Inchie Challenge 2023

Amy Maricle at Mindful Art Studio is hosting another Inchie Challenge. I participated last year and had so much fun I couldn’t resist joining again.

The idea is to create a small piece of art based on a prompt provided by Amy, every day, for 12 days. You should use 2×2 inch squares of paper but I already have varying sizes cut so I’m using what I have in my stash.

These are my creations for the first five days:

  • Day 1 – Frothy
  • Day 2 – Woven
  • Day 3 – Bark
  • Day 4 – Magnolia
  • Day 5 – Spill

You can still join in on the fun. Visit Amy’s website at Mindful Art Studio and click the link to join the Inchie Challenge.

You can also find Amy on Facebook and Instagram at @amymaricle

Thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Imagination is the most marvelous, miraculous, inconceivably powerful force the world has ever known.” ~Napoleon Hill

Thoughtful Thursday Words of Wisdom by Gandhi

We all face challenges and struggles. At times you may want to give up and call it quits. But when you dig deep, you’ll find that all of the challenges you’ve faced in your life have made you stronger and wiser. So as unpleasant as they may seem, keep going and get through it. You’ve got this!!

These words of encouragement are by Mohandas Gandhi and are featured on my abstract art:

“Strength does not come from winning. Your struggle develops your strength. Whe you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”

Really love this quote. I hope you’re having a great week so far!

Thanks for stopping by!!

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Mountains Art Journal

I was clipping images and words from a magazine to add to my journaling stash and came across an image with a lady in a black dress and large hat. I really liked it and thought it would make a nice journal layout.

I needed her to be looking at something beautiful, something that could take your breath away. What kept coming to mind was my dad’s love for the mountains. I remember gazing at them on our trips in awe, they were absolutely serene and majestic. So that’s what I went with. It’s a simple journal layout but I love the color combination on this one.

I finished it off with a quote by Helen Keller that reads:

“The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”

I hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!

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Botanicals Handmade Art Journal

I created a few more pages in my handmade botanicals journal and thought I’d share them with you. These latest ones are flowers. I’ve been practicing painting loosely which can be quite a challenge for me at times. But I must say it’s been pretty fun!

What do you do to loosen up so you can create?

Have a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.” ~Carl Sagan

Botanicals Handmade Art Journal

I’ve been having some fun creating loose paintings in my handmade botanicals journal. I love being able to create in this journal when I need a break or if I don’t have a lot of time.

The pages are fairly small (4.5 x 5 inches) and fill up pretty quickly. So you don’t have to overthink anything, it’s pretty intuitive and spontaneous. Just go with whatever comes to mind. Plus it’s satisfying to be able to finish something in a small amount of time.

There’s quite a few slides but my favorite is #10 with the blue and green leaves and red berries. My next favorite is #13 which is the one above and then of course all the flower ones. Some I’m not that crazy about but it was a learning experience trying new brushes and paints. Which one is your favorite?

✨Also, don’t forget the 50% Off, Christmas in July Sale going on in my Etsy Shop ends Sunday night at midnight. So make sure you don’t miss out✨

Hope you have a wonderful weekend planned, thanks for stopping by!!

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“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will.” ~George Bernard Shaw

Flower Abstract Painting

This is the finished 18×24″ flower abstract painting that I’ve been working on. It was painted with radiant colors to brighten the decor in any room. The background has lots of texture and I added splashes of white pearl paint for more interest.

I love the dreaminess of this painting. It reminds me of the aurora borealis lights. What do you think?

Hope this inspires you to create today, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Let the magic of life remind you of your own miracles.” Shaa Zainol

Abstract Painting

I finished this 18×18″ abstract painting. It has lots of texture and interesting design elements. I really love this color combination, it’s very happy and uplifting.

Now I need a name for it. The center reminds me of a mountain peak so I thought maybe Pinnacle or Summit but I’m not sure. What do you think is a good name?

Hope this inspires you to create today, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“Climb mountains not so the world can see you but so you can see the world.” ~Unknown

Stay on the Sunny Side of Life Art Journal

This is a fun journal page I created a while ago with Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils. These colors are much bolder and brighter compared to Kimberly Watercolor Pencils which is what I started with. They both work really well but when you want that extra pop of color, Derwent Inktense Pencils are the way to go.

The fun part with watercolor pencils is you can use them in different ways. You can color with them like a crayon and use a brush dipped in water to activate the paint. Or you can dip your brush in water first and then rub it on the tip of the pencil to pick up color. Another way is to shave off a little of the color, then use your brush with water to paint. No matter how you use them, they’re awesome!

Hope this inspires you create some art today, thanks for stopping by!!

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Sun Zentangle

This was a fun zentangle design I made a while ago in one of my watercolor art journals. Creating zentangle art has a way of calming and relaxing your mind. It helps you to focus, relieve stress and improve eye-hand coordination by simply drawing repetitive patterns. Plus it’s just fun to create.

Most zentangle designs are created in black and white. But I’m crazy about color so I had to paint this one with watercolors. Not to mention I couldn’t resist adding a bit of glitter 😊

There are lots of books and videos online on how to get started. All you need is pen, paper and your imagination. The possibilities are endless!

Hope this inspires you to create art today, thanks for stopping by!!

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Abstract Paintings in Progress

I have several paintings that I’m working on in the studio. The two square canvases are 18×18″ and the rectangle is 18×24″. They all have lots of interesting texture and beautiful color. Each one is also in a different stage of the process. When I look at each one, the colors just make me smile, they’re simply happy paintings.

What do they make you feel? Would love to hear your thoughts.

Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead, thanks for stopping by!!!

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“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” ~Salvador Dali

Photo by Trung Nguyen on Pexels.com