Creating Depth in Abstract Art with Alcohol Inks

I finished a new abstract in my Arteza Journal, and I’m so happy with how it turned out!

I continued experimenting with alcohol inks, and I love the way they flowed and blended in this piece. I built up multiple layers, with the alcohol inks as the final touch, and they interacted beautifully with the acrylics underneath—much better than my last attempt! One of my favorite things about this technique is how the layers peek through in different areas, adding depth and intrigue.

For a little extra magic, I added a small butterfly in the top left corner, created from a piece of painted paper I had saved in my stash. And of course, I couldn’t resist a touch of glitter and gold—they catch the light so beautifully!

I’m still in the middle of organizing my studio, and let’s just say… I have more supplies than I realized! 😂 What are your weekend plans?

Thanks for stopping by!

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Transforming Mistakes into Art with Glitter

This week, I finished a new abstract in my Arteza Journal, and let’s just say—it didn’t turn out quite as expected. 🎨

I experimented with alcohol inks, loving their fluid movement—until they ran into the orange paint and turned… brown. 🤨 Not the contrast I was hoping for! For a moment, I wasn’t sure what to do, but I’ve learned that sometimes, all a painting needs is one more layer.

Enter glitter paint. ✨ And just like that, the shimmer softened the brown, catching the light in a way that made everything feel more intentional. A little sparkle really does work wonders!

Now, with that piece finished, I’m shifting gears for Mission Organization—because my studio has officially reached creative chaos mode. Time for a reset!

What’s on your weekend agenda? Creating, organizing, or just relaxing? Drop me a line in the comments! 😊

Thanks for stopping by!

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Labor Day Sale 2024: Enjoy 25% Off Handmade Art at FlowingWatersArtShop

Thrilled to announce this special Labor Day Sale going on now through September 3rd, where you can enjoy 25% off in the shop!🎉 Whether you’re looking for a new painting to brighten up your space or a keepsake ornament to add to your collection, this is the perfect time to shop for something unique and handmade.

The sale is live now, but don’t wait too long—these deals are only available for a limited time. Head over to my Etsy Shop now and find your next favorite piece before it’s gone! (Discount will be automatically applied at checkout.)

Thank you for supporting handmade art, and happy shopping!

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Shop Update – Garden Memories Floral Abstract

Growing up, my dad grew the most beautiful roses in his garden, where I’d wander among the breathtaking blooms and revel in their beauty. Inspired by those special moments, “Garden Memories” is a captivating 16×20 inch Modern Floral Abstract Painting.

This piece brings the timeless allure of a rose garden into your home, adding a touch of sophistication to any room with its vibrant, modern aesthetic. Whether as a cherished addition to your collection or a thoughtful gift, don’t miss the chance to bring the tranquility of a rose garden into your home.

“Garden Memories” is available in my Etsy Shop (if interested) ✨

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

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“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” ~ Alphonse Karr

Photo by Valeria Boltneva on Pexels.com

Growth Art Journal

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!!

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Moving forward Art Journal

Most of you may know, I’m a bit of a color nut and love painting in bright bold colors. But I thought I’d challenge myself to create a journal layout using only white and gray. It was much harder than I thought but this was my creation in my Strathmore 7.75×9.75″ watercolor journal.

There are lots of layers and texture. Plus I added a quote which reads: “Sometimes to move forward we must face our innermost darkest fears.”

This wasn’t intended to be sad but instead a gentle reminder. Life will throw many obstacles in our path. But we each are endowed with an inner strength that if we will allow, it will rise up and conquer that which we fear most enabling us to move forward.

Hope this inspires you in some way, thanks for stopping by!!

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there is Magic behind every Door! Art Journal

I had a bit of fun over the weekend and created this in my Strathmore 7.75×9.75 inch Watercolor Journal. I painted it mostly with acrylic paints but what I love about using a watercolor journal is the thick 140lb paper which stands up well to just about anything. I have thoughts I journaled on the first layer followed by watercolors, then decoupage, gesso and acrylic was the last layer.

I love roses but I’m a little rusty painting them so I’ve decided to add them to my daily art schedule so I become more fluent in painting them.

Hope this inspires you in some way, thanks for stopping by!!

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Studio Update – Online Class

This week I’ve been busy working on a new abstract plus I’m enrolled in an online course called Birdsong & Blossom by Lindsay Green a very talented floral artist in Northern Ireland.

These birds were a warm up exercise for the class and I wasn’t crazy about them at first but I kept my faith and found it amusing how one by one, each bird took on it’s own unique personality. By the time I finished I was in love with them and thought they turned out pretty cute 😊 So stay tuned as I’ll be posting the finished painting shortly.

I recommend hopping over to Lindsay Green’s website and browsing her art and online classes. You can also find her on Instagram at @lynsaygreenart.

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

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“Every artist dips his brush into his soul and paints his own nature into his paintings.” ~Henry Ward Beecher

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Studio Update – New Abstract

I hope your weekend is off to a good start! This is the 16×20 inch abstract painting I’ve been working on in the studio. It’s easy to overwork a painting, always thinking it needs more but I’m calling this one finished.

This painting is a stunning piece with lots of texture plus fun splashes and drips of colors. There are a lot of layers which peek through in different places making it all the more interesting. It has a very happy and uplifting vibe to it.

Now the real fun begins, I need a name for it but I’m coming up empty handed. Would love to know what you see and/or feel when you look at this painting so I can give it a title😊

Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to hearing from you!!

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“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” ~Salvador Dali

Studio Update – Expressions of Love

I’ve been working on creating a new design for the Expressions of Love Collection and this is what I came up with. It’s an organic design with beautiful hearts, outlined in glistening gold. I collaged a paper doily to the background for a bit of romance and it can be seen on each heart.

These 3 paintings were created on 1.5 inch thick canvases making them ideal as a shelf sitter and the perfect décor for a desk, shelf or counter. Plus they can also be hung on the wall. They will all be up in my Etsy Shop by the end of this weekend.

Below is a time lapse process video of me painting a layer on the Rose Pink Heart. I’m working on getting over my camera shyness 😅

Thanks for stopping by, have a fantastic weekend!!

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“My goal as an artist is to create art that makes people look at the world in a different way.” ~Autumn de Forest