When things get hectic and crazy it’s nice to read a quote that empowers and encourages you to continue. I painted this watercolor abstract on an 8×8 inch piece of 140lb watercolor paper. It has a beautiful pearl finish that glistens in the light and I thought it would be perfect to display this inspiring quote by Rumi:
“It’s your road, and yours alone, others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you.”
Really love this quote. I hope you’re having a great week!
I’m not sure if you read my Thoughtful Thursday post but it was about excuses and fear. I created this sketch and got stuck. I really wanted to paint her and bring her to life but I was convinced I was going to ruin the sketch that took me hours to complete.
Long story short, I finally silenced the negative nellies in my mind and painted her. It’s funny because after she was all done I was relieved and thrilled with how soft and dreamy she looks (see image below). There are a few things I’d change for the next one but overall I love her. What do you think?
This was part of an online workshop called Watercolor Dreams with the very talented Katrina Koltes who lives in Italy. I have to say, Katrina is an excellent teacher and amazing artist. I highly recommend you check out her site and everything she offers.
Hope this inspires you to create this weekend!
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“I put my heart and soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
I’m working in online classes learning new techniques to improve my skills. When I need to take a break I love to paint my canvases and I was able to finish two more pieces for my Expressions of Love Collection. The one canvas above is bold and popping while the other one below is softer.
I like to photograph my canvases outdoors in the natural sunlight; unfortunately the weather hasn’t been cooperating lately. But I plan to have these listed in my Etsy Shop later this week.
Everyone wants to feel loved and appreciated, especially those who work hard making your life better. I created this Expressions of Love Collection to honor those special souls. Visit my Etsy Shop to see the full collection.
What do you think of these two new paintings?
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“Love is forgiving and love is for giving.” ~ Wayne Dyer
Sometimes we all need an unwind and the concept in Amy Maricle’s book “Draw Yourself Calm,” the practice of slowing down has been very sound advice. We live in a fast paced world and this is an excellent practice to help you destress. I try to create one a day. It doesn’t always work out to that but I do end up with several a week.
I like using 140lb watercolor paper because it can stand up to just about anything especially wet mediums like paint and inks. I’ll start by cutting a 9×12″ piece of paper into several sizes: 2 and 3 inch squares, ATC size, 3×4 and anything else I’m in the mood for. That way I always have them on hand and ready for some creative fun. When the mood strikes me, I’ll use my Sakura Pens to create some pretty cool designs.
I’m filling up a small basket of these little gems. Some I plan to use in my journals while others I may incorporate into larger pieces of art. Either way, I have a nice selection to choose from. Plus I have the satisfaction of creating and completing a work of art even though it may be small😊
I hope this helps you to stay inspired and create some art!
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(Note: by clicking on the links above it will take to the corresponding product in your region’s Amazon store. This Affiliate link means that I’ll get a small commission when you buy through my website. Thanking you in advance!!)
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
Our brain is a complex organ which requires lots of energy to run efficiently on a daily basis. It controls a lot of things like our emotions, memories, thoughts, motor skills, touch, vision, breathing and more. Plus it pretty much regulates every process in our body. But as we age, our brain health may decline. So it’s really important to take care of this powerhouse so we can keep our wits about us as we get older.
MCT oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) which is more easily digested than longer-chain fatty acids found in foods. The most common form of MCT oil is extracted from coconut oil since 50% of the fat in coconut oil comes from MCTs.
MCT oil is excellent for brain health and has been shown to help manage Alzheimer’s, Epilepsy and Autism. Plus it may help reduce body fat, improve your gut health, fight bacterial growth, increase energy, reduce inflammation and manage blood sugar levels and more.
I’ve been using Garden of Life Organic MCT Oil for the last year and have noticed an improvement in my brain health. I feel more mentally alert, energetic and overall better. I add 1 tablespoon, one or two times a week to my shakes and smoothies. I don’t notice a flavor difference so I have no problem consuming it and I love how I feel! You can find it on Amazon or click on the image below.
I highly recommend Organic MCT Oil by Garden of Life, it’s been a life changer. However, as with any dietary change please consult with your health care provider to make sure this is a good fit for you. (Note: by clicking on the link or image above it will take to the corresponding product in your region’s Amazon store. This Affiliate link means that I’ll get a small commission when you buy through my website. Thanking you in advance!!)
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“The preservation of health is easier than the cure of the disease.” ~Unknown
This was one of my very early art journal layouts. I’m not totally thrilled with it but there are things I like about it. I love the bright yellow background, it’s just very happy. The stamped watercolor flowers turned out pretty nice too. Looking at this I probably should’ve added leaves to the stems but it’s okay the way it is and I do like the green against the yellow. I also love the quote “create some magic.”
I remember when I created these pages I was trying out a new stencil and modeling paste. I like the stencil but not the modeling paste. The texture and consistency wasn’t the best and thankfully I’ve found a much better paste to work with. So even though this isn’t my favorite journal layout I did learn new things in the process.
Journaling doesn’t always go as planned and that’s okay. It’s a fun place to learn and try new techniques and to let your creativity run wild. My advice is always find the silver lining in the clouds that may visit you from time to time. Most importantly, enjoy the creation process and have fun😊
Hope this inspires you today, thanks for stopping by!!
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“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
Art journaling is a fun and easy way to connect with your inner muse. It’s a great tool to help you to relax and unwind after a stressful day. The best part is there are no rules!
Dedicate as much or as little time as you like to journaling; and all you need to get started is a pen and notebook. Then create whatever your 💖 desires. If nothing comes to mind just begin by drawing squiggly lines and use your imagination to take you on a wonderful adventure.
I like to keep multiple journals going at the same time. Some have a theme while others are completely random. You can write your thoughts, sketch, doodle, collage, paint and do pretty much anything you can think of! It’s your personal space to express yourself with no rules or judgement. Just have fun and enjoy the process.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a notebook and pen and have some fun today!
Hope this inspires you today, thanks for stopping by!!
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“If you hear a voice within you say ‘you cannot paint,’ then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
I’ve been busy in online classes learning new skills and taking breaks in between working on my canvases for the Expressions of Love Collection. I love how the colorful backgrounds make the hearts pop!
In talking with others I find so many feel unappreciated and taken for granted. No one likes going unnoticed for all the work they do. Sometimes a simple “Thank You” can have a huge impact on their day. So make sure to say “Thank You” to those who brighten your days.
The four paintings shown here are a work in progress so stay tuned. They’ll be available in my Etsy Shop soon. What do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
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“Love is forgiving and love is for giving.” ~ Wayne Dyer
I’m working on a sketch which I’m getting ready to paint. This is part of an online workshop called Watercolor Dreams with the very talented Katrina Koltes who lives in Italy.
Katrina’s portrait paintings are more realistic and have a real dreamy vibe which I love and long to create. Getting this sketch just right seems to have taken me hours to complete. But that only means that I need more practice. So I’m showing up to learn more and improve my skills as an artist.
The portrait below was my first taste of Katrina’s surreal style of painting and I was hooked. I won’t even tell you how long this sketch took me to complete 😅 But it was one of the best realistic paintings I had ever done up to that point.
So I invite you to come along with me on this fantastic adventure of creating magical paintings. Wish me luck 🤞
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PS – I found this quote to be pretty funny because that’s kind of how I’m feeling right now 😂
“I put my heart and soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process.” ~Vincent Van Gogh
The big day is here! I just received my newest issue of Stampington’s Art Journaling Magazine in the mail and my article along with my Angel Journal are featured on pages 118-122🎉 Angel Valentina, shown above is one of the angels in the article.
Many of you followed me on this incredible artistic journey as I created these angels and filled my journal. It was a wonderful experience and I’m so grateful that my art was chosen for publication and that you were with me on this journey.
Thank you to all of my readers for your love and support. It means the world to me💖💖
This issue is scheduled to hit the newsstands on April 1st so make sure to pick up your copy so you can read the article✨
Have a beautiful weekend!!
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“Angels live among us. Sometimes they hide their wings, but there is no disguising the peace and hope they bring.” ~Unknown
Flowing Waters Art 