Category Archives: Famous Quotes

Dick Blick Watercolor Contest

Posted on by
2

Happy August!! I can’t believe that more than half the year has already flown by. With all of this summer heat, I’m definitely ready for the cooler weather this year.

Dick Blick Art Supplies was hosting a watercolor contest so I thought it was a good opportunity to practice my portrait painting skills. I worked on her for some time and this was my entry into the contest. I named her “Crystal” because of her crystal blue eyes.

I feel I’m getting better but the eyes are still a bit wonky. However, I recently found a better technique to get them more even so I’m working on that at the moment. I love how her hair turned out, it took lots of layers. Overall I was happy with the painting I entered into the contest. There are so many talented artists who entered and inspired me to keep going!

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

Share the Happy 💖

“If you have the courage to begin, you have the courage to succeed.” ~Unknown

Flower Abstract Painting

Posted on by
2

This is the finished 18×24″ flower abstract painting that I’ve been working on. It was painted with radiant colors to brighten the decor in any room. The background has lots of texture and I added splashes of white pearl paint for more interest.

I love the dreaminess of this painting. It reminds me of the aurora borealis lights. What do you think?

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

Share the Happy💖

“Let the magic of life remind you of your own miracles.” Shaa Zainol

Stay on the Sunny Side of Life Art Journal

Posted on by
2

This is a fun journal page I created a while ago with Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils. These colors are much bolder and brighter compared to Kimberly Watercolor Pencils which is what I started with. They both work really well but when you want that extra pop of color, Derwent Inktense Pencils are the way to go.

The fun part with watercolor pencils is you can use them in different ways. You can color with them like a crayon and use a brush dipped in water to activate the paint. Or you can dip your brush in water first and then rub it on the tip of the pencil to pick up color. Another way is to shave off a little of the color, then use your brush with water to paint. No matter how you use them, they’re awesome!

Hope this inspires you create some art today, thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

Thoughtful Thursday 15 Inspiring Quotes

Posted on by
2
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

We all need a little boost at one time or another and the right words at the right time can have a dramatic impact in our lives. I’m an avid lover of quotes and words have a way of touching our hearts and getting our minds to listen so we change for the better.

Here are 15 quotes to inspire you:

  • “Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” ~Jim Rohn
  • “Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” ~Farrah Gray
  • “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” ~Lao Tzu
  • “One of the most important principles of success is developing the habit of going the extra mile.” ~Napoleon Hill
  • “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” ~Benjamin Franklin
  • “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.” ~Martin Luther King, Jr.
  • “People are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.” ~Abraham Lincoln
  • “People say motivation doesn’t last. Well, either does bathing. That’s why we recommend it daily.” ~Zig Ziglar
  • “Our greatest challenges in life should be those we give ourselves to reach our full potential.” ~Brendon Burchard
  • “You can be discouraged by failure or you can learn from it. So go ahead and make mistakes. Make all you can because that’s where you will find success, on the other side of failure.” ~Thomas Watson
  • “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “Successful people are not people without problems. They are people who have learned to solve their problems.” ~Earl Nightingale
  • “Don’ be afraid of new ideas. Bea afraid of old ideas. They keep you where you are and stop you from growing and moving forward. Concentrate on where you want to go, not on what you fear.” ~Tony Robbins
  • “It doesn’t matter where you’re coming from. All that matters is where you are going.” ~Brian Tracy
  • “There has never been and there will never be another you. You have purpose – a very special gift that only you can bring to the world.” ~Marie Forleo

I hope these words of wisdom will lift your spirit when you need it most and fuel your passion for your dreams!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Share the Happy 💖

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels.com

Thoughtful Thursday – Statue of Liberty

Posted on by
2
Photo by Marianna on Pexels.com

July 4, 1884, France gifted to the United States the Statue of Liberty for the 100th birthday of our country. What a monumental and inspirational gift she was and still is. She stands for many things but each part is represented by a different element in her design.

Lady Liberty’s torch is a symbol of enlightenment to show us the path to freedom, liberty and justice. The crown which is a halo with rays like the sun are another way for her to enlighten the world. The tablet Lady Liberty holds in her left hand is inscribed with Roman numerals which read July 4, 1776, and represent a book of law. The broken chains and shackle at her feet show she is free from servitude and oppression especially with the recent abolition of slavery in the country at that time.

Lady Liberty stands 305 feet tall, including the pedestal in New York Harbor. From 1892 to 1954 she has greeted more than 12 million immigrants and travelers that entered the United States through the Ellis Island Gateway. She is a inspiring symbol to all of us.

I hope you enjoyed this post today. Wishing you a Happy and Safe 4th of July!

Thanks for stopping by!

Share the Happy💖

Simplest Things Journal

Posted on by
2

Creating simple pages in a journal can bring so much joy. I’m still working in my Simplest Things Journal which I started as part of Amy Maricle’s Challenge at Mindful Art Studios. I find I’m taking notice more of the wonderful patterns that surround me in my environment that I never saw before.

As most of you know, I’m a huge fan of color, lots and lots of colors. I love playing with paints and creating new colors when they mix. Some don’t go as expected and others are a wonderful surprise. But for me, the color mixing is one of the most fun parts of this art journaling process.

Another great aspect of art journaling is it’s a great way to unwind and destress yourself. You only need a few minutes of time a day to work on the creation of a new page and minimal supplies. So it’s a win win!

Hope this inspires you to create some art!

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Share the Happy💖

“Color is a super power that directly influences the soul.” ~Wassily Kandinsky

Weaving Magic Art Journal

Posted on by
2

With summer fast approaching I thought it would be nice to squeeze in at least 1 more spring art journal layout. I love bunnies and trees and wanted to create something magical with the two.

I started creating lots of layers and used paper doilies for the top of the tree. I found the words “Weaving Magic” that I had cut out from a magazine and saved in my stash and thought it would be perfect for this layout.

I was originally going to add more critters to these pages but I liked the idea of keeping it simple and focusing on the bunny’s wonder of all things magical. What do you think?

I hope this inspires you to create some magic this weekend✨

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Share the Happy💖

“Everything is magical when you see it with your heart.” ~Unknown

  • The beginning of something magical…

Thoughtful Thursday Air Purifying Plants

Posted on by
Reply
Photo by aliona zueva on Pexels.com

The air in our home can be filled with harmful chemicals and pollutants. Even if you take care not to use heavy scented cleaning agents you’re still not safe. The countertops in your kitchen and bathrooms have been known to emit harmful chemicals into the air without you ever noticing. Even installing new flooring, carpets or painting the walls can also pollute the air you breathe.

Luckily there is a simple solution. Certain houseplants are quite efficient air purifiers. Plus they bring lots of good vibes to your home. The next big question is how many plants do you need? The answer is you only need about two (10-12 inch potted) plants per every 100 square feet of space. For example a 13×15 foot room is 195 square feet so you would need 4 small plants to clean the air in that room. Below is a list of some of the best purifying plants for your home.

21 Air Purifying Plants:

  • Aloe Vera
  • Bamboo Palm
  • Boston Fern
  • Chinese Evergreen
  • Dragon Tree
  • English Ivy
  • Ficus
  • Fittonia Frankie
  • Flamingo Lily
  • Golden Pothos
  • Lady Palm
  • Lemon Button Fern
  • Mass Cane / Corn Plant
  • Parlor Palm
  • Peace Lilly
  • Philodendron
  • Red-Edged Dracaena
  • Rubber Tree
  • Snake Plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
  • Spider Plant
  • Wax Begonia

Each of these magnificent natural air purifiers requires different care and lighting so keep that in mind when choosing a plant for your home. Also having living plants in your space has shown to be quite therapeutic in relieving stress, boosting your productivity and overall well being. So add some happiness and good vibes to your home!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

“We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us.” ~Jenny Uglow

Photo by Huy Phan on Pexels.com

Flower Princess Watercolor Portrait

Posted on by
Reply

I really enjoyed creating my Butterfly Girl in the online class hosted by the very talented Katrina Koltes. I created the sketch for this painting a while ago on 12×16″ watercolor paper but it just sat. I wanted to do something different and didn’t know what for the longest time.

After finishing my Butterfly Girl I thought it would be a good idea to practice using a similar color palette. It takes me out of my comfort zone but I love how these colors blend together to create a soft and dreamy look. What do you think?

Hope this inspires you to create this weekend!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy 💖

“I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

Thoughtful Thursday – Give Mom a Gift that Touches her Heart 💖

Posted on by
2
Photo by Josh Willink on Pexels.com

Mother’s Day is this Sunday, May 14th. Often we take for granted all the wonderful things that mom’s do for us everyday. Like the pile of clean clothes that magically appear in your dresser or the sweet love note with encouraging words that are hidden in your lunch bag. What about the breakfast or dinner that’s ready to go just when you’re starving, in a rush and don’t have time to make anything for yourself. Let’s not forget all the love and support they give as the biggest fan of our lives!

This Mother’s Day give her a gift that touches her heart. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Spend the day with her doing her favorite things.
  • Serve her favorite home cooked meal on a beautifully decorated table.
  • Create a themed meal from a place that she wants to visit.
  • Bake her favorite sweet treats and serve them up bistro style.
  • Plan a walk or hike in her favorite park and enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Go to the nursery with her and get a few flowers to plant in her garden.
  • Take her on a picnic and spend a quiet afternoon talking.
  • Go on a nice bike ride and stop for a light bite.
  • Spend an afternoon at the local museum.
  • If she has a lot of responsibilities offer to pitch in and give her the day off.
  • Serve her breakfast in bed or cook a morning brunch.
  • Watch her favorite movies with her and bring all of her favorite snacks.
  • Take an art class with her, whether online or in person and create something together.
  • Make a scrapbook filled with all of your favorite memories and photos of her.
  • Make her a handmade card or mini book with special photos or memorabilia.
  • If you’re computer savvy, create a video slide show of your favorites times spent together.
  • Make her a spa basket with handmade treatments (plenty of recipes can be found online).

Get creative, put a little extra thought into it and give her a special gift from your heart!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

“When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” ~Mitch Albom