Exploring Playful Abstract Art Techniques

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This playful abstract emerged from a session of pure experimentation. I challenged myself to use familiar tools in unfamiliar ways—flipping brushes, dragging paint with unexpected edges, and layering with silicone paint brushes. The result? A vibrant swirl of turquoise, chartreuse, and magenta, accented by whimsical dot patterns and textural scribbles.

I didn’t set out with a plan—just a curiosity about what would happen if I let the tools guide me instead of the other way around. It was liberating to loosen control and trust the process. The spiral shapes, scattered blocks, and spontaneous marks became a visual journal of that exploration.

This piece is a reminder: sometimes the best discoveries come when you stop trying to make “art” and just start playing.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking a peek into my creative experiments. Wishing you a colorful, joy-filled weekend—see you next time!

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Exploring Rembrandt: Master of Light and Emotion

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Rembrandt Self Portrait 1642

Today, I’m spending a little time with Rembrandt—one of history’s true artistic legends. Born in 1606 in Leiden, Netherlands, Rembrandt van Rijn rose to fame during the Dutch Golden Age as a painter, printmaker, and master of light and shadow. But beyond his technical brilliance, what makes Rembrandt’s work so moving is the emotion and humanity woven into each piece.

Rembrandt created hundreds of paintings and etchings—everything from grand biblical scenes to quiet, contemplative self-portraits. He painted the rich and the poor, the well-known and the overlooked, all with the same sense of dignity and soul. His use of chiaroscuro (the dramatic play of light and dark) didn’t just highlight physical features—it illuminated emotion, struggle, and inner life.

What’s especially inspiring is that Rembrandt’s life wasn’t easy. He experienced deep personal loss, including the death of his wife and three of their children. He also faced financial ruin later in life. And yet, he kept painting. In fact, some of his most powerful and introspective works came during these harder years. His late self-portraits are raw, honest, and quietly beautiful—proof that creativity doesn’t vanish in the face of hardship. Sometimes, it deepens.

Rembrandt’s art reminds me that no matter what we face, creativity has the power to uplift, connect, and inspire. So let’s keep creating, keep expressing, and let our light shine—just like he did.

Hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into art history—thanks so much for stopping by!

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A few of Rembrandt’s Paintings:

The Artist in his Studio 1629

The Storm of Galilee 1633

The Night Watch by Rembrandt 1642

Rembrandt Self Portrait 1669

Vibrant Macro Photo Print: Sunburst

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I’m excited to share my newest photo print, Sunburst—a vivid macro photograph of a glowing orange Mexican sunflower. This striking bloom practically radiates warmth, making it the perfect piece to add a splash of sunshine to your home.

Whether you’re updating your gallery wall or looking for a thoughtful gift, Sunburst brings a cheerful burst of nature indoors. Available in 5×7 and 8×10 sizes, each print is carefully packaged to arrive ready to frame and enjoy.

Take a peek in my Etsy Shop and let a little extra light into your day!

Thanks for your continued support!

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Trusting the Process in Abstract Art Creation

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A Painting in Progress

Working on these abstract paintings is always an adventure—each layer tells part of the story, even the ones that get buried beneath others. This 18×24 inch piece has been evolving for quite some time now. I’ve been adding layers slowly, letting each one guide the next, and I’m finally starting to fall in love with it.

The Midnight Pause

There’s always a point in the process where I feel the urge to keep going—adding more color, more movement, more energy. Last night was one of those moments. I was tempted to keep layering well past midnight, but something told me to pause. So I listened. I stepped away and promised myself I’d take another look in the morning with fresh eyes. I’m so glad I did.

A Fresh Look in the Morning

This morning, I brought the painting into a sunnier room and propped it up by the window. The natural light made the colors come alive in such a lovely way. I sat there with my delicious chocolate shake, just soaking it all in—and that’s when it hit me: it didn’t need much more. Maybe just a few soft lines or subtle shapes, but nothing major. For now, it feels close to complete. And that feels really good.

Trusting the Process

It’s moments like these that remind me why I love making art—learning to trust the quiet pauses just as much as the bold brushstrokes.

Let’s Chat!

Have you ever taken a break from something creative, then come back to it with fresh eyes? I’d love to hear how that’s worked for you—feel free to share in the comments!

Thanks so much for stopping by. Wishing you a beautiful and relaxing weekend!

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Anticipating Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

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Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

As a kid, I enjoyed watching the original Mission: Impossible TV series. It was filled with action and intrigue—the kind of edge-of-your-seat drama that kept you guessing. The original show aired from 1966 to 1973 and set the stage for a legacy of high-stakes espionage storytelling.

Fast forward to today, and the Mission: Impossible film series, starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt, has taken that same spirit and cranked it up with globe-trotting stunts, intense plot twists, and jaw-dropping action. Since the first film in 1996, each installment has built on the last—faster, bolder, and more daring than ever.

What truly sets the series apart is Cruise’s commitment to doing many of his own stunts, whether he’s hanging off cliffs, scaling skyscrapers, or free-falling from planes. It’s this mix of physical intensity and smart storytelling that keeps the franchise fresh and fans coming back.

Here’s a look at all the films in the Mission: Impossible series so far:

  1. Mission: Impossible – May 22, 1996
  2. Mission: Impossible 2 – May 24, 2000
  3. Mission: Impossible III – May 5, 2006
  4. Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol – December 16, 2011
  5. Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation – July 31, 2015
  6. Mission: Impossible – Fallout – July 27, 2018
  7. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One – July 12, 2023
  8. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Coming May 23, 2025

From its roots as a classic TV show to the edge-of-your-seat blockbusters we see today, Mission: Impossible has proven that some missions really are worth accepting—again and again. I’m especially excited for the upcoming installment, The Final Reckoning, which appears to be the last in the series. You can bet I’ll be heading to the theater to see it—stay tuned for a movie review!

Are you a huge fan gearing up to catch it on the big screen tomorrow? Here’s a link to the movie trailer: Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Trailer)

Hope you’ll be able to see it! Thanks for stopping by!!

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New on Etsy: Stunning Sunset Reflections Art Print

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Bring the vibrant glow of twilight into your home with Sunset Reflections—a bold abstract Giclée print inspired by the striking beauty of sunset skies mirrored on water. With rich purples, deep blues, and vivid greens flowing together in a dynamic composition, this piece adds color and energy while still offering a calming presence.

Adapted from my original watercolor, each print is professionally reproduced to capture every bold brushstroke. Available in a variety of sizes from 5×7 to a stunning 24×36 inches—Sunset Reflections is easy to style in any space, big or small.

Now available in my Etsy Shop—ready to frame, hang, and bring a touch of magic to your walls.

Here’s to a week filled with creativity, joy, and bright moments! 💫

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Creative Ways to Enhance Your Concertina Art Journal

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I’ve been having a bit of fun and working in my concertina art journal also known as an accordion journal. The next four pages burst with layered whimsy and creative reuse. I started with collaged butterflies—each one crafted from stash papers I had previously made. Their wings are full of bright colors and lively movement, bringing a sense of flight across the spread.

To add a bit more charm, I included collaged pieces from an old book page and sketched in snippets of musical notes. They bring just the right touch of vintage whimsy. I also added gold pen accents that catch the light in such a lovely way, tying everything together with a gentle shimmer. One page has a leafy collage that helps ground the butterflies and adds a sweet little nod to nature.

On the far right page, I included a small pocket—just big enough to hold a hand drawn woven paper and a cut-down strip from a loose watercolor painting. It’s a little surprise tucked into the page, inviting interaction and a closer look.

This spread is all about play, texture, and transformation—breathing new life into forgotten bits and well-loved papers. I had so much fun watching it all come together, layer by layer.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my latest concertina journal pages! Do you have favorite treasures hiding in your stash that always inspire you? I’d love to hear what you’ve been making—feel free to share in the comments.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderfully creative weekend ahead!

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Top 5 Strategies to Manage Time Like a Pro

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Photo by Michaela on Pexels.com

Ever feel like your to-do list keeps growing while the hours slip away? You’re not alone. Good time management isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most. Here are a few tried-and-true techniques to help you work smarter, not harder:

1. Time Blocking
Divide your day into focused time blocks for specific tasks. This helps minimize multitasking and keeps distractions in check. Be sure to include breaks to recharge!

2. The Two-Minute Rule
If something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This keeps small tasks from piling up and gives you a quick sense of accomplishment.

3. Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix
Try the Eisenhower Matrix to sort your tasks: What’s urgent? What’s important? Focus your energy where it counts, and let go of the rest.

4. Batch Similar Tasks
Group similar tasks together—like replying to emails or planning content—so you can get into a flow and save mental energy.

5. Set Boundaries
Protect your creative or work time by limiting interruptions. That might mean setting specific hours for checking email or saying “no” to non-essential commitments.

Productivity isn’t about packing your schedule—it’s about making space for what truly matters. When you manage your time with intention, you create more room for focus, creativity, and even rest. Start small, stay consistent, and let your days work for you, not against you.

Thanks so much for stopping by—I’m so glad you’re here! 💛

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Stunning Water Lily Prints for Your Home

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I’m excited to share a new addition to my Etsy Shop—a dreamy duo of water lily photographs now available as a set of high-quality prints! This set features Pink Water Lily and Blue Lotus Lily, each capturing the serene beauty and quiet strength of these stunning blooms.

Available in 5×7 or 8×10 inch prints, these floral portraits are perfect for creating a calming corner in your home or adding a gentle pop of color to your gallery wall. As a bonus, you’ll automatically save 20% when you purchase the set compared to buying each photo individually.

Bring the peaceful beauty of nature into your home—browse the set in the Shop today and let these lilies add a touch of tranquility to your space.

Thanks for being here, and I hope you have a truly wonderful day!

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Creative Watercolor Abstract: Exploring Freeform Design

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This new 4×6 inch watercolor abstract came to life through deliberate play—each color painted with intention to form unique, curvy, freeform shapes. Navy blue, olive green, turquoise, ultramarine, and violet each hold their own space, creating a dynamic rhythm across the paper.

Rather than blending, the colors meet at crisp edges—like puzzle pieces that almost fit, yet clearly belong together—creating a sense of tension, contrast, and energy. Layered over these shapes are playful circles, star shapes, fun dots and lines, and little unexpected details that add movement and character. Gold pen accents bring a soft shimmer—like a quiet wink when the light hits just right.

There’s a sense of movement here, and a little bit of magic—like a glimpse into a world that’s still unfolding. Have you ever tried creating a freeform design just to let your imagination shine? It’s amazing what shows up when you let go and follow the shapes.

Thanks for stopping by, have a lovely weekend!

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