Ever wondered what goes on inside an artist’s mind? Well, this journal layout is a little peek into mine! I’m all about bright, fun, happy colors, whimsical touches, and the magic of everyday life. Roses and flowers? Absolutely love them. Music and art? They all make my heart sing.
This creation is part of the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram. I fell a bit behind because of the many projects I’ve got going on in the studio, but this artwork is for June’s prompt: “Makes my heart sing.” So many ideas came to mind, but the real challenge was capturing the feeling in a way that truly resonates.
After some thought, I chose ‘Art’ because, no matter what’s happening in the world, creating always brings me joy, happiness, and peace. This artwork was made in my favorite 4.5×5″ handmade watercolor journal. I used watercolor paints and markers, a white Posca pen for highlights, a sketch pencil for shading, and of course, a bit of glitter for that extra sparkly magic✨
I’ve got one more layout to do for July, and then I’ll be all caught up. I’m planning to work on that this week, juggling it with my other projects. I hope this piece inspires you in some way!
Thank you so much for stopping by! I’d love to hear what makes your heart sing. Have a fantastic weekend!
Guy Harvey is more than just an artist; he is a marine biologist, conservationist, and a storyteller who has captured the vibrant beauty of the ocean through his art. Born in Germany and raised in Jamaica, Harvey’s deep connection with the sea began at an early age. This bond, coupled with his scientific background, has allowed him to create art that is both visually stunning and educational.
Harvey’s artwork is renowned for its detailed depictions of marine life, particularly fish species like marlins, sailfish, and sharks. His ability to bring these creatures to life on canvas has made him a favorite among both art collectors and marine enthusiasts. But Harvey’s work goes beyond aesthetic appeal; it serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness about marine conservation.
In 1999, Harvey founded the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the marine environment. Through the foundation, Harvey has funded research, education, and outreach programs aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems and the species that inhabit them.
Harvey’s unique blend of art and science has made a lasting impact on both the art world and the field of marine conservation. His work continues to inspire a deeper appreciation for the ocean and the need to protect it for future generations. Whether you’re a fan of his art or an advocate for marine life, Guy Harvey’s legacy is one that resonates with passion, purpose, and a profound love for the sea.
Hope you enjoyed this post, thanks for stopping by!!
I’m excited to share my latest artwork with you for the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram! This month’s theme is “Salt,” and after tossing around a few ideas, the sea 🌊 kept calling to me—it’s salty in the best way! To add a bit of interest and fun, I even sprinkled some coarse sea salt onto the background.
This ocean-themed piece found its home in my cherished 4.5×5″ handmade watercolor journal—a thoughtful gift from my sister on a past birthday. I love working in this journal; the size is just right, and the colorful thread binding adds such a special touch that I made sure to paint around it. To make it even more interesting, I drew a boat and some sea life, then stamped the quote, “My heart is at home by the Sea,” and secured it with some washi tape. I even found a delightful mermaid washi tape by Jane Davenport in my stash, which I thought was the perfect finishing touch. I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out—it’s cute and captures that salty sea vibe!
I have to admit, I’m a little behind on this challenge, so I’ll be catching up on the other two designs over the next week or so. My studio projects have been keeping me busy, but taking this creative detour was a refreshing break.
Thanks so much for stopping by! I hope you have a fantastic weekend ahead. 🌟
Are you familiar with Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs? These tiny works of art, measuring just 2.5 by 3.5 inches, are a delightful way for artists of all levels to share their creativity and connect with others.
While the idea of painting in such detail on this small size seems daunting to me, I deeply appreciate the artistry of those who do. I prefer to collect these miniature masterpieces and admire the incredible talent behind them.
Recently, I found a double matte made exclusively for displaying ATCs and couldn’t wait to showcase my collection. The three paintings in the left column and the three on the right were created by one of my favorite artists, Gretchen Del Rio from California. Her unique spiritual style of painting is incredibly calming. Sadly, it seems she is no longer creating these beautiful works of art, so I feel truly blessed to have this stunning collection from her.
In the middle column, you’ll find toucans at the top and a shorebird at the bottom, painted by Anna Lee in Maryland. Her attention to detail is remarkable, especially the reflection of the bird wading in the water on the bottom.
The middle painting of geraniums was created by Elaine Hayes in Tennessee. This piece holds special meaning for me as my late sister, Helga, loved geraniums, and Elaine’s painting brings back wonderful memories of her. I also have other larger paintings from Elaine, including a blue crab that’s framed and hanging next to my studio table, putting a smile on my face every time I sit down to create.
ATCs are a wonderful way to connect with the artistic community and appreciate the diverse styles and techniques out there. If you haven’t tried creating or collecting them yet, I highly recommend giving it a go. It’s a rewarding and inspiring experience!
Staying hydrated during these hot summer months is essential, and Nuun Vitamins Hydration offers a convenient and tasty way to ensure you’re getting the vitamins you need along with your hydration. These effervescent tablets are designed to dissolve in water, creating a refreshing drink that’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
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Benefits:
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I found Nuun Vitamins Hydration to be a game-changer, especially when going on my summer walks or just having fun at the beach. The strawberry melon flavor is my favorite and it’s refreshing without being overly sweet, plus my body loves the added vitamins for an immune boost. The convenience of the tablets is unmatched, making it easy to stay hydrated on the go.
Nuun Vitamins Hydration is a fantastic option for anyone looking to enhance their water with vitamins and electrolytes. It’s convenient, delicious, and supports overall health without the extra calories and sugar. Give it a try and share your thoughts in the comments below—how do you stay hydrated and healthy?
Note: Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including Nuun Vitamins Hydration, to ensure it is appropriate for your individual health needs.
I had so much fun creating these abstract paintings, and after working out some of the snafus, I finally put one together! I wanted it to have an organic feel, so I used a piece of a tree branch wrapped with yarn. I added wire, a few beads, and a bit of glitter for some pizzazz, and this is where it ended up.
I still have three more to go, but I’m happy with the overall vibe. I’m still contemplating adding an inspiring word—what do you think?
Stay tuned, more to come…
I hope this inspires you, have a grand day! 🌸🎨
I see flowers as Mother Nature’s masterpieces. Their petals, whether soft and strong or luminous and fragile, each possess a unique beauty that ignites my creativity. These two new paintings I’ve created invite you to envision flowers through a lens of feeling rather than detail.
As I wrap up these paintings, I’m also piecing everything together. A few unexpected challenges prompted some design changes, but they’ve only enriched my artistic journey.
Stay tuned to see how it all comes together…
I hope this inspires you, have a wonderful weekend! 🌸🎨
As many of you know, I love painting angels. It’s where I find peace and solace through the artistic process. I started this watercolor painting in my art journal a while ago, but I wasn’t thrilled with the overpowering, bold colors.
Eventually, I decided to move forward and finish her. Surprisingly, once I changed my mindset, the colors started to grow on me, and new ideas emerged on how to complete this painting. Sometimes, we need to take a step back and let things settle before new inspiration comes to us. It’s a reminder that patience and a fresh perspective can transform our work in unexpected ways.
I hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!â €
Share the Happyđź’–
“Faith and Fear both demand you believe in something you cannot see. You choose!” ~Bob Proctor
I love nature’s beauty in flowers. There are so many varieties, textures and lovely colors. It’s no wonder I have a strong calling to paint them.
I’ve been enjoying creating abstract watercolors. My intention with these paintings is to evoke the essence of flowers without focusing on the details, leaving much to the viewer’s imagination.
These small pieces are part of a larger mixed media project I’m working on, and I hope to complete them this coming week. So join me on this artistic journey to see how it evolves!
I hope this inspires you in some way. Have a great weekend!â €
In recent years, the debate between organic produce and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) has gained considerable attention. Understanding the key differences can help you make informed decisions about what you eat.
Organic Produce
Organic produce is grown without synthetic chemicals, using natural methods like composting, crop rotation, and biological pest control. These practices promote environmental sustainability and protect biodiversity. Foods labeled “organic” are often seen as healthier and more eco-friendly.
GMOs
Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are plants or animals with altered DNA to introduce traits like pest resistance or drought tolerance. Proponents argue that GMOs can lead to higher crop yields, reduced pesticide use, and enhanced nutritional content.
Health and Safety
The safety of GMOs is debated, but many organizations like WHO and AMA say they are safe to eat. Some consumers, however, worry about long-term health effects. Organic produce, free from synthetic chemicals and GMOs, can be reassuring for those avoiding potential risks of conventional farming methods.
In regards to health effects, this is my personal experience: I love tomatoes, and had one with dinner. Around 3 am, I woke up in extreme pain, unable to close my hands into fists or move my legs, arms, and even my neck. The next day, I did research and found it was likely either a sudden onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis or an adverse reaction to GMOs.
The easiest option was to rule out was the GMO tomato so I decided to eat another tomato. I clearly didn’t think that through because the same exact thing happened. The pain was excruciating and took several days to subside. However, for me this confirmed the painful inflammation I was experiencing wasn’t arthritis, but instead, my body’s response to the GMO tomato I had eaten.
Environmental Impact
Organic farming avoids synthetic chemicals and promotes soil health, enhancing biodiversity and reducing pollution. However, it typically requires more land and labor. GMOs can reduce the need for chemical inputs and increase crop resilience, but there are concerns about their impact on non-target species and potential gene flow to wild relatives.
Cost and Availability
Organic produce is often more expensive than conventional produce due to the labor-intensive farming practices and lower yields. GMOs, on the other hand, can be produced more efficiently and are typically more affordable. The availability of organic produce can also be limited depending on your location.
While not everyone will experience the severe reaction I did to GMOs, organic produce is generally considered better for your health and the environment, provided your budget allows. Stay tuned for next week’s discussion on which produce items are consistently safer to buy organic, and which ones are acceptable in their conventional form.
Hope you found this post useful, thanks for stopping by!!
Flowing Waters Art 