Tag Archives: Mixed Media

Exploring Abstract Techniques in Art

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While I’m busy making little tweaks and fine-tuning my new Etsy Photography Shop, I’ve also been happily experimenting in the studio and diving into abstract work. Lately, it’s all about trying new techniques, playing with different supplies, and seeing what happens when I push myself outside my usual comfort zone.

These pieces were created on 140 lb handmade watercolor paper—and I’ll be honest, it’s not my favorite. There are areas where the paint just refuses to soak in, no matter how much I layer it on. The paper also has a yellow-green tinge, which works beautifully with some color palettes… and not so much with others. Part of the process, right?

That said, I am absolutely loving this color palette. It has a cool, calming vibe that really speaks to me. In the first image, though, I wasn’t thrilled with how the paintings were coming together. I tried adding a touch of shimmering metallic paint to see if that would elevate them—but they still didn’t quite win me over.

The second image features more organic shapes, and this is where things started to click. I love the way the shapes seem to glow, and that soft energy makes the piece feel really fun and alive to me.

By the time I reached the last image, I pretty much threw everything in my creative arsenal at it—short of the kitchen sink 😉 That one I truly love, especially the way the gold paint catches the light and adds that extra glow.

Art is always an experiment, and not every piece needs to be a favorite to teach you something new—and that’s part of what keeps it exciting.

I also want to send warm wishes to everyone affected by Winter Storm Fern. I hope you’re staying safe, warm, and well.

Thanks so much for being here and sharing this creative journey with me. Have a wonderful day!

Share the Happy❤️

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.

Share the Happy ❤️

Watercolor Abstracts: A Creative Journey

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  • Work in Progress
  • Glitter
  • Gold

I hope everyone has a fun holiday weekend ahead! I know I’m ready to slow down a little and soak in some much-needed relaxation. Lately, I’ve been doing a bit of rethinking, and one thing has become clear—I need to spend more time in the studio. To ease myself in, I decided to play around with some new watercolor abstracts.

The first piece (photo one) is still a work in progress. I love the way the vivid colors flow and mingle together, though I made the center line a bit wider than I intended I still like it overall. That’s the fun of experimenting—it all becomes part of the process.

For the second piece, I decided to add a touch of glitter along the middle line. It’s subtle in the photo, but in person it gives the painting just the right amount of sparkle and magic.

On the third, I couldn’t resist trying shimmering gold. It paired beautifully with the warmer tones and instantly gave the piece a glowing, almost autumn-like feel. With cooler days right around the corner, I’m looking forward to exploring more warm, cozy color palettes that capture the spirit of fall.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing this creative moment with me—I hope the changing season brings you inspiration too. As we welcome September, I’d love to know: what colors or little rituals help you embrace the fall season?

Wishing you a relaxing and joyful Labor Day 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

Creating Vibrant Abstract Paintings

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Two weeks ago, I shared an abstract painting born from tool experimentation—and I couldn’t stop at just one! This follow-up piece leans into bolder, more saturated colors: electric blues, vibrant greens, and deep purples, with bursts of gold and playful pink marks. I continued to use my silicone wedge tools and non-traditional brushes to apply and scrape paint, letting the layers build and textures emerge.

What I love most about this piece is how it feels alive—there’s energy in the jagged lines, soft scribbles, and dots that dance across the surface. I didn’t overthink it. I just let the colors lead and responded in the moment.

Sometimes, breaking away from the “right way” to use a tool opens the door to something unexpected—and beautiful.

Thanks so much for stopping by and joining me on this creative journey. Have a wonderful weekend!

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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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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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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!

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Celebrate a Joyful Easter: Embrace Creativity and Renewal

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Easter is almost here, and with it comes a breath of fresh air—literally and creatively. The soft colors of spring, blooming flowers, and longer days bring a sense of renewal that feels like a gentle nudge to slow down and savor the beauty around us.

Whether you’re spending the day dyeing eggs, sharing a meal with loved ones, or simply soaking in the sunshine, Easter is a sweet reminder that after every winter, something beautiful blooms again.

As an artist, I find so much inspiration in this season—pastels, florals, and the feeling of lightness that seems to dance through the air. It’s the perfect time to let your creativity stretch its wings, try something new, or simply enjoy the process of making without pressure.

However you choose to celebrate, I hope this Easter fills your heart with peace, your home with laughter, and maybe your sketchbook with a few fresh ideas too.

Wishing you a joyful, art-filled Easter Sunday!💐

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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!

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com