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!

New Christmas Art: Noel & All Is Calm 🎄✨

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  • Noel
  • All is Calm

The holidays are one of my favorite times to create, and this year I’m especially excited to share two brand-new Christmas paintings that have found their way onto charming little ornaments. These whimsical pieces are filled with festive cheer and cozy magic, perfect for brightening up your tree—or any small nook in your home.

Noel 🌸🏠🌙

This 3×4 inch pink house ornament feels like a storybook scene come to life. With its cheerful blue roof, glowing yellow windows, and a decorated Christmas tree standing on each side, the home sparkles under the gentle moonlight and the bright North Star. Hung with a festive ribbon, Noel is more than just tree décor—it’s also a mini hand-painted artwork that can bring a joyful pop of color to desks, shelves, or any cozy corner.

All Is Calm 🌌🏠⭐

The second piece, All Is Calm, is a one-of-a-kind 4×4 inch canvas that captures the peaceful stillness of a winter’s night. A whimsical blue house is nestled between two bright Christmas trees, with the moon and shining North Star overhead. A sprinkle of glitter gives it that extra holiday sparkle, making it a perfect reminder of the calm and magic the season brings. Whether you display it on your tree or gift it to someone special, this little painting is sure to bring a smile.

Both of these new pieces were painted with love, sealed for protection, and are ready to display with their festive hanging ribbons. They also make thoughtful gifts—unique treasures that combine the joy of art with the warmth of holiday tradition.

✨ You can find Noel and All Is Calm—along with my other original artwork—over in my Etsy Shop: www.FlowingWatersArtShop.etsy.com.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and may your day be filled with joy!

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Embracing Autumn: Finding Balance in Nature

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

September 22nd marks the autumn equinox—the day when light and dark balance perfectly, giving us equal hours of day and night. There’s something so grounding about this moment in the year, a gentle reminder to pause and find balance in our own lives too.

As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to change, I always feel a spark of inspiration. Autumn carries a cozy energy—warm drinks, golden light, and colors that feel both vibrant and soothing. It’s a season of reflection and transition, a time to let go of what no longer serves us and make room for new beginnings.

In the studio, I find myself drawn to deeper, richer tones—burnt orange, warm golds, soft browns, and jewel-like purples. These colors seem to mirror the changing trees for this season, reminding me that nature itself is an endless source of creativity.

The equinox is more than just a shift in the calendar—it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, embrace the season, and lean into the beauty of change.

As we celebrate this balance of light and dark, I hope you find a moment of calm and inspiration too. 🍁

What rituals, colors, or little joys help you welcome autumn into your life?

Thanks for stopping by! Wishing you a day full of wonder and enchantment.

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Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Whispers of Light ✨

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As an artist, I often find myself deeply connected to the pieces I create. Each brushstroke carries its own story, and sometimes I like to sit with a painting for a while—reflecting on the process, making sure it feels complete, and letting the piece breathe before deciding what comes next.

Whispers of Light, my newest 18×24 abstract, is one of those pieces I took my time with. I blogged about it back in May, sharing how I paused in the middle of the night and waited for morning light to guide me. That quiet moment became part of the painting’s journey.

With its luminous layers of turquoise, rose, golden peach, and warm earth tones, this piece carries a sense of calm and gentle radiance—like a breath between thoughts. I’ve truly enjoyed pouring my heart into it, and now it’s ready to step beyond the studio.

It’s always a little bittersweet to move a painting from my studio into my shop—like closing a quiet chapter—but it also brings me so much joy to imagine it finding a new home. I love the thought of its soft glow becoming part of someone else’s story.

✨ Whispers of Light is now available in my Etsy Shop: Flowing Waters Art Shop

If this piece speaks to you, I’d be delighted for you to take a closer look. Thank you for being part of my creative journey and for supporting handmade art.

Wishing you a day filled with light and inspiration!

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20 Inspiring Fall Quotes to Celebrate the Season

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Photo by Ana M. on Pexels.com

Autumn has a way of inviting us to pause, reflect, and soak in the beauty of change. Even if you don’t experience the full crispness of fall where you live, the season’s colors, moods, and rhythms can inspire creativity, calm, and a sense of renewal.

To help you embrace the magic of autumn, I’ve gathered 20 beautiful fall-themed quotes—perfect for journaling, decorating your space, or just reflecting on the season:

  1. “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” — Albert Camus
  2. “Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” — F. Scott Fitzgerald
  3. “Autumn shows us how beautiful it is to let things go.” — Unknown
  4. “Notice that autumn is more the season of the soul than of nature.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
  5. “Autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons.” — Jim Bishop
  6. “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it.” — George Eliot
  7. “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” — L.M. Montgomery
  8. “Autumn leaves don’t fall—they fly.” — Unknown
  9. “And all at once, summer collapsed into fall.” — Oscar Wilde
  10. “Autumn is the hush before winter.” — French Proverb
  11. “Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” — Emily Brontë
  12. “Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.” — Samuel Butler
  13. “The wind that makes music in October corn is the same that bends the pine.” — Wallace Stevens
  14. “Autumn arrives in a cloak of gold, whispering secrets of change untold.” — Unknown
  15. “Crisp air, cozy flair, autumn colors everywhere.” — Unknown
  16. “Leaves are falling, autumn is calling.” — Unknown
  17. “Pumpkins, leaves, and apple pies, autumn is a sweet surprise.” — Unknown
  18. “Autumn is the season to find contentment at home by paying attention to what we already have.” — Unknown
  19. “The trees are about to show us how lovely it is to let the dead things go.” — Unknown
  20. “Autumn paints in colors that summer has never seen.” — Unknown

Each of these quotes is a little invitation: to slow down, appreciate the season, and embrace change in our own lives. Whether you’re savoring a warm drink, walking among colorful leaves, or creating in your studio, autumn has a gentle way of reminding us to pause, reflect, and find beauty in transformation.

Which of these quotes speaks to you the most? 🍂 I’d love to hear which one captures your autumn spirit!

Thanks for stopping by, and may your fall be full of color, inspiration, and cozy moments.

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Photo by Maria Vidaurre on the Appalachian Trail

Festive Christmas Artwork for Holiday Cheer

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  • “Owl Always Love You!”

I remember as a kid how sad I was when summer ended and school started back up again. The silver lining, though, was knowing that Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas were just around the corner. Those cozy holidays always made the transition a little easier.

This year feels like it has flown by—how about you? It seems like time moves faster and faster as we get older, but maybe that’s the beauty of life: to grow older, learn, and hopefully become a little wiser along the way.

I’m deeply grateful for each day I get to be here creating art that brings a smile to others. This past weekend I channeled that gratitude into preparing for the holiday season and worked hard on adding all of my Christmas artwork to my Etsy Shop.

I still have a few festive pieces in progress, and I can’t wait to finish them up over the coming weeks so they’ll be ready to join the collection. It’s such a joy to share these little bursts of holiday cheer, and I’m excited for what’s to come!

If you’d like to get a head start on your holiday decorating—or find a special handmade gift—stop by my Etsy Shop to see the new Christmas collection. 🎄✨

Thanks for stopping by—wishing you a joyful, creative week ahead!

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Celebrating Tom Petty: The Voice of Resilience

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This week, I’ve been thinking about one of my favorite musicians, Tom Petty. His music has been a constant source of comfort and inspiration for me, and his life reminds me of the power of perseverance and staying true to yourself.

Born in Gainesville, Florida, Petty picked up a guitar in his teens and never let go. By 1976, he and the Heartbreakers released their debut album, and from there he carved out a legendary career spanning four decades. With hits like “Free Fallin’,” “American Girl,” “Refugee,” and “I Won’t Back Down,” he became the voice of resilience, freedom, and authenticity.

What I find most uplifting is how he never lost his passion for making music. Even after achieving worldwide fame, Petty kept writing, recording, and touring, driven not by ego but by love for the craft. He also stood up for artists’ rights, challenging record companies when he felt fans were being overcharged. That mix of heart, grit, and integrity made him unforgettable.

Over the years, Tom Petty received some of music’s highest honors. He won three Grammy Awards, including Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for “You Don’t Know How It Feels.” He earned MTV’s Video Vanguard Award, a Billboard Century Award, and was named MusiCares Person of the Year in 2017. Petty was also inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2002) and the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2016). Beyond that, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999 and, in 2021, was even awarded an honorary PhD from the University of Florida.

Tom Petty’s life (1950–2017) is a reminder that success isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about holding onto what makes you unique and sharing it with the world. His music continues to encourage me, both in life and in the studio: to keep creating, keep showing up, and never “back down.”

Here’s to Tom Petty—an artist who made the world brighter with his songs and spirit. What’s your favorite Tom Petty song that never fails to lift you up?

Grateful you shared this little journey through music history with me—may your day be filled with inspiration and joy!

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Unique Lightweight Tote: A Splash of Neon Inspiration

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I’m so excited to share my newest creation with you—a vibrant, neon-colored abstract tote titled. Bursting with blue, green, yellow, purple, and pink, this playful design is all about movement, energy, and embracing the endless possibilities in life.

Printed in vivid detail on the front and paired with the inspiring quote on the back—“Dance in the spectrum of possibility”—this tote is perfect for errands, strolls, or just carrying a little extra color and inspiration with you wherever you go.

Lightweight, durable, and crafted with love, it’s a fun, modern way to showcase your colorful spirit. It also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves art, creativity, or a splash of joyful color.

Bring a pop of neon and a reminder to celebrate every possibility into your day with this one-of-a-kind tote!

✨ Swing by my Etsy Shop to check out this new exclusive tote: Flowing Waters Art Shop. Your next favorite carryall is just a click away!

Thanks so much for stopping by and being part of this creative journey with me.

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Watercolor Abstracts: A Creative Journey

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  • Work in Progress
  • Glitter
  • Gold

I hope everyone has a fun holiday weekend ahead! I know I’m ready to slow down a little and soak in some much-needed relaxation. Lately, I’ve been doing a bit of rethinking, and one thing has become clear—I need to spend more time in the studio. To ease myself in, I decided to play around with some new watercolor abstracts.

The first piece (photo one) is still a work in progress. I love the way the vivid colors flow and mingle together, though I made the center line a bit wider than I intended I still like it overall. That’s the fun of experimenting—it all becomes part of the process.

For the second piece, I decided to add a touch of glitter along the middle line. It’s subtle in the photo, but in person it gives the painting just the right amount of sparkle and magic.

On the third, I couldn’t resist trying shimmering gold. It paired beautifully with the warmer tones and instantly gave the piece a glowing, almost autumn-like feel. With cooler days right around the corner, I’m looking forward to exploring more warm, cozy color palettes that capture the spirit of fall.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing this creative moment with me—I hope the changing season brings you inspiration too. As we welcome September, I’d love to know: what colors or little rituals help you embrace the fall season?

Wishing you a relaxing and joyful Labor Day weekend!

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Exploring Emily Dickinson’s Timeless Poetry

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Emily Dickinson is one of America’s most beloved poets, admired for her originality and deeply introspective themes. Living much of her life in seclusion in Amherst, Massachusetts, she wrote nearly 1,800 poems, though only a few were published during her lifetime—and often without her consent.

Her poetry broke the norms of the 19th century with short lines, slant rhyme, and unconventional punctuation. She explored universal themes such as nature, life, death, and the mysteries of the soul. One of her most famous poems, “Hope is the Thing with Feathers,” paints hope as a delicate bird that sings endlessly, even in life’s darkest moments—a metaphor that has comforted readers for generations.

Dickinson’s words are timeless because they speak to emotions we all experience. Here are two of her well-known lines:

  • “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul—and sings the tune without the words—and never stops at all.”
  • “Forever is composed of nows.”

Though she lived quietly, Dickinson’s voice continues to echo around the world, reminding us of the beauty in small moments and the power of inner reflection.

What’s your favorite Emily Dickinson poem or quote? Share it in the comments!

Thank you for taking a moment to celebrate Emily Dickinson with me. Wishing you a day filled with inspiration and beauty!

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New Wildlife Photography: From Sweet Ducklings to Majestic Peacocks

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  • “Waddle and Wonder”
  • “Crowned in Color”

Nature has an incredible way of surprising us—sometimes with its quiet sweetness and other times with its dazzling display of color. This week, I’m excited to share two new photographs that capture both sides of that beauty: a tiny, fluffy duckling and a proud, colorful peacock.

The first image, titled “Waddle and Wonder,” features an adorable baby duckling exploring a muddy patch. There’s something so pure and joyful about its little adventure—it’s the kind of moment that instantly makes you smile. Perfect for nursery décor, nature-themed spaces, or anyone who loves a touch of cuteness at home.

On the other end of the spectrum is “Crowned in Color,” a striking photograph of a peacock in all its glory. Its shimmering feathers and regal pose are a reminder of nature’s artistry and elegance. This piece brings sophistication and vibrancy to any wall, whether in a living room, office, or gallery wall collection.

Both prints are available in multiple sizes and make wonderful gifts for bird lovers and nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re drawn to the soft charm of the duckling or the bold beauty of the peacock, these photographs bring a touch of the wild into your everyday space.

You can find “Waddle and Wonder” and “Crowned in Color” in my Etsy Shop—stop by and explore more nature-inspired art!

Thanks so much for visiting, and may these pieces bring a little joy and inspiration to your day!

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