Tag Archives: Art Journaling

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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The Art of Emotions: Capturing Faces in Acrylic

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I’ve always been amazed at how a face can tell a whole story without saying a single word. One glance can share a feeling, a mood, or even a little secret. That’s why I love creating faces so much. Whether they turn out whimsical, serious, detailed, or abstract, each one brings its own unique emotion.

This particular piece was a fun practice session in my Strathmore watercolor soft-cover journal. It’s one of my first portraits using acrylic paints and inks. There were parts I really enjoyed and a few things I didn’t love as much—like blending the skin tones. I find that so much easier with watercolor, probably because I’m more used to working with it. But trying something new is all part of the adventure, right?

I still think about some of my very first watercolor portraits… those faces were definitely on the blotchy side! But that’s the beauty of learning—practice really does make a difference.

I’ve been rethinking a few things behind the scenes, so you’ll be seeing some changes coming to my Etsy shop and this site soon. I’m still working out the details, but I’ll keep you updated as everything comes together.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Wishing you a bright, happy week ahead.

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Building Layers in My Art Journal – Part 2!

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There’s nothing quite like watching a page come to life, one layer at a time. In this week’s YouTube video, I continue working in my new handmade art journal—this time adding vibrant layers of paint to the textured background I created in Part 1!

I used some of my favorite colors to build depth and interest: DecoArt Baby Pink, Golden Cadmium Yellow Medium Hue, Golden Teal (Blue Lagoon), Lukas Titanium White, Liquitex Cadmium Orange, and a bit of Liquitex Glazing Medium to tie everything together. I also pulled out my trusty brushes, a silicone tool, and even a Catalyst for some expressive mark-making!

🎨 Haven’t seen Part 1 yet? I created the base using Tim Holtz collage sheets and vintage book pages. I’m also planning to incorporate some dreamy digital images from CherylFrancisArt on Etsy—stay tuned for those in upcoming pages 💕

🎥 Watch the new video here: Maria FlowingWatersArt

I’d love to know—what’s your favorite part of the process so far? Do you enjoy building up layers with color, or do you prefer collage and texture?

Let me know in the comments or over on YouTube—I always enjoy connecting with fellow creatives!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful weekend!

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Fresh Start: Building Your First Journal Background

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There’s something so exciting about a fresh start—and this week, I’m starting on a brand-new journal from scratch! In my latest YouTube video, I’m building the very first background layer using some fun Tim Holtz collage sheets, torn bits from an old book, and Liquitex Matte Gel on thick 140lb watercolor paper.

I also share a peek at some stunning digital images I recently purchased from CherylFrancisArt on Etsy. I haven’t used them yet, but they’re definitely going to make an appearance in this journal soon—stay tuned!

🎥 Watch the video here: Maria FlowingWatersArt

I’d love to hear what you think! Do you enjoy these kinds of mixed media backgrounds? Is there something specific you’d like to see in future videos—like layering techniques, favorite supplies, or how I add focal points?

Drop a comment on the video or let me know right here—I’m always excited to hear your thoughts and ideas!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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Maria

Discovering the Quirky Green Wonky Woofer

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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

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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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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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Exploring the Magic of Accordion Art Journals

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There’s something uniquely delightful about working in a handmade journal and letting creativity spill across the pages. Lately, I’ve been diving into my very own and first, accordion-concertina art journal, that is part of the Art Sparks online course by the ever-inspiring Joanne Sharpe (@joannesharpe). If you’ve ever taken one of her classes, you already know how her imaginative approach fuels fresh ideas and brings your creative energy to life. If not, I can’t recommend her courses enough—every lesson feels like a personal invitation to play.

My first few journal pages are coming to life with vibrant layers of color, cut-out flowers, and collaged whimsical shapes—all brought together with two delightful little pockets tucked into the left and right sides. While I might go back and add a few more details here and there, I’m giving myself the gift of time—letting the ideas simmer, evolve, and grow organically. This slow, joyful approach is a beautiful reminder that art doesn’t always need to be rushed. It’s not about the finish line; it’s about what we learn along the way.

What’s stood out to me in this process is how art journaling builds a daily habit of learning. Each time I sit down, I discover something new—about color, composition, or even my own creative moods. Sometimes it’s a technical insight, like balancing a busy page; other times, it’s simply about letting go and enjoying the moment. Art journaling invites constant exploration, and the accordion format makes it all the more playful and satisfying as it unfolds.

If you’ve never tried working in an accordion-concertina journal, I highly recommend giving it a go. The continuous flow of the pages invites new perspectives and ideas that just don’t happen in a traditional book layout. There’s something magical about seeing your artwork stretch and connect across folds—it feels alive.

Have you ever experimented with this kind of journal? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s chat!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative weekend, thanks for stopping by!

Share the Happy💖

Creative Watercolor Journal Ideas

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Every now and then, a journal page comes together in the most unexpected—and delightful—way.

Take this one, for example: a colorful little abstract filled with watercolor, gouache, and some playful collage elements. The stars? Pink and yellow birds I stamped and painted myself, full of whimsy and personality. But the real surprise? Their tail feathers are made from a white cupcake liner. Yep, straight from the kitchen to the art table. Because who says cupcake liners are just for baking?

I love moments like this—when the creative process is loose, joyful, and totally unplanned. It was one of those no-rules kind of pages that made me smile the whole time I was working on it. Adding a little “kitchen magic” gave it even more charm, and reminded me just how fun it is to experiment and be playful with materials.

Now I’m curious… what’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever added to your journal or artwork? I’d absolutely love to hear!

Wishing you a wonderfully inspired weekend, filled with color, creativity, and maybe even a few unexpected supplies. 🌸✨

Thank you so much for stopping by!

Share the Happy💖

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Fun with Art: Unpredictable Creations That Make Us Laugh

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Meet My Wonky Woofer

Recently, I picked up Wonky Woofers by the incredibly talented Karen Campbell (@karencampbellartist). The book is filled with whimsical, delightfully quirky dog illustrations, and I knew I had to give it a try. This little pup was my first attempt, and let’s just say… he’s got personality.

With his wild, unkempt fur and a face that says, “I meant to do that,” he radiates pure, adorable chaos. And honestly? I think he pulls off the look better than I do in the morning.😆

The Joy of Imperfect Art

One of my favorite things about painting these playful characters is that there’s no pressure to make them “perfect.” The wonkier, the better! Sometimes, letting go of expectations leads to the most delightful surprises—whether it’s an exaggerated expression, unexpected color choices, or a completely unpredictable outcome.

This little fluffball reminded me that art (like life) is more fun when we embrace the unexpected.

What’s the Funniest Thing You’ve Painted Lately?

Whether it’s a quirky animal, a happy accident turned masterpiece, or a doodle that made you laugh, I’d love to hear about it! Drop your funniest painting moments in the comments—I can’t wait to see what creative chaos you’ve been up to.

Until next time, keep painting, keep playing, and remember: sometimes, the messiest creations are the most lovable. 🎨🐾✨

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend!!

Share the Happy💖