Nature speaks through flowers in unexpected ways. Inspired by this idea, I wanted to approach my recent abstract flower paintings with a fresh perspective. After some reflection, I decided to transform them into mixed media pieces that bring an extra layer of dimension and texture.
I’m excited to share the first two in this new series, now available in my Etsy Shop: “Blooming Whispers” (Blue) and “Ruby Reflections”(Red). Each artwork is hand-painted with watercolors and mounted on a 4×6 inch basswood plywood base. To enhance their uniqueness, I’ve incorporated a delicate oak branch wrapped in gold wire, adorned with colorful beads, and added a touch of yarn to the blue one. These intricate details elevate the designs, creating a captivating blend of elegance, creativity, and sophistication for any space.
Stop by the shop to see these stunning new pieces and add a touch of artistry to your home!
I hope this inspires you in some way. Have a beautiful and creative day!
I decided to try something a little different in my 5.5×8.5″ watercolor journal. For this practice painting, I worked mostly with darker watercolors (shown above-left) instead of my usual brighter palette (shown above-right). I love how bold it turned out and how the brighter colors really pop against the deeper tones.
What didn’t quite meet my expectations was the neon-colored paint pens I used—they didn’t stand out as much as I’d hoped. One challenge with watercolor abstracts is that the paint moves and lifts when wet, which can cause those vibrant colors to get a bit muddied.
Still, it was a great practice piece, and I enjoyed the process. That said, I definitely prefer a lighter, brighter background for my work. How about you—do you lean towards bold and dark, or light and bright?
I hope this inspires your creative muse this weekend! Thanks for stopping by!!
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“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else have ever thought.” ~Albert Einstein
I love using my watercolor journal for practice sessions whenever I’m experimenting with new techniques or exploring fresh design ideas. Today, I decided to play around in my 5.5×8.5″ journal, and what started as a bit of fun turned into an unexpected abstract piece! 🎨
At first, I wasn’t sure where the painting was going, but it soon took a surprising turn—right into an underwater world! 🌊 The result? Something totally different from what I had envisioned, but that’s what makes the creative process exciting.
There are parts of the painting that I’m really drawn to, and others not so much, but I’ll take those elements I love and carry them forward into my next artistic adventure. That’s the beauty of experimenting—it’s all about discovery!
I hope this inspires you to pick up your brushes and create something fun this weekend! Thanks for stopping by, and remember…
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“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep.” ~Scott Adams
Pumpkin pie is one of my favorite treats for Thanksgiving but that only comes once a year. So to get into the spirit of Autumn sooner I love making pumpkin pie smoothies.
When you slowly sip this savory drink bursting with flavors of cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg you can’t help but to sit back and take a moment to truly enjoy the season. This recipe is very easy to make and is super delicious! I always try to use organic ingredients when they’re available.
Vegan Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
1 C Unsweetened Almond Milk or other Plant Based Milk
1/2 Can Organic Pumpkin Puree
1 Small Ripe Banana
3 Tbsp Organic Rolled Oats
2 Organic Pitted Dates
1 heaping tsp Cinnamon
1/4 heaping tsp Ginger
1/8 heaping tsp Nutmeg
1 Tbsp Maple Syrup
1 C Ice
Place all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Top with sprinkled cinnamon and enjoy! (Makes about 2 glasses)
Pro Tip: If you prefer a thicker, creamier smoothie, 1/4 to 1/2 of a hass avocado does the trick! It has a mild flavor and gives the smoothie a milkshake-like consistency. Try it first without, and add the avocado if you want a richer texture. You can also toss in 2 tablespoons of organic chia seeds—just soak them overnight in water and blend for added thickness and nutrients. Finish with a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of fall flavor!
Cheers to cozy autumn days and delicious, nourishing treats! 🎃 Sip, savor, and embrace the season with every blend. Until next time!
Life can feel overwhelming at times, so I recently took a step back to create a little something every day in my small 4.75-inch square zentangle journal. With autumn arriving just last week, I’ve been envisioning a subtle shift in colors—not too drastic, but enough to reflect the season’s quiet transition. That’s why I decided on a limited palette for this design.
I came across a great reminder online: creativity is like a muscle—you have to exercise it regularly to keep it strong. I’ll admit, I never really thought of it that way before, but there’s a lot of truth in that statement. Despite a whirlwind of a week, I still found time to work on my zentangle in small, manageable sections, little by little.
Sneaking in these moments of creativity, even if just for a few minutes, made my week feel less chaotic. Each brief session was a grounding force, and by the end of the week, I had something beautiful to show for it. I hope this encourages you to carve out a few moments for your own creative practice today, no matter how busy life gets.
Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this journey with me!
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“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” ~Maya Angelou
As autumn arrives, with its crisp air and colorful leaves, it’s the perfect time to slow down and practice self-care. The season naturally invites us to get cozy and focus on our well-being. Here are eight simple self-care tips to help you feel grounded and refreshed this fall.
1. Create a Cozy Atmosphere at Home
Set the tone for relaxation by making your space warm and inviting. Add soft blankets, flickering candles with fall scents, and subtle lighting. A cozy space can help you unwind and enjoy the season more fully.
2. Savor Seasonal Foods
Fall offers delicious, hearty foods like soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and seasonal fruits like apples and pumpkins. Nourishing your body with these comfort foods helps you feel more connected to the season and provides warmth from the inside out.
3. Embrace Gentle Movement
As temperatures drop, opt for calming physical activities like yoga, stretching, or nature walks. These gentler forms of exercise can help you maintain balance and boost your mood without overexerting yourself.
4. Spend Time in Nature
Take advantage of fall’s beauty by spending time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, walking through the leaves, or simply enjoying a cup of tea outside, nature can help you feel more grounded and connected to the changing season.
5. Reflect and Set Intentions
Autumn is the perfect time for introspection. Journal about what you want to let go of and what you’d like to welcome into your life. Reflecting on your goals helps you align with the season’s natural rhythm of transition.
6. Practice Mindful Creativity
Engage in creative activities that allow you to relax and express yourself. Whether it’s painting, knitting, writing, or something else you love, taking time for creative pursuits can be an excellent form of self-care. The slower pace of fall invites you to immerse yourself in the creative process, free from distractions.
7. Prioritize Rest
With shorter days, it’s important to listen to your body’s need for rest. Make sleep a priority by creating a relaxing evening routine, curling up with a good book, or simply allowing yourself extra downtime to recharge.
8. Reconnect with Loved Ones
Fall is a wonderful time to nurture your relationships. Host a small gathering, meet up for coffee, or send thoughtful notes to friends. Spending quality time with loved ones can provide comfort and connection as the holiday season approaches.
By embracing the slower pace of fall and tuning into your body’s needs, you can enter this season feeling refreshed and grounded. Remember, self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate—small, intentional actions can have a big impact. So, take a deep breath, wrap yourself in a blanket, and give yourself the space to enjoy the magic of autumn.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post—I hope you found some inspiration to make your fall a little cozier and more mindful. Until next time!
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“I can smell autumn dancing in the breeze. The sweet chill of pumpkin and the crisp sunburnt leaves.” ~Unknown
I was around 4 years old when my family took a trip to Germany, and one of our stops was King Ludwig’s Linderhof Castle. During the tour, we came across the mesmerizing peacock room, adorned with ornately decorated peacocks. Every color imaginable was woven into the room’s stunning design, and as a lover of color, I was instantly captivated by these magnificent birds. It’s no surprise that from that moment on, I fell in love with peacocks and their vibrant beauty.
Peacocks are not only admired for their beauty but also for their symbolism across various cultures. In Hinduism, they represent patience, kindness, and compassion, while in Greek mythology, they are associated with the goddess Hera, symbolizing watchfulness and protection. The way a peacock proudly displays its feathers is a powerful reminder to celebrate our individuality and express ourselves without fear.
Whether you’re captivated by their vibrant colors, symbolic meanings, or the sense of grandeur they embody, incorporating peacocks—whether through photos, artwork, or their rich hues—can bring a touch of elegance and inspiration into your life. Let the peacock’s stunning display remind you to embrace your own brilliance and stand confidently in the world.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post—thanks so much for stopping by!
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“Love and gratitude are the constant companions of those who delight in the beauty of the world.” ~Kristin Granger
All photos were taken by Maria Vidaurre and are available for purchase in 5×7 or 8×10 inch prints. Visit: FlowingWatersArtShop.etsy.com to explore the collection and enjoy free shipping on orders over $35!
I recently found the perfect watercolor journal on Etsy at theWanderersPalette—a 4.75-inch square hot press journal with 140 lb watercolor paper. I usually go for cold press, but I wanted something smoother for my zentangle designs, and I’m so glad I made the switch! The size is just right—not too big, not too small—making it ideal for quick designs, especially when I’m on the go.
Whenever I feel stuck on a painting or need something calming, I love creating small designs in this journal. It’s so satisfying to finish a piece in a short time, and the repetitive patterns really help slow my thoughts down—a process I’ve come to enjoy deeply.
Since this is a fairly new journal, I’ll be filling it up with more zentangle designs. But these are the first three, and I hope they inspire you to create your own!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
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“Every artist was first an amateur.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
This creation is part of the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram! I fell behind because I’ve got so many projects going on in the studio, but this artwork is for July’s prompt: “Trash to Treasure.” My original plan was to use chocolate wrappers to create something fun, but that would have meant eating a lot of chocolate! Not that I’m complaining, but I am trying to be good 😇
Sometimes things simply don’t go as planned. I had painted a watercolor abstract that just didn’t turn out the way I wanted. But with the July prompt in mind, I thought, why not salvage it and turn it into a treasure?
I had a lot of fun punching out butterflies—each one unique—and adding them to my journal. After finishing, I thought maybe leaving the background white would have been better—sometimes less really is more! But you know what? I still like how it turned out. And now, I’m officially all caught up! 🎉
I hope this piece inspires you to create something fun this weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by!!
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“Open your heart and mind like the wings of a butterfly. See then how high you can fly.” ~Zeenat Aman
I recently received a delightful surprise on Instagram from @stampington—a special discount code to say thank you for my contribution to their Art Journaling Magazine!
Not only do I love Art Journaling Magazine, but I’m also a big fan of several other Stampington publications. Somerset Studio is a treasure trove for mixed media enthusiasts, full of creative projects, fun worksheets and more. In Her Studio takes you behind the scenes into the inspiring spaces of female artists. Willow and Sage offers unique recipes for homemade bath and body products, perfect for some self-care time. And my absolute favorite, Bella Grace, is packed with touching stories, inspirational quotes, and stunning photography. There are so many more amazing publications to explore—definitely check out their site to find your favorites!
As a token of appreciation, I’m excited to share this special discount code with you: PUBLISHED15. Use it to get 15% off everything in their store! Just head over to Stampington.com to start shopping. ✨
I’m so grateful for this kind gesture—thank you, Stampington!💖😊
Flowing Waters Art 