Explore Silent Radiance and Gentle Currents: New Art Debuts

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Two new pieces have just arrived in my Etsy Shop—meet Silent Radiance and Gentle Currents! 💛

These abstracts are part of a series inspired by childhood memories of growing up on a lake. That sense of quiet water, shifting light, and gentle movement continues to influence my work today. I find so much joy in the spontaneity of watercolor—watching pigments blend, soften, and settle into their own rhythm on the page.

Across each painting, a horizon of light draws the eye, bringing warmth and balance to the composition.

Silent Radiance carries layers of serene greens and cool blues, crossed by that luminous band of gold—evoking the meeting of land, water, and sky in a calm, reflective moment. Gentle Currents flows with a similar palette, its movement feeling a bit more fluid and meandering, as if the water itself is quietly in motion.

While each painting tells its own story, together they create a shared sense of place—different moments within the same calm, unfolding landscape.

If you’re looking to bring a touch of calm and inspiration into your space, you can find Silent Radiance and Gentle Currents in my Etsy Shop. I hope they bring a little light and a sense of wonder into your day!

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Explore Golden Stillness and Quiet Horizons: New Art Debuts

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I shared these paintings with you recently on my blog, and now they’ve officially made their debut in my Etsy Shop — meet Golden Stillness and Quiet Horizons! 💛

These abstracts were inspired by my childhood growing up on a lake, where we swam almost every day. I love the spontaneity of watercolors, letting the pigments move, blend, and find their own rhythm. For a little pop of light, I added a golden band stretching across each painting like a quiet horizon catching the sun, bringing warmth and balance to the composition.

Golden Stillness invites a moment of pause, with deep, grounding blues and dreamy greens drifting above. Quiet Horizons has a brighter, more playful energy, with lively greens in motion and a golden glow that feels like sunlight dancing on water.

Though each painting tells its own story, together they feel like two glimpses of the same serene landscape — a peaceful world hidden inside the paint.

If you’d like to bring a little calm and inspiration into your own space, you can see Golden Stillness and Quiet Horizons in my Etsy Shop. I hope these pieces spark joy and a sense of wonder in your day!

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Embracing Watercolor: The Dance of Color and Texture

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Sometimes a painting begins with a plan…
and sometimes it begins with color.

These two abstract watercolors began with flowing blues and vibrant greens, letting the pigments move and blend naturally across the paper. I added a glowing band of golden yellow, slightly off center, letting it find its own place within the composition.

The effect feels like a quiet horizon catching the light — a small, intentional touch that brings warmth and balance to each piece.

There’s something calming about that moment in the process, when the colors begin to suggest a place — almost like discovering a landscape hidden inside the paint.

Painting One (pictured left)

This piece feels soft and reflective to me.

• Deep blues gather toward the bottom like water catching the light
• A warm golden band glows across the painting like a quiet horizon
• Above it, drifting greens and blues create a misty, dreamlike sky

It reminds me of those peaceful moments when everything slows down and the world feels still.

Painting Two (pictured right)

This painting has a slightly different energy.

• Rich greens move more freely across the page
• The glowing yellow horizon feels brighter and more defined
• Soft textures below create the feeling of light shimmering across water

Even though these paintings were created separately, they feel connected — like two glimpses of the same peaceful place at different moments in time.

That’s one of the things I love about watercolor. The paint often leads the way, revealing scenes and moods you didn’t expect when you first picked up the brush.

Now I’m curious…

What do you see when you look at these paintings?
A quiet lake? Rolling hills? A distant shoreline?

I hope you enjoyed sharing this creative moment with me. Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful, magical day!

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Exploring Abstract Watercolor: A Journey of Color

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I recently finished this new abstract watercolor and couldn’t wait to share it with you 💜💙

This piece began as pure play—no plan, no rules—just letting the watercolors flow and seeing where they wanted to go. Soft violets and calming blues gradually layered together, forming shapes and textures that felt peaceful, almost like a quiet horizon or a gentle moment of stillness at the end of a long day.

One of the things I love most about abstract art is that it’s open to interpretation. Everyone sees something different, and there’s no “right” answer—only feeling. Some might see a landscape, others might feel a mood, and sometimes it’s just the colors themselves that speak.

For me, this painting was a reminder of the joy in letting go, of exploring without expectations, and of finding calm in the simple act of painting. It’s these small, playful experiments that keep my creativity flowing and my love for watercolor alive.

I’d love to know—what do you see or feel when you look at it?

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

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The Joy of Playful Art: A Seasonal Reflection

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I’ll be honest—my art creations have slowed down a little lately. And honestly? I’m okay with that. One reason is that it’s the holidays, and I’ve been soaking up the season as much as possible: the little moments, the cozy pauses, the magic that always shows up this time of year. The second reason is a bit more behind-the-scenes—I’ve been working on plans to add a shop directly to this website. That means if Etsy isn’t your thing, you’ll soon be able to browse all of my artwork and shop right here, no extra accounts or steps required. I’m really excited about that next chapter.

As for this piece, it came from a place of play. No pressure, no rigid plan—just colors, shapes, and curiosity. It lives somewhere between abstract and impressionism, and I kind of like that it doesn’t fully commit to either. The florals feel loose and expressive, and the bold reds, warm yellows, and fresh greens felt absolutely perfect for the season. It was one of those sessions where experimenting was the whole point, and the joy was in seeing what would happen next.

Sometimes creativity—and really, life in general—doesn’t need to be about productivity or progress. Sometimes it’s simply about showing up, enjoying the moment, and letting yourself follow what feels good without overthinking it. This piece reminded me of that, and maybe it’s a gentle reminder for you too. 💛

What do you see when you look at it? Flowers in full bloom, festive energy, or just a burst of happy color? I’d love to know.

Wishing you a truly wonderful, magical day✨ Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Exploring Creative Freedom in Art Journaling

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Art journaling is such a fun way to play and get in some practice at the same time. It’s the perfect space to try out new ideas, techniques, tools, and colors without any pressure—just pure creativity.

When I make these abstract pieces, I love how the shapes and colors take on a life of their own. Simply using more or less water can create the coolest organic effects. Whether I’m brushing wet paint onto dry paper or working wet-on-wet, the results are always different, and honestly, always a little surprising!

This piece was created in my Strathmore Watercolor Journal using only three shades of blue. I added some line work and fun details with Posca pens and gold metallic markers. It turned into an interesting little design that really invites you to stop and look a bit closer.

Whatever your passion is, keep practicing and nurturing it. Doing what you love brings so much joy—and it’s amazing to see how your skills grow along the way.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

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Watercolor Abstracts: A Creative Journey

I hope everyone has a fun holiday weekend ahead! I know I’m ready to slow down a little and soak in some much-needed relaxation. Lately, I’ve been doing a bit of rethinking, and one thing has become clear—I need to spend more time in the studio. To ease myself in, I decided to play around with some new watercolor abstracts.

The first piece (photo one) is still a work in progress. I love the way the vivid colors flow and mingle together, though I made the center line a bit wider than I intended I still like it overall. That’s the fun of experimenting—it all becomes part of the process.

For the second piece, I decided to add a touch of glitter along the middle line. It’s subtle in the photo, but in person it gives the painting just the right amount of sparkle and magic.

On the third, I couldn’t resist trying shimmering gold. It paired beautifully with the warmer tones and instantly gave the piece a glowing, almost autumn-like feel. With cooler days right around the corner, I’m looking forward to exploring more warm, cozy color palettes that capture the spirit of fall.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing this creative moment with me—I hope the changing season brings you inspiration too. As we welcome September, I’d love to know: what colors or little rituals help you embrace the fall season?

Wishing you a relaxing and joyful Labor Day weekend!

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Top Tips for Preserving Your Art and Keepsakes

It’s been a whirlwind week in the studio! I’ve been busy creating new art totes and getting them listed in my shop. This was no small feat—I designed and uploaded three brand-new totes, which I’ll be showcasing on the blog this coming Tuesday. So if you love interesting art with pops of color, stay tuned for that reveal!

But today I thought I’d answer a question I’m often asked: How do you store watercolor paintings safely? Even if you’re not an artist yourself, you might have special papers, prints, or even keepsakes you’d like to preserve—and my solution works beautifully for all of those, too.

My go-to storage favorite is the Itoya Original Art ProFolio. This week, I treated myself to two new ones for my smaller paintings, and I’m in love with them all over again.

Here’s why: they’re completely acid-free and archivally safe, which means my artwork will stay in beautiful condition for years to come. The covers are PVC-free polypropylene (no off-gassing, no hidden paper damage!), and each page has an acid-free black mounting paper insert that makes my watercolors look gallery-ready even while in storage.

Whether it’s for finished paintings waiting to be framed, prints you’ve collected, or even your own treasured mementos, these portfolios keep everything flat, dust-free, and protected. I also love that they’re designed like a book—so they slide neatly onto a shelf and make it easy to flip through and enjoy the contents without worrying about fingerprints or accidental bends.

For fellow artists, they’re a professional-grade staple. For collectors or memory-keepers, they’re a simple way to protect what you love. Either way, they’re worth every penny in peace of mind.

Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing a bit of your day with me. Wishing you a colorful, joy-filled weekend ahead!

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Discovering the Quirky Green Wonky Woofer

Meet My Green Goofball: A New Wonky Woofer Joins the Pack!

Sometimes a painting comes together in the quirkiest way—and this one might be the quirkiest yet! 💚 Meet my newest Wonky Woofer, an adorably awkward green pup who looks like he just woke up from a nap and realized he forgot how to dog.

Long floppy ears? Check. Slightly concerned expression? Definitely. Unexpected shade of green? Absolutely. He’s a little lopsided, totally lovable, and full of wonky charm.

Why So Green?

Honestly? I’m not sure why he’s green—but it just feels right, doesn’t it? Like he wandered in from a Dr. Seuss book or maybe he’s the official mascot of some magical dog park where the grass is always neon. Whatever his origin story, one thing’s for sure: this little guy made me smile from the very first brushstroke.

Painting him reminded me of something I’ve learned again and again: when I stop trying to get it right and just let the brush do its thing, the joy shows up on the page.

Permission to Play

This goofy green guy gave me the perfect excuse to just play. No rules, no pressure—just watercolor, a wonky sketch, and a whole lot of fun. I think that’s what I love most about these Wonky Woofers: they remind me that art doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful.

In fact, sometimes the sillier it is, the more it fills my creative cup. 🎨🐾

Your Turn: What’s the Most Unexpected Thing You’ve Painted Lately?

Have you ever started a painting with one idea and ended up somewhere completely different? Or chosen a color just because it made you laugh? I’d love to hear about it! Share your favorite playful painting moment in the comments—I always enjoy seeing how others embrace the whimsy too.

Until next time, keep creating, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to paint something totally off-the-wall (or off-the-leash!). 💕

Thanks for stopping by—and may your weekend be filled with color and joy!

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Delightfully Wonky: When Art Makes You Giggle

Meet My Newest Wonky Woofer!

Say hello to the latest addition in my whimsical pup parade! 🐶🎨 Inspired once again by the fabulous Karen Campbell’s Wonky Woofers book (@karencampbellartist), this delightfully disheveled little guy practically leapt off the page with his big googly eyes and “Did I do that?” expression.

From his tilted stance to his slightly suspicious side-eye, this pup might look confused—but he’s confidently quirky in all the best ways. I can’t help but smile every time I see him. There’s something so lovable about that wonky charm, don’t you think?

Letting Go and Leaning into the Quirk

One of the things I’ve grown to love most about painting these wonky woofer characters is how freeing it feels. There’s no “right” way to do it—wonky is the point! The joy is in the imperfections, the happy accidents, and the freedom to just play.

This pup reminded me that creativity doesn’t need to be polished to be powerful. Sometimes a slightly askew eye or lopsided smirk is what makes a piece come alive.

Got Any Quirky Creatures of Your Own?

What’s the silliest or most unexpected thing you’ve painted lately? Maybe a bug-eyed cat, a cheerful blob, or something that started off serious and ended in hilarious chaos? I’d love to hear about it! Drop your funny or feel-good art moments in the comments—I always love seeing what kind of playful magic you’re making.

Until next time, keep creating, keep embracing the wonky, and remember: a little wobble just means more personality. 💕🐾

Thanks so much for stopping by—and wishing you a colorful, joy-filled weekend ahead!

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