Category Archives: Watercolor

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom by Tom Ziglar

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As you may know I’m a collector of quotes. These “Words of Wisdom” have the power to lift your spirit when you need it most. I thought it would be fun to create a collection of inspiring quotes on a deck of 3.5×4.5 inch watercolor cards with art. So this is the first one in the deck by Tom Ziglar:

“Never put the key to your Happiness in somebody else’s pocket.”

These words are simple yet so true. Sometimes I think it’s just easier to put your happiness in some else’s pocket. But the truth is happiness comes from within and we all have the ability to create our own happiness. Some days can be a struggle but but it’s well worth the effort.

On days when I’m feeling off, I’ll meditate, go for a walk or create some art to get that happiness powerplant inside of me a kick start. When your day goes sideways, what do you do to create happiness?

Hope this inspires you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!!

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Labor Day Sale

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You work hard! Treat yourself with our Labor Day deals!!

LABOR DAY SALE

Original Paintings and Holiday Ornaments on Sale Now through September 4th

Important: Each work of art is an Original, completely Unique! Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. So don’t delay!!!

✨Visit my Etsy Shop now and take advantage of these Amazing SAVINGS✨

Thanks for your support!!

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More available in my Etsy Shop:

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom by Gandhi

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We all face challenges and struggles. At times you may want to give up and call it quits. But when you dig deep, you’ll find that all of the challenges you’ve faced in your life have made you stronger and wiser. So as unpleasant as they may seem, keep going and get through it. You’ve got this!!

These words of encouragement are by Mohandas Gandhi and are featured on my abstract art:

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggle develops your strength. Whe you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Really love this quote. I hope you’re having a great week so far!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Dick Blick Watercolor Contest

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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!!

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

Stay on the Sunny Side of Life Art Journal

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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!!

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Sun Zentangle

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This was a fun zentangle design I made a while ago in one of my watercolor art journals. Creating zentangle art has a way of calming and relaxing your mind. It helps you to focus, relieve stress and improve eye-hand coordination by simply drawing repetitive patterns. Plus it’s just fun to create.

Most zentangle designs are created in black and white. But I’m crazy about color so I had to paint this one with watercolors. Not to mention I couldn’t resist adding a bit of glitter 😊

There are lots of books and videos online on how to get started. All you need is pen, paper and your imagination. The possibilities are endless!

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

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Rose Mixed Media Watercolor Painting

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I wanted to have a bit of fun and created this painting from Gina Lee Kim’s book, “Fast and Fun Watercolor: Painting Techniques, No Drawing Required!” Gina is a very talented artist who creates with bright, fun colors. You can find her on Instagram: @ginaleekim. Her book is well written with step by step photos and lots of inspiration, I highly recommend it.

I did my painting slightly different than what’s outlined in the book but it turned out really nice. I used Golden Glass Bead Gel for the vase. I love the texture and how it shimmers in the light.

I finished it off with a wonderful quote by Rumi that reads:

“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.”

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

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You are my Sunshine Watercolor Art Journaling

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This is another flashback art journal page I made a while ago in my Strathmore 6×12″ Watercolor Journal. It’s a bit of an odd shaped journal that challenges me to create something fun in. I love zentangle designs and that’s what I ended up making here.

I made this while on vacation with my kids when they were little. My daughter was always my cup of sunshine and she was the inspiration for this page. Every time I look at this page I think of her 😊

I remember prepping a few pages with watercolor washes before leaving on the trip so I could travel with less supplies. All I ended up taking with me was this journal and my micron pen set.

If life is too busy for you to find time to create, then a vacation would be ideal. Journaling helps you to capture lovely memories with your creativity. You can even add pieces of memorabilia to your journal pages to make it even more special. Take as many supplies as you want or prep pages before leaving like I did here. It’s fun, easy and makes a great keepsake.

Hope this inspires you to create!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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“Don’t think about making art, just get it done.” ~Andy Warhol

Simplest Things Journal

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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!!!

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

Weaving Magic Art Journal

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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!!!

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

  • The beginning of something magical…