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!

Create an Inspiring Workspace: Tips for Decluttering

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I recently listened to a YouTube clip by Dr. Joe Dispenza called “5 Things to Eliminate from Your Home Immediately.” He talked about how your environment affects your energy and your life—even if you don’t realize it. One point that really struck me was about holding onto things that no longer serve you. He said it’s like keeping a museum of your past self—and that holding on can actually block you from growing into who you meant to become. That really resonated with me and made complete sense.

With that in mind, I’ve been on a bit of a mission to reorganize and declutter my home—starting with my office and art studio. Letting go of items I no longer want or use has been incredibly energizing. It feels so good to clear space and make room for new energy and inspiration to flow in.

Your workspace should be more than just a place to check things off your to-do list. It’s your creative zone—a space that fuels focus, calm, and inspiration. Whether you’re making art, writing, or working from home, the environment around you plays a powerful role in shaping your mood, mindset, and productivity.

Designing your dream workspace doesn’t have to be a big renovation project. Start with intention. What colors lift your spirits? Do you love a clean, minimalist look or a cozy, collected vibe? Maybe it’s a sunny corner, a favorite candle, or just having your art supplies within easy reach that makes the space feel right for you.

Don’t forget about comfort and flow—a supportive chair, natural light, and a layout that works with how you move through your day can make a world of difference. Personal touches like plants, quotes, or your own artwork can infuse the space with your personality and make it feel truly yours.

I’ve noticed that when my space feels good, my ideas flow better. Even just clearing off a surface or rearranging a few things can bring a surprising burst of creative energy.

So take a few minutes today to reflect on your space—what’s one small thing you could add, change, or remove to bring it closer to your dream setup?

💭 I’d love to hear—what’s your must-have item for a happy, inspiring workspace? Drop a comment below or tag me in a photo of your creative nook. I always enjoy seeing how others make their spaces feel special!

Thanks so much for stopping by—
and as always…

💖 Share the Happy!

Flowing Waters Art Studio

Illuminate Abstract Tote: Brighten Your Everyday Style

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Looking for a tote bag that sparks joy and turns heads? I’m so excited to share my newest design with you—meet the Illuminate Abstract Tote Bag! ☀️

This vibrant piece features my original watercolor-inspired artwork, glowing with bold splashes of yellow, pink, and turquoise blue. It’s like carrying a little piece of sunshine—full of movement, energy, and creativity. I designed Illuminate to feel uplifting and bright, the kind of art that makes your everyday feel a little more inspired.

Whether you’re heading to the farmers market, beach, art class, or just running errands, this tote brings a pop of color and positivity to your day. It’s printed in vivid detail on both sides and available in three sizes to suit your lifestyle. I also love that it works as both a functional carryall and a wearable piece of art!

✨ Available now in my Flowing Waters Art Shop on Etsy — come take a look and pick the size that suits you best. Your next favorite tote is just a click away!

Thanks for stopping by and sharing in the creative journey with me.

Let me know what you think in the comments or tag me in a pic if you snag one—I’d love to see it out in the wild!

Share the Happy💖

Whispers of Light: A Painting Comes to Life

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Some paintings take their time with me. They don’t rush, and they don’t reveal everything at once. Whispers of Light, my newest 18×24 inch abstract, is one of those pieces.

It started months ago with soft washes of color and textured movement layered onto canvas. I blogged about it back in May—how I paused at midnight, resisting the urge to keep going, and waited for the morning light to guide me. That moment of stillness helped me see the work with fresh eyes. I didn’t know it at the time, but that pause was part of the painting’s story too.

As I added final touches in the weeks that followed, I kept returning to that early light—the quiet, glowing energy that filtered through the window that morning. The colors in this piece—turquoise, rose, golden peach, and warm earth tones—carry a softness, a hush, almost like a breath between thoughts. There’s boldness in the movement, yes, but also a sense of calm rising through the layers.

That’s where the title came from. Whispers of Light felt right—it speaks to the way this piece came together: slowly, gently, and with trust in the quiet moments.

Now that it’s finished, I feel both proud and at peace with it. It’s a reminder to listen to intuition, to light, to softness. To know when to pause, and when to move forward.

Thank you for following along on this painting’s journey—it means so much to have you here.

💫 Have you ever worked on something that unfolded slowly and surprised you in the end? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Wishing you a weekend full of quiet joy and radiant little whispers of your own.

Share the Happy 💖

Exploring the Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle

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There’s something undeniably captivating about the Bermuda Triangle. Nestled between Florida, Bermuda, and Puerto Rico, this stretch of ocean—roughly 500,000 square miles—has become legendary for strange disappearances. Planes vanish from radar, ships go missing without a trace, and eerie stories continue to circulate even decades later.

The area rose to fame in the mid-20th century, especially after the 1945 incident known as Flight 19, when five U.S. Navy bombers disappeared during a routine training mission. A rescue plane sent to find them also vanished. Since then, over 50 ships and 20 airplanes have reportedly disappeared in the region under mysterious circumstances.

Over the years, the Bermuda Triangle has sparked all kinds of theories. Some people believe magnetic anomalies interfere with compasses and navigation. Others point to sudden weather changes, rogue waves, or even methane gas eruptions from the seafloor that could reduce water density and sink ships. And then there are the more out-there ideas—like alien abductions, Atlantis, or a hidden time portal (because why not?).

Scientists, of course, offer more grounded explanations. The region lies in one of the world’s most heavily traveled shipping lanes and is prone to hurricanes, fast-moving storms, and complex ocean currents. Many “mysteries” turn out to be cases of human error, mechanical failure, or natural causes when studied closely.

Still, even with the science, there’s something about the Bermuda Triangle that continues to stir our imaginations. Maybe it’s the thrill of the unknown—or just our fascination with unsolved puzzles in nature.

So what do you think—is it all just coincidence and bad weather? Or is there still something mysterious lurking in those deep blue waters?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear where you stand on the Bermuda Triangle! 🌊✈️🛳️

Thanks for stopping by and diving into this mystery with me. Wishing you a wonder-filled day! 🌊✨

Share the Happy💖

Photo by Emiliano Arano on Pexels.com

Vibrant ‘Rejoice’ Tote Bag: Wearable Art for Everyday Joy

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I’m beyond excited to introduce my newest piece of wearable art—the “Rejoice” pink abstract art tote bag! Featuring soft blush pinks, creamy whites, and expressive brushwork, this artist-designed tote bag is a beautiful way to carry creativity with you wherever you go.

Wearable Art That Moves with You

Printed on both sides with my original abstract painting, this modern art tote turns everyday errands into a vibrant statement. Whether you’re heading to the farmer’s market, the beach, or just running errands, this stylish tote bag is perfect for art lovers who want to express themselves.

Made from durable yet lightweight polyester and available in three convenient sizes (13×13, 16×16, and 18×18 inches), you can also customize the handle color to suit your style.

A Unique Gift for Art Lovers

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for a stylish friend, this functional and beautiful tote is a perfect pick. The Rejoice design is printed from my own original painting, so you won’t find another exactly like it—this bag is as unique as you are.

Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or a treat-yourself moment!

Shop the Rejoice Tote Today

🛍️ Ready to carry art with you everywhere you go? Head to my Etsy Shop and grab your very own Rejoice pink abstract tote bag. It’s the perfect mix of practical and painterly.

Thanks so much for stopping by—be sure to check back soon for more artist-designed accessories and original art prints!

Share the Happy 💖

Building Layers in My Art Journal – Part 2!

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There’s nothing quite like watching a page come to life, one layer at a time. In this week’s YouTube video, I continue working in my new handmade art journal—this time adding vibrant layers of paint to the textured background I created in Part 1!

I used some of my favorite colors to build depth and interest: DecoArt Baby Pink, Golden Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Golden Teal (Blue Lagoon), Lukas Titanium White, Liquitex Cadmium Orange, and a bit of Liquitex Glazing Medium to tie everything together. I also pulled out my trusty brushes, a silicone tool, and even a Catalyst for some expressive mark-making!

🎨 Haven’t seen Part 1 yet? I created the base using Tim Holtz collage sheets and vintage book pages. I’m also planning to incorporate some dreamy digital images from CherylFrancisArt on Etsy—stay tuned for those in upcoming pages 💕

🎥 Watch the new video here: Maria FlowingWatersArt

I’d love to know—what’s your favorite part of the process so far? Do you enjoy building up layers with color, or do you prefer collage and texture?

Let me know in the comments or over on YouTube—I always enjoy connecting with fellow creatives!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!

Share the Happy💖

The Beauty of Brushstrokes in Painterly Art

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Ever notice a painting where the brushstrokes seem to dance across the canvas—bold, visible, and full of energy? That’s the essence of the painterly style. Unlike hyper-detailed or photorealistic art, painterly works celebrate the process itself. Texture, movement, and spontaneity take center stage, allowing the artist’s hand to remain visible in every mark.

This approach is all about expressive freedom. Think of Van Gogh’s swirling skies or the soft dabs and dashes of the Impressionists. The strokes aren’t hidden or smoothed out—they’re part of the story. Whether you’re working in oils, acrylics, or even watercolor, painterly techniques invite a kind of joyful looseness. You don’t need to chase perfection. Instead, you lean into intuition, emotion, and the rhythm of your brush.

For artists, it’s incredibly freeing. For viewers, it’s captivating. There’s something deeply human about seeing the movement behind the image—the raw, unpolished energy that brings a piece to life.

Whether you’re an artist or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of art, the painterly style invites you to slow down and truly see—to savor the brushstrokes, the movement, and the emotion behind each mark. It’s a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful—it just needs to be felt.

So the next time you come across a painting, take a moment to notice those textured, expressive strokes—they might just tell a story all their own.

Have you ever been drawn to a piece because of its bold, visible brushwork? I’d love to hear about a painterly artwork or style that really spoke to you—feel free to share in the comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a bright, beautiful, and art-filled day!

Share the Happy💖

Lavender Mist Tote Bag: Art You Can Carry

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  • 13×13 Tote
  • 16×16 Tote
  • 18×18 Tote

There’s something magical about watercolor—the way colors blend and dance together, soft edges melting into one another, creating movement and mood. I’m thrilled to share that one of my favorite abstract watercolor pieces, Lavender Mist, is now available as a tote bag in my Etsy Shop!

This isn’t just any tote—it’s wearable art. Printed on both sides in rich, vivid color, the Lavender Mist tote features calming greens, dreamy violets, and soft blues that ripple with energy and creative flow. Whether you’re heading to the farmer’s market, relaxing at the beach, or just need a beautiful carryall for daily errands, this tote brings a fresh, artistic vibe wherever you go.

Made from durable polyester with roomy boxed corners and reinforced stitching, it’s both lightweight and sturdy—perfect for everything from books to beach towels.

✨ I designed this piece to celebrate spontaneity and freedom in art—and now, you can carry that spirit with you.

I’d love to know what you think! Would you like to see more of my art turned into functional items like totes or pouches? Let me know in the comments or shoot me a message—I’m always excited to hear your thoughts.

💜 You can check out the Lavender Mist tote right here in the Flowing Waters Art Shop.

Let a little art tag along on your next adventure!

Thanks so much for reading—I hope this bright new piece brings a spark of bold inspiration to your day!

Share the Happy 💖

Fresh Start: Building Your First Journal Background

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There’s something so exciting about a fresh start—and this week, I’m starting on a brand-new journal from scratch! In my latest YouTube video, I’m building the very first background layer using some fun Tim Holtz collage sheets, torn bits from an old book, and Liquitex Matte Gel on thick 140lb watercolor paper.

I also share a peek at some stunning digital images I recently purchased from CherylFrancisArt on Etsy. I haven’t used them yet, but they’re definitely going to make an appearance in this journal soon—stay tuned!

🎥 Watch the video here: Maria FlowingWatersArt

I’d love to hear what you think! Do you enjoy these kinds of mixed media backgrounds? Is there something specific you’d like to see in future videos—like layering techniques, favorite supplies, or how I add focal points?

Drop a comment on the video or let me know right here—I’m always excited to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Share the Happy 💖

Maria

5 Ways Art Can Revitalize Your Home

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We’ve all had that one corner or room that feels…meh. Maybe it’s too plain, too dark, or just lacks that spark. But before you start a full-on renovation, consider this: art has the power to breathe life, personality, and soul into a space—no hammer required!

Here are five simple ways art can completely transform even the dullest room:

1. It Sets the Mood
A vibrant abstract piece can energize a space, while soft watercolors bring a sense of calm. Want cozy? Moody florals or warm-toned landscapes can shift the atmosphere instantly. Art doesn’t just sit there—it speaks to the mood you want to create.

2. It Adds a Story
Blank walls feel empty because they have nothing to say. A single piece of meaningful art—especially if it’s handmade or thoughtfully chosen—can turn a “blah” space into a conversation starter. It becomes part of your story.

3. It Sparks Joy (Seriously)
Think of the last time you saw a piece of art that made you smile. That emotional lift? That’s no small thing. Surrounding yourself with uplifting, inspiring visuals can truly shift your mindset every time you walk into a room.

4. It Personalizes Your Space
Art is the quickest way to make a space yours. Whether it’s your own creation, a cherished print, or something you found on a special trip, your art choices reflect your unique tastes and experiences.

5. It Encourages Creativity Everywhere
When your surroundings are visually inspiring, your brain gets the message: creativity lives here. Whether you’re journaling, cooking, or brainstorming your next big idea, art helps unlock that flow state.

Art doesn’t need to be expensive or oversized to be powerful—it just needs to be chosen with heart. 💛

Do you have a piece of art that completely changed how a space felt for you? I’d love to hear how you’ve used art to turn “meh” into magic!

I hope this post sparked some fresh ideas for your space—thanks so much for stopping by!

Share the Happy💖