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!!!
Share the Happy💖
“Climb mountains not so the world can see you but so you can see the world.” ~Unknown
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!!
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!!
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!!!
Share the Happy 💖
“A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others.” ~Salvador Dali
Growing up my dad had the most beautiful rose garden. He grew roses of all kinds but Don Juan roses were his favorite. I wanted to have my own and when I asked some of the best nurseries in our area for help, they said it can’t be done in South Florida. I answered, “You didn’t know my dad💖”
I have a Don Juan rose bush and a very fragrant Abraham Darby bush. They’re beautiful but nothing compared to dad’s. I just don’t seem to have his green thumb I guess but I’m still trying 😂
But at least I can enjoy my love for these flowers in my art journal. I started the pages with writing out some of my thoughts. I covered those with paint and added collaged images over that. Then I painted loose roses, made the rose garden gate a bit bigger. The paint doesn’t match exactly but close enough. I love how magical it turned out. What do you think?
Hope this inspires you create some art today, thanks for stopping by!!
Share the Happy💖
“A rose speaks of love silently, in a language known only to the Heart.” ~Unknown
I wanted to have a bit of fun and created this painting from Gina Lee Kim’s book, “Fast and Fun Watercolor: Painting Techniques, No Drawing Required!” Gina is a very talented artist who creates with bright, fun colors. You can find her on Instagram: @ginaleekim. Her book is well written with step by step photos and lots of inspiration, I highly recommend it.
I did my painting slightly different than what’s outlined in the book but it turned out really nice. I used Golden Glass Bead Gel for the vase. I love the texture and how it shimmers in the light.
I finished it off with a wonderful quote by Rumi that reads:
“The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen.”
Hope this inspires you to create today, thanks for stopping by!⠀
This is another flashback art journal page I made a while ago in my Strathmore 6×12″ Watercolor Journal. It’s a bit of an odd shaped journal that challenges me to create something fun in. I love zentangle designs and that’s what I ended up making here.
I made this while on vacation with my kids when they were little. My daughter was always my cup of sunshine and she was the inspiration for this page. Every time I look at this page I think of her 😊
I remember prepping a few pages with watercolor washes before leaving on the trip so I could travel with less supplies. All I ended up taking with me was this journal and my micron pen set.
If life is too busy for you to find time to create, then a vacation would be ideal. Journaling helps you to capture lovely memories with your creativity. You can even add pieces of memorabilia to your journal pages to make it even more special. Take as many supplies as you want or prep pages before leaving like I did here. It’s fun, easy and makes a great keepsake.
Hope this inspires you to create!
Thanks for stopping by!!
Share the Happy 💖
“Don’t think about making art, just get it done.” ~Andy Warhol
I started creating birthday cards when I was very little. Dad showed me how to draw flowers and I’d color them with crayons and cut them out to glue on the card. He always told me a handmade card is a special gift because it’s made with love and there’s nothing more special than that.
I’ve created many cards over the years. Some were simple that I put together fairly quickly, while others took hours with lots of layers and intricate moving parts. But the idea of creating a small work of art and giving it someone to see the joy in their eyes as they’d revel in it’s uniqueness is what puts a smile on my heart.
There are so many designs you can make and it doesn’t have to be complex if you don’t want it to. You could make a card using a special photo or create a small painting that can be framed. The possibilities are endless and handmade gifts are are gifts that touch the heart. Why not give it a try?
The first image is the colorful flower abstract I painted on watercolor paper and it inspired me to create a similar painting on canvas. The second image is my new painting, a work in progress.
I love the texture and the bright, happy colors. But working on the canvas has been challenging. For one thing, this is a 18×24″ canvas which I have to paint on the easel. The painting on paper was created on my desk. So how I handle the large canvas as I paint is quite different.
Even though I’m using the same paints, I’m having a harder time creating this dreamy affect on the canvas. But at the end of the day, I’m having fun on this journey and enjoying the process because I know it will all come together. So stay tuned….
Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, thanks for stopping by!!!
Share the Happy 💖
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~Edgar Degas
I thought I’d share with you this journal page I created a while ago in my Strathmore 9×12″ Mixed Media Visual Journal. I made this with lots of collaged layers, paint, gelatos and stencils.
The beautiful thing about journaling is it’s a great place to build your artistic confidence. If you don’t know what to create, just look out your window and create what you see. If you say I can’t draw, then start by using a stencil or stamped image. If you’re afraid to start, make random marks on your page and go from there.
There is no right and there is no wrong, only what makes you happy. No one has to see your creation if you don’t want them to. This is your place to be yourself, free from judgement and to create whatever your heart desires. So have some fun!
Hope this inspires you to create, thanks for stopping by!!!