I have some exciting news to share with you. The other day while browsing in Barnes & Noble, I came across the latest issue of Stampington’s Somerset Studio Magazine. Late last year I submitted my accordion art journal for their “With Flying Color” Challenge, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that my piece received an honorable mention!
While I didn’t have an article published this time, photos of my art journal appear on pages 142–143, which was such a wonderful moment to see.
Sometimes creativity has a beautiful way of lifting our spirits, and seeing my journal in print thanks to Stampington Somerset Studio was such a bright moment this week—a wonderful reminder of the joy of creating.
This week has been an emotional one for me after losing my sweet Chanel just a few days ago. Seeing my colorful journal layout unexpectedly in the magazine felt like a little ray of light right when I needed it most. The happy colors and playful design instantly made me think of her and brought a smile to my heart.
Thank you so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderfully creative weekend ahead! 🎨✨
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.
The holiday season has officially arrived in my studio, and I’m so excited to share two brand-new 4×4-inch Christmas paintings that are full of sparkle, warmth, and joy!
These mini originals may be small in size, but they’re big on holiday cheer — perfect for gifting, decorating cozy corners, or adding a handmade touch to your festive décor.
🏠 “Love Lives Here”
Bring a touch of Christmas magic to your home with “Love Lives Here,” a whimsical little blue house nestled between a cheerful Christmas tree and a friendly snowman. Floating gold hearts fill the sky, reminding us that love truly makes a home shine.
Hand-painted in happy shades of yellow, blue, green, pink, and white — and sprinkled with a touch of glitter for extra holiday sparkle — this piece radiates warmth and joy. It’s ready to hang with a festive ribbon and makes a thoughtful Secret Santa gift, stocking stuffer, or keepsake to treasure year after year.
🐦 “Lil Red”
Meet “Lil Red,” a bright and curious red bird gazing up at a glowing North Star against a lush green background. Inspired by my own special friendship with a red cardinal who visits me daily, this painting captures the beauty of small moments and the spirit of connection that makes the holidays so special.
Each brushstroke is filled with love and color — from the rich reds and greens to soft white and golden accents that make the little bird glow. “Lil Red” is also ready to hang with a festive ribbon and sealed for lasting beauty.
🎁 Perfect for Gifting or Decorating
Both mini paintings are original, hand-painted works of art — no prints or reproductions here! At just 4×4 inches, they’re ideal for desks, shelves, or cozy nooks, and they come safely packaged and ready to gift. Whether you’re looking for a unique handmade present, a cheerful Secret Santa surprise, or simply something special to brighten your own space, these minis are made to spread joy.
✨ Celebrate the Season with Art & Heart
The holidays are all about love, connection, and little moments that make us smile. “Love Lives Here” and “Lil Red” were created to capture that spirit — in a small, heartfelt way.
🛒 Add a little handmade magic to your holiday décor — or gift it to someone special today!
🎉 P.S. A little holiday surprise is coming soon! I’m planning something extra special just for my blog readers — a limited-time offer to say thank you for supporting my art. Keep an eye on the blog (or sign up for my email list!) so you don’t miss the announcement when it drops.
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.
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!
Some paintings take their time with me. They don’t rush, and they don’t reveal everything at once. Whispers of Light, my newest 18×24 inch abstract, is one of those pieces.
It started months ago with soft washes of color and textured movement layered onto canvas. I blogged about it back in May—how I paused at midnight, resisting the urge to keep going, and waited for the morning light to guide me. That moment of stillness helped me see the work with fresh eyes. I didn’t know it at the time, but that pause was part of the painting’s story too.
As I added final touches in the weeks that followed, I kept returning to that early light—the quiet, glowing energy that filtered through the window that morning. The colors in this piece—turquoise, rose, golden peach, and warm earth tones—carry a softness, a hush, almost like a breath between thoughts. There’s boldness in the movement, yes, but also a sense of calm rising through the layers.
That’s where the title came from. Whispers of Light felt right—it speaks to the way this piece came together: slowly, gently, and with trust in the quiet moments.
Now that it’s finished, I feel both proud and at peace with it. It’s a reminder to listen to intuition, to light, to softness. To know when to pause, and when to move forward.
Thank you for following along on this painting’s journey—it means so much to have you here.
💫 Have you ever worked on something that unfolded slowly and surprised you in the end? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
Wishing you a weekend full of quiet joy and radiant little whispers of your own.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Flowing Waters Art 