Hope Chanel’s story brings a smile to your face today. Wishing you a fantastic day ahead!
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the importance of staying hydrated. Yet, proper hydration is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. With last summer being a bit of a scorcher, it becomes even more crucial to prioritize hydration. Here’s why staying hydrated is so important and some tips to help you do so effectively:
Why it Matters:
Vital Bodily Functions: Water regulates temperature, aids digestion, and boosts nutrient absorption, keeping your body running smoothly.
Glowing Skin: Hydration plumps skin cells, flushes out toxins, and prevents dryness and premature aging for a radiant complexion.
Energy Boost: Drinking water maintains alertness, fights fatigue, and keeps you focused throughout the day.
Weight Management: Hydration helps control appetite, supports metabolism, and aids calorie burning.
Tips for Staying Hydration:
Carry a reusable bottle everywhere you go for easy access (make sure it’s BPA Free)
Set reminders to drink regularly, especially during busy times.
Infuse water with fruit, herbs or cucumber for a flavorful twist!
Eat water-rich foods like fruits and veggies to boost hydration.
Prioritize hydration to support your health, energy, and overall well-being. Stay refreshed and enjoy the benefits of a hydrated lifestyle!
I’m excited to unveil my latest creation: “Raspberry Rhapsody,” a captivating pink abstract painting that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Measuring 9×12 inches and crafted on 140lb watercolor paper, it promises to enchant with its delicate palette of soft pink tones.
This piece was brought to life through a blend of watercolor paints, colored pencils, and pen, each stroke infused with creativity and passion. To elevate its allure, I added a touch of magic with pearlescent watercolors, lending it a mesmerizing shimmer that captivates the eye.
“Raspberry Rhapsody” is available in my Etsy Shop (if interested) and would make the perfect gift for Mother’s Day✨
Hope this inspires you today, thanks for stopping by!!
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“Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist.” ~René Magritte
Inspired my latest artistic adventures in creating mini works of art on watercolor tiles, I had an idea on how to put it all together. This is a sneak peek of a new 9×12 inch abstract painting I’m in the process of finishing up.
There are a lot of interesting elements in this piece that catch your eye like the shimmering metallic paints and delightful designs throughout. I’ll have it up in my Etsy Shop by Tuesday so stay tuned….
I hope this inspires you in some way today, thanks for stopping by!!
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“I dream my painting and then paint my dream.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
Last week I talked about the concept of the Harmony in Sound and highlighted the therapeutic benefits of using Crystal Bowls for Sound Therapy. Building upon that, I thought it would be interesting to dive a little deeper to actually see sound waves and their impact in the physical world.
Sound is a powerful force that can travel through air, water, and even solid materials including sand. When sound waves travel through sand, they cause the grains to vibrate and move in intricate patterns, creating mesmerizing ripples and shapes.
Researchers have found that by using a tone generator, speaker and a metal plate they were able to do just that! The sound frequencies cause the metal plate to vibrate and as a result the sand dances around creating the intricate patterns. The higher the frequency the more complex the patterns became.
This is a short video on YouTube demonstrating the various patterns created with sound: Amazing Resonance Experiment
Through the mesmerizing dance of sand particles orchestrated by sound waves, we witness the intricate connection between sound and form, between vibration and visualization. As we gaze upon the mesmerizing patterns, may we be reminded of the profound impact frequencies have on our bodies and the physical world, and the transformative power of sound.
Flowing Waters Art 