Tag Archives: Abstract Art

When Watercolor Takes You Somewhere Unexpected

Featured

Posted on by
Reply
A watercolor landscape featuring a serene body of water with a distant green hill and a sandy shore. The color palette includes shades of blue, green, and brown, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Sometimes I start a painting with an idea in mind, but the watercolor has a way of taking over and creating something I didn’t quite expect. This blue and turquoise piece is one of those paintings.

I’ve been working on a series of small watercolor paintings exploring the combination of turquoise, blue, green, and warm golden tones, and I love how differently each one develops. This 8×10 painting started with those familiar colors, but as the layers came together, something really special began happening in the upper portion.

The deeper turquoise and blue create an almost dreamy, atmospheric feeling, while the golden areas seem to glow against them. I especially love the way the colors blend and soften into one another. There’s something about watercolor that makes it difficult to completely control—and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Once the watercolor was finished, I added a little bit of glitter through the center. It catches the light subtly and gives that area a bit of sparkle without overwhelming the painting. I love those little unexpected details that you sometimes don’t notice until you see the artwork in person.

The bottom portion is still making me think. I’m debating whether to add some metallic gold to it. Part of me thinks that a touch of gold could tie the warm tones together and add another layer of shimmer. Another part of me likes the softer, quieter quality it has right now.

And that’s one of the interesting parts of creating art—knowing when to keep going and knowing when to step back.

For now, I’m giving myself permission to simply enjoy it as it is and let the painting sit for a while. Sometimes the best decision is to wait and see what catches your eye the next time you look at it.

I have a feeling this one may have a little more to say before it’s finished. 💙✨

Thank you for stopping by and sharing a little creative time with me. I hope you have a wonderful, colorful day!

Share the Happy 💖

Creative Evolution of Abstract Landscapes

Featured

Posted on by
Reply
  • Before….
  • After!

Last week, I shared a peek at this watercolor while it was still a work in progress. I had the basic composition in place, but I knew it needed more depth, color, and a little something extra.

Now it’s finished—and for the moment, I’m calling it Shimmering Tides. Although, knowing me, the title may still change!

Before… and After!

Looking back at the “Before” version I shared last week, it’s fun to see how much this little abstract landscape changed! A few more layers of color added depth and richness, while the gold and silver highlights gave it that final touch of shimmer and whimsy.

I love how abstract art allows me to suggest a landscape without having to paint every detail literally. The flowing shapes, layered colors, and shifting tones create a sense of place while leaving plenty of room for the imagination.

For this piece, I built up the blues and greens and balanced them with warm sandy tones. Each layer added a little more depth and movement, helping the composition feel more complete.

But my favorite part came at the end: the shimmer!

I added touches of gold and silver throughout the painting, which catch the light and give the piece an unexpected sparkle. They’re subtle in some areas and more noticeable in others, adding just a touch of whimsy without taking away from the watercolor.

It’s always interesting to see how a painting evolves. Sometimes I start with one idea and the artwork takes me somewhere completely different. That’s part of what makes creating abstract art so much fun!

Looking at the Before and After, I’m really happy with how this little abstract landscape evolved. It has the peaceful feeling I was hoping for, but with a little more color, depth, and sparkle than where it began.

Thank you so much for stopping by and following along with my creative journey. I hope your day is filled with color, creativity, and something that makes you smile.

Share the Happy 💖

Discover the Easiest Way to Paint Canvas Edges

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

Have you ever found yourself carefully painting the sides of a canvas with a brush and wishing there was a faster way? I know I have, especially when the canvas has a beveled edge. Those edges can be a little tricky to paint!

So recently, I tried a painting technique I’ve seen other artists using online, and I have to say—it worked so much better than I expected!

The technique is wonderfully simple: use a sponge to paint the sides of your canvas. That’s it! And after trying it for myself, I can honestly say it was super fast, super easy, and surprisingly effective.

Why Use a Sponge?

Painting the edges of a canvas with a brush can sometimes be a little awkward. You have to carefully work your way around each side, making sure you get good coverage without getting too much paint where you don’t want it.

With a sponge, the process felt much quicker. I simply added paint to the sponge and ran it along the sides of the canvas. The sponge made it easy to apply the paint evenly and get good coverage along the edges.

What I really loved was how quickly it worked! Sometimes the simplest ideas are the ones that make you wonder, Why didn’t I try this sooner? 😊

The Canvas I Used for My Experiment

The canvas I used for this little experiment was actually an older painting that I had created some time ago, but I wasn’t happy with how it turned out. I had added a lot of texture—too much, in my opinion—so I decided to repurpose it and keep it for myself as a place to experiment with new color combinations. It also gave me the perfect opportunity to try the sponge technique on the edges!

I played with rich purples, blues, pinks, and other color combinations, enjoying the freedom to experiment without worrying about creating a finished painting. And while the color experimentation was fun, the biggest discovery for me was definitely the sponge!

A Fast and Easy Painting Tip

If you paint on canvas and haven’t tried using a sponge on the edges yet, I definitely recommend giving it a try. It’s such a simple technique, but it made painting the sides much faster and easier for me.

Of course, different sponges and different amounts of paint may create slightly different results, which is part of the fun of experimenting. But for a quick and easy way to cover the edges of a canvas, I thought this technique worked wonderfully.

I’ll definitely be using a sponge again when I need to paint the sides of a canvas!

Sometimes Trying Something New Is Worth It

One of the things I love about art is that there’s always something new to discover. Whether it’s experimenting with color, trying a different tool, or testing a technique you’ve seen another artist use, you never know when you might find something that becomes part of your own creative process.

This little sponge experiment was a great reminder that sometimes it’s worth stepping outside our usual routines and trying something different. You might just discover a technique you love! 🎨✨

Thank you for spending part of your day with me! I hope you’re having a wonderful day and finding a little time to create, experiment, and try something new.

Share the Happy 💖

Embrace Spontaneity in Art Journaling

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

Have you ever started creating without having any idea what the finished piece would look like?

That’s exactly how this journal page came together. I began with random line drawings using a watercolor pencil, simply letting my hand wander across the page. From those first lines, I started adding watercolor, playing with turquoise, orange, blue, and green. Circles, dots, patterns, and a little sparkle followed, and before I knew it, the page had taken on a life of its own.

Just Follow the Fun

I love when a journal page evolves this way. There’s no pressure to create something perfect and no need to have the whole thing figured out from the beginning. One mark leads to another, one color suggests the next, and suddenly you have something you never would have planned.

This colorful page was a fun reminder of why I enjoy art journaling so much. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply pick up a pencil, make a few marks, and see what happens.

And who knows? Maybe this little experiment will lead to something new. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more about that later this month.

Thank you for spending a little creative time with me today. I hope you find a few minutes to play and make something simply because it makes you happy.

Have a colorful and wonderful day!

Share the Happy 💖

Do’s and Don’ts of Creating a Gallery Wall

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

A gallery wall is one of the easiest ways to add personality to your home. Whether you’re displaying original artwork, family photos, or treasured keepsakes, a thoughtfully arranged gallery wall can turn a blank space into a beautiful focal point. The key is creating a collection that feels balanced, inviting, and uniquely yours.

Do Plan Your Layout First

Before hanging anything, take a little time to experiment with the arrangement. Lay your frames on the floor or tape paper templates to the wall to see how everything works together.

Start with your largest or favorite piece as the anchor of the display, then build the rest of the collection around it. Keeping the spacing between pieces fairly consistent—about 2 to 3 inches—helps create a polished, cohesive look.

Don’t Hang Artwork Too High

One of the most common decorating mistakes is placing artwork too high on the wall. As a general guideline, the center of your gallery should be close to eye level. If you’re hanging it above a sofa, console table, or bed, leave about 6 to 8 inches of space between the furniture and the bottom of the artwork.

It’s also helpful to keep the gallery wall proportional to the furniture below it. A display that’s roughly two-thirds the width of the furniture usually feels balanced and comfortable.

Do Mix Sizes and Add Interest

A gallery wall doesn’t have to be perfectly matched. Mixing large and small pieces, vertical and horizontal artwork, and different frame styles creates visual interest and gives the display a collected feel.

You can also add dimension by including mirrors, small shelves, decorative objects, or other meaningful items. Even with a variety of pieces, choosing a simple color palette helps tie everything together.

Don’t Overcrowd the Wall

Every piece deserves a little room to shine. Leaving enough space between artwork keeps the wall from feeling cluttered and allows each piece to be appreciated.

Don’t worry about making everything perfectly symmetrical, either. Slightly asymmetrical arrangements often feel more natural and tell a more personal story.

Most importantly, choose artwork that speaks to you. A gallery wall filled with meaningful pieces will always feel more special than one built around generic décor.

Do Consider Lighting and Wall Color

Lighting can completely change the way artwork is experienced. A well-placed lamp, picture light, or track lighting can bring attention to your favorite pieces and add warmth to the room.

Wall color also plays an important role. Light-colored walls create a bright, airy backdrop, while darker walls can make artwork stand out with dramatic contrast. Choose the look that best reflects the mood you want to create.

Don’t Be Afraid to Refresh It

A gallery wall isn’t something that has to stay the same forever. As your style evolves or your collection grows, rearrange pieces, add new artwork, or rotate favorites into the display.

Your gallery wall should grow with you, telling the story of your experiences, creativity, and the things that bring you joy.

A thoughtfully curated gallery wall isn’t about following strict design rules—it’s about creating a space that feels welcoming, meaningful, and uniquely yours.

Thank you for reading today’s Thoughtful Thursday. I hope these simple tips inspire you to create a gallery wall you’ll enjoy for years to come.

Wishing you a colorful, creative day!

Share the Happy.💖

Finding Joy in the Process

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

One of the things I love most about watercolor is that it always has a surprise waiting for me.

That’s exactly how these four little watercolor abstracts came to life.

They started as practice pieces, but somewhere along the way they became much more than that. One brushstroke led to another, colors blended in unexpected ways, and before I knew it, each panel had developed its own personality. I never know exactly where a painting will take me, and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

I especially enjoyed adding all the little details—the dotted lines, tiny marks, pops of bright color, and touches of shimmering gold. Those finishing touches always seem to bring everything to life, and they’re often my favorite part of the process.

Looking at all four together, I can already see ideas I’d love to explore in a larger painting someday. It’s funny how a simple practice session can spark inspiration for something bigger. Sometimes all it takes is giving yourself permission to experiment.

I think that’s one of the things I love most about creating art. There aren’t any rules saying every painting has to be perfect or even finished with a specific goal in mind. Sometimes it’s enough to simply enjoy the process, try something new, and let your creativity surprise you.

Do you have a hobby where you lose track of time because you’re having so much fun? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope these colorful little paintings bring a smile to your face and remind you that wonderful things often begin with simply being willing to try.

Share the Happy 💖

Embrace Creativity: Break Your Artistic Routine

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

As artists, it’s easy to fall into comfortable routines. We all have favorite colors and trusted techniques, but sometimes the best discoveries happen when we try something different.

This journal page began as an experiment. I rarely reach for black paint, especially in watercolor, but this time I thinned it slightly with water and let it flow across the page without a plan.

At first, it felt much darker than anything I normally create. Instead of starting over, I asked myself, “How can I make this feel more like me?” The answer was color.

Soft turquoise blues and cheerful pinks brought the page to life. White doodles, playful marks, and splatters added movement and whimsy, transforming the painting into something that felt much more like my style.

It reminded me that contrast isn’t something to avoid. The darker areas make the bright colors shine, just as life’s challenges often help us appreciate the joyful moments even more.

That’s why I love keeping an art journal. Not every page has to be a masterpiece. Some are simply a place to play, explore, and discover something new—and those unexpected experiments often become our favorites.

This page started with watered-down black paint, but it ended as a reminder that trying something outside our comfort zone can lead to beautiful surprises.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope this encourages you to try something new, whether it’s in your art or in everyday life. You might just surprise yourself.

Have a wonderful day!

Share the Happy 💖

Discovering Beauty in Abstract Art

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

Sometimes the most beautiful discoveries happen when we slow down and really look.

This collection of four colorful abstract studies invites your eyes to wander from one panel to the next, uncovering playful patterns, shimmering details, and unexpected combinations of color along the way. Each little painting has its own personality, yet together they tell a joyful story about creativity, curiosity, and finding beauty in the smallest moments.

As I worked on these pieces, I found myself enjoying how each section developed its own unique character. A sweep of vibrant yellow here, a burst of turquoise there, tiny dotted details, flowing lines, and touches of shimmering gold all came together in ways that made me smile.

The more I looked at them as a group, the more I began imagining them as something beyond a practice piece. I’ve been contemplating creating a larger work inspired by this idea—one designed specifically to be framed as a collection. There’s something special about individual pieces that stand beautifully on their own while also becoming part of a larger story when displayed together.

One of the things I love most about abstract art is that it invites each of us to see something different. There isn’t a right or wrong interpretation. What catches your eye may be completely different from what catches mine, and that’s part of the magic. Every time you return to a piece, you may discover a new detail you hadn’t noticed before.

Creativity has a wonderful way of reminding us to slow down, stay curious, and appreciate the little things. Sometimes all it takes is a closer look to uncover unexpected beauty.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this colorful collection inspires you to pause, look a little closer, and find joy in the little details that brighten your own day.

Share the Happy 💖

Exploring Creativity in Art Journals

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

One of the things I enjoy most about keeping an art journal is that there are no expectations. There isn’t a deadline to meet, or even a finished vision in my mind. It’s simply a place to play. This page is a perfect example.

When I first started painting, I had no idea where it was going. I created a light watercolor wash, then added more layers and a few unexpected colors, and slowly watched the page begin to tell its own story. The more I worked, the more it reminded me of an underwater world filled with coral, shimmering light, and tiny bubbles drifting through the sea.

The funny thing is, that wasn’t my plan at all. Sometimes the best ideas appear when we stop trying to control every brushstroke and simply allow ourselves to explore.

Art has a wonderful way of teaching us that creativity isn’t always about knowing the destination. Often, it’s about being willing to take the first step and trusting the process. Every experiment, every unexpected color combination, and every little “what if?” has the potential to lead somewhere beautiful. That’s true outside the studio, too.

Life is full of blank pages waiting to be explored. We don’t always know where a new opportunity, hobby, friendship, or idea will lead. If we never give ourselves permission to try something different, we may miss discovering something we truly love.

So don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a new technique. Use colors you’ve never paired together before. Create something without worrying about whether it’s perfect. You might surprise yourself.

This little journal page reminded me that some of the most interesting discoveries happen when we simply stay curious. After all, creativity isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about remaining open to possibilities. Who knows what beautiful idea is waiting for you on your next blank page?

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope this inspires you to explore something new today, whether it’s with a paintbrush or in another part of your life.

Share the Happy 💖

Celebrate July 4th with 25% Off Art

Featured

Posted on by
Reply

Happy Fourth of July! ❤️🤍💙

To celebrate the holiday weekend, I’m excited to offer 25% OFF everything in my Etsy Art Shop!

If you’ve had your eye on one of my original paintings, now is the perfect time to bring a little more color, joy, and creativity into your home, office, or favorite space.

✨ 4th of July Celebration Sale
Save 25% on all original artwork
Sale ends Sunday, July 5th

Thank you for supporting my small business and for being part of my creative journey. Your encouragement means the world to me, and I’m so grateful to share my art with you.

Wishing you a safe and Happy 4th of July weekend! Happy Shopping! ✨

Share the Happy 💖