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!

Watercolor Abstract

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As artists, we all encounter moments when inspiration seems elusive. When I hit a creative roadblock, I often turn to nature for inspiration. However, recently I stumbled upon a book by Kate Rebecca Leach, titled “Creative Abstract Watercolor,” which gave me a refreshing approach to abstract art.

Leach’s unique style, characterized by playful geometric shapes, has sparked my imagination. Her book serves as a source of inspiration, leading me through the process of creating abstracts in a fresh new way. I’m experimenting with using the designs from my smaller tiles that I’ve been creating and seamlessly blending them together to form a larger cohesive piece.

My latest creation is this 9×12 inch watercolor abstract, painted in varying shades of pinks and purples. Each section of the piece has its own distinct flair, resulting in an engaging and intriguing piece of art.

I hope sharing my journey inspires you today. Thanks for stopping by!

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“Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple , that’s creativity.” ~Charles Mingus

Fun with Inchies

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I’ve been enjoying exploring some new ideas and creating these 3×3 inch mini works of art also known as inchies. Each design uses the same color palette and features simple yet interesting artwork. These designs, or variations of them, will be incorporated into a larger piece I’m working on, so stay tuned for that.

Once my larger piece is done, I’ll add these inchies to my stash to use in my art journal at a later date. But the process of creating these mini works of art is simply calming and so fulfilling. They’re a joy to make! What do you do to create moments of joy in your day?

Hope this sparks your creativity for a weekend art project! Thanks for stopping by!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Harmony in Sound

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Photo by Antoni Shkraba on Pexels.com

In a world filled with constant noise and chaos, the sound therapy of crystal bowls offers a tranquil oasis for the mind, body, and soul. Rooted in ancient healing practices and steeped in modern science, this therapeutic approach harnesses the power of sound vibrations to promote relaxation, balance, and overall well-being.

At the heart of sound therapy with crystal bowls lies the principle of resonance. Each crystal bowl is meticulously crafted to produce a pure, harmonic tone that resonates with the frequencies of the body’s energy centers, known as chakras. When struck or played with a mallet, these bowls emit soothing sounds that wash over the listener, inducing a state of deep relaxation and inner peace.

The vibrations produced by crystal bowls have a profound effect on the body at a cellular level. As the sound waves penetrate the body, they stimulate the release of tension and stress held within the muscles, tissues, and organs. This gentle massage-like effect not only promotes physical relaxation but also encourages the flow of vital energy throughout the body, restoring balance and harmony to the entire system.

Moreover, sound therapy with crystal bowls can have a profound impact on mental and emotional well-being. The melodic tones emitted by the bowls have been shown to quiet the mind, alleviate anxiety, and enhance mental clarity and focus. By entraining the brainwaves to slower, more meditative frequencies, crystal bowl sound therapy facilitates a state of deep meditation and mindfulness, allowing practitioners to access higher states of consciousness and spiritual insight.

This is a recording found on YouTube for Crystal Bowl Sound Therapy

Sound therapy with crystal bowls offers a holistic approach to healing and wellness, addressing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. So the next time you find yourself in need of a moment of serenity and reflection, consider immersing yourself in the enchanting sounds of crystal bowl therapy and let the healing vibrations wash over you.

Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for stopping by!

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Photo by Dids . on Pexels.com

Studio News – Whispering Blooms New Release

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Excited to share with you my latest painting, “Whispering Blooms.” This was created on an 11×14 inch canvas in captivating hues of blues, pinks, yellow and green. Delicately painted, it features splashes of color set against a textured background, evoking a sense of serene beauty and ethereal charm.

The original painting is available in my Etsy Shop if interested.

May this artwork breathe inspiration into your day, thanks for stopping by!!

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“I tried to draw my soul, but all I could think of was flowers.” ~Natalya Lobanova

Happy Easter

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Wishing you a joyous Easter filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments with family and friends. May the spirit of renewal and hope brighten your day and fill your hearts with happiness.

Happy Easter to you and yours!🐰🌷🥚

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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Easter Bunny Inchie Tiles for Art Journaling

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  • 3.5 Inch Square Tile
  • 2.5×3.5 Inch Tile
  • 2.5×3.5 Inch Tile

I really enjoy creating with these playful scribbles. With Easter Sunday tomorrow, I couldn’t resist making a few bunny tiles. Since I like working in 3’s these are my designs. I added splashes of watercolor paint to the scribbles and a little glitter to the tails for extra sparkle.

I’m going to add these to my stash for future use in my journaling. Hope this inspires you in some way today, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Live out of your imagination instead of your memory.” ~Les Brown

Thoughtful Thursday Realism Art

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The Meeting by Gustave Courbet (1854)

Realism, emerged in the mid-19th century as a reaction against the idealized and romanticized depictions prevalent in art. Rooted in a desire to represent everyday life, realism sought to capture the world as it truly appeared, without embellishment. This artistic movement revolutionized the art world, paving the way for a new era of authenticity and truthfulness in artistic expression.

At the heart of Realism is a commitment depicting the world with vivid detail and uncompromising honesty. Artists of this movement sought inspiration from the lives of ordinary people, exploring themes such as social injustice, poverty, and the harsh realities of urban life. Through their works, they sought to shed light on the human condition and provoke thought and reflection among viewers.

One of the most influential Realist artists was Gustave Courbet, often hailed as the father of the movement. His bold and unflinching portrayals of rural life and labor, as seen in works like “The Stone Breakers” and “A Burial at Ornans,” (shown below) challenged traditional artistic conventions and sparked controversy within the art world.

The Stone Breakers by Gustave Courbet (1849)
A Burial at Ornans by Gustave Courbet (1849)

Another prominent figure in Realism was Jean-François Millet, whose poignant depictions of peasant life captured the dignity and resilience of the rural poor. His iconic painting “The Gleaners” (shown below) remains a powerful symbol of solidarity and perseverance in the face of adversity.

In addition to Courbet and Millet, other notable Realist artists include Honoré Daumier, Édouard Manet, and Winslow Homer. Each of these artists brought their own unique perspective and style to the movement, contributing to its rich and diverse legacy.

Despite its origins in the 19th century, the principles of Realism continue to resonate with artists and audiences today. In an age marked by rapid technological advancement and social change, the pursuit of truth and authenticity in art remains as relevant as ever. Through their commitment to depicting the world as it truly is, Realist artists have left a lasting mark on the history of art, inspiring generations to come.

Hope you found this history in art enlightening, thanks for stopping by!!

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The Gleaners by Francois Millet (1857)
Whistler’s Mother by James McNeill Whistler (1871)

Studio News – A Walk in Monet’s Garden New Release

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Working on my camera shyness, I thought I’d make a short clip introducing my new painting, ‘A Walk in Monet’s Garden.’ This piece was created on an 18×24 inch canvas, where textured layers of acrylic paints in tranquil blues and lush greens bring the scene to life. I’m eager to hear your thoughts on both the painting and the video. Please make sure to leave a comment below😊

If interested, the original painting is available in my Etsy Shop.

Hope this inspires you today, thanks for stopping by!!

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Studio News – Sneak Peeks

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I’m thrilled to announce the completion of not just one, but two paintings this week! The weather here has been very rainy and I like to get photos using natural sunlight. So I haven’t had luck today but tomorrow we should be back to that beautiful Florida Sunshine which plays a huge part in my artistic inspiration. In the meantime, I thought I’d give you a couple of sneak peeks of these textured paintings I created with vibrant, happy colors!

Hope you’re having a lovely weekend, thanks for stopping by!!

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Thoughtful Thursday Washington Monument

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Photo by Eric Dekker on Pexels.com

Did you know that plans for the Washington Monument were underway even before George Washington became President? Back in 1783, Congress voted to create a memorial dedicated to Washington, recognizing his pivotal role as Commander in Chief during the Revolutionary War. However, due to financial constraints, Washington scrapped the plans once he assumed the presidency.

Congress again wanted to honor Washington’s legacy in 1799 after his death and proposed to build a pyramid-shaped mausoleum but that didn’t work out either. It wasn’t until 1833 that the National Monument Society was formed by concerned Washingtonians. The Society launched a design competition, led by Chief Justice John Marshall who ultimately selected the winner, architect Robert Mills, renowned for his work on notable buildings such as the US Treasury and Patent Office.

The resulting structure in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk reminiscent of ancient civilizations, was constructed in two phases, funded both privately and publicly. Upon its completion in 1884, the Washington Monument soared to a height of over 555 feet, making it the tallest building in the world at the time. Though surpassed in height by the Eiffel Tower in 1889 at 984 feet, the Monument remains an enduring symbol of Washington’s legacy.

Having had the opportunity to tour the Monument myself during a visit to Washington, DC, I can attest to its breathtaking views and awe-inspiring presence. If you ever find yourself in the DC area, be sure to include a visit to the Washington Monument on your itinerary – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The resulting structure, an Egyptian obelisk reminiscent of ancient civilizations, was constructed in two phases, funded both privately and publicly. Upon its completion in 1884, the Washington Monument soared to a height of over 555 feet, making it the tallest building in the world at the time. Though surpassed in height by the Eiffel Tower in 1889, the Monument remains an enduring symbol of Washington’s legacy.

Having had the opportunity to tour the Monument myself during a visit to Washington, DC, I can attest to its breathtaking views and awe-inspiring presence. If you ever find yourself in the DC area, be sure to include a visit to the Washington Monument on your itinerary – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget!