New Art Releases: Moments of Renewal and Echoes of Joy

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These past two weeks have been a whirlwind, but I survived! 🎉

Long story short—my computer crashed, and I was nearly in tears thinking I’d lost all of my work and photos. 😢 Thankfully, everything was recovered, and I now have a brand-new computer—yay! The downside? It came with all-new software, including a different version of Windows and my photo-editing program, so there’s definitely a learning curve. But I’ll get there😅

While my computer was down, I still managed to get some work done from my phone (which was not easy on that tiny screen!). I did, however, manage to list two new pieces in my Etsy shop:

🎨 Moments of Renewal – A 5×5-inch abstract painting that glows with depth and movement. Layers of luminous color and expressive brushwork create a radiant composition that feels alive—evoking both serenity and inspiration.

🎨 Echoes of Joy – A vibrant 4×12-inch modern abstract that bursts with rhythm and harmony. Energetic strokes and shifting layers of color capture a sense of celebration and motion, like joyful echoes reverberating through light and space.

✨ Both of these one-of-a-kind abstracts make a bold statement as wall art or as a shelf accent in your home, office, or creative space. Their vivid hues and dynamic energy invite reflection, spark conversation, and add a touch of contemporary elegance wherever they’re displayed.

Stop by my Flowing Waters Art Shop on Etsy to take a closer look!

Thanks so much for stopping by—wishing you a truly wonderful rest of your week! 😊

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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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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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Fun with Art: Unpredictable Creations That Make Us Laugh

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!!

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