When Watercolor Takes You Somewhere Unexpected

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A watercolor landscape featuring a serene body of water with a distant green hill and a sandy shore. The color palette includes shades of blue, green, and brown, creating a tranquil atmosphere.

Sometimes I start a painting with an idea in mind, but the watercolor has a way of taking over and creating something I didn’t quite expect. This blue and turquoise piece is one of those paintings.

I’ve been working on a series of small watercolor paintings exploring the combination of turquoise, blue, green, and warm golden tones, and I love how differently each one develops. This 8×10 painting started with those familiar colors, but as the layers came together, something really special began happening in the upper portion.

The deeper turquoise and blue create an almost dreamy, atmospheric feeling, while the golden areas seem to glow against them. I especially love the way the colors blend and soften into one another. There’s something about watercolor that makes it difficult to completely control—and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

Once the watercolor was finished, I added a little bit of glitter through the center. It catches the light subtly and gives that area a bit of sparkle without overwhelming the painting. I love those little unexpected details that you sometimes don’t notice until you see the artwork in person.

The bottom portion is still making me think. I’m debating whether to add some metallic gold to it. Part of me thinks that a touch of gold could tie the warm tones together and add another layer of shimmer. Another part of me likes the softer, quieter quality it has right now.

And that’s one of the interesting parts of creating art—knowing when to keep going and knowing when to step back.

For now, I’m giving myself permission to simply enjoy it as it is and let the painting sit for a while. Sometimes the best decision is to wait and see what catches your eye the next time you look at it.

I have a feeling this one may have a little more to say before it’s finished. 💙✨

Thank you for stopping by and sharing a little creative time with me. I hope you have a wonderful, colorful day!

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Creative Evolution of Abstract Landscapes

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Last week, I shared a peek at this watercolor while it was still a work in progress. I had the basic composition in place, but I knew it needed more depth, color, and a little something extra.

Now it’s finished—and for the moment, I’m calling it Shimmering Tides. Although, knowing me, the title may still change!

Before… and After!

Looking back at the “Before” version I shared last week, it’s fun to see how much this little abstract landscape changed! A few more layers of color added depth and richness, while the gold and silver highlights gave it that final touch of shimmer and whimsy.

I love how abstract art allows me to suggest a landscape without having to paint every detail literally. The flowing shapes, layered colors, and shifting tones create a sense of place while leaving plenty of room for the imagination.

For this piece, I built up the blues and greens and balanced them with warm sandy tones. Each layer added a little more depth and movement, helping the composition feel more complete.

But my favorite part came at the end: the shimmer!

I added touches of gold and silver throughout the painting, which catch the light and give the piece an unexpected sparkle. They’re subtle in some areas and more noticeable in others, adding just a touch of whimsy without taking away from the watercolor.

It’s always interesting to see how a painting evolves. Sometimes I start with one idea and the artwork takes me somewhere completely different. That’s part of what makes creating abstract art so much fun!

Looking at the Before and After, I’m really happy with how this little abstract landscape evolved. It has the peaceful feeling I was hoping for, but with a little more color, depth, and sparkle than where it began.

Thank you so much for stopping by and following along with my creative journey. I hope your day is filled with color, creativity, and something that makes you smile.

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Creating Peace with ‘Whispering Shores’ Watercolor Art

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There’s something about the ocean that never really leaves you—the gentle rhythm, the shifting colors, the quiet sense of calm it brings. That feeling is exactly what inspired my newest watercolor piece, “Whispering Shores.”

This painting came together in a way that felt very fluid and intuitive, almost like following the movement of water itself. I worked with washes of turquoise, hints of green, and warm sandy tones, letting each layer settle naturally into the next. The result is a piece that feels both peaceful and alive—like standing at the edge of the shoreline and watching the tide drift in and out.

One of my favorite details in this piece is the subtle shimmer. I added delicate touches of glitter to catch the light just enough to give it that soft, sunlit sparkle—like sunlight dancing across the water. It’s not overpowering, just a gentle little surprise when the light hits it.

Because this is a 5×7 watercolor on paper, I included a soft white border around the painting. I love doing this because it makes framing easy and gives the artwork a clean, finished look once it’s matted.

I can really see this piece living in a cozy corner, a bedroom, or even a quiet workspace—anywhere you want to bring in a sense of calm and a little bit of coastal energy.

If “Whispering Shores” speaks to you, you can find it available now in my Etsy shop here:
Flowing Waters Art Shop

As always, thank you so much for stopping by and being part of my creative journey. Wishing you a beautiful, peaceful, and inspiring day.

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The Joy of Playful Art: A Seasonal Reflection

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I’ll be honest—my art creations have slowed down a little lately. And honestly? I’m okay with that. One reason is that it’s the holidays, and I’ve been soaking up the season as much as possible: the little moments, the cozy pauses, the magic that always shows up this time of year. The second reason is a bit more behind-the-scenes—I’ve been working on plans to add a shop directly to this website. That means if Etsy isn’t your thing, you’ll soon be able to browse all of my artwork and shop right here, no extra accounts or steps required. I’m really excited about that next chapter.

As for this piece, it came from a place of play. No pressure, no rigid plan—just colors, shapes, and curiosity. It lives somewhere between abstract and impressionism, and I kind of like that it doesn’t fully commit to either. The florals feel loose and expressive, and the bold reds, warm yellows, and fresh greens felt absolutely perfect for the season. It was one of those sessions where experimenting was the whole point, and the joy was in seeing what would happen next.

Sometimes creativity—and really, life in general—doesn’t need to be about productivity or progress. Sometimes it’s simply about showing up, enjoying the moment, and letting yourself follow what feels good without overthinking it. This piece reminded me of that, and maybe it’s a gentle reminder for you too. 💛

What do you see when you look at it? Flowers in full bloom, festive energy, or just a burst of happy color? I’d love to know.

Wishing you a truly wonderful, magical day✨ Thanks so much for stopping by!

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Valentine’s Art Sale!

💖 Valentine’s Day Sale – 25% Off Valentine Art!

I’m spreading a little extra love this season with 25% off all Valentine-inspired art in my Etsy Shop! Whether you’re looking for a unique, heartfelt gift for someone special or a vibrant piece to add a touch of love to your own space, this sale is the perfect opportunity to snag something beautiful.

From colorful love themed abstracts to whimsical designs filled with joy, each piece is crafted with care and ready to brighten hearts and homes.

Don’t wait—head over to FlowingWatersArtShop.etsy.com and treat yourself or someone you love!

This sweet deal won’t be around forever—be sure to shop your favorites before it ends on January 31, 2025! 💕

Thank you for supporting my art!

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Exploring Abstract Art with Watercolor Brushes

I recently got a new set of watercolor brushes, and I couldn’t wait to try them out! I grabbed my 5.5×8.5” watercolor journal and spent a fun afternoon playing around, creating this colorful abstract. It’s amazing how different each brush feels—getting used to their bounce and how much water they hold is part of the fun.

I love experimenting in my journal, testing out new patterns and designs. Some might make their way into bigger pieces, and some are just for the joy of the process. I’m a bit obsessed with curves—you’ll often see circles, waves, and leaves pop up in my art. They remind me of the ocean and trees, two of my favorite things.

For this painting, my favorite parts are the blue leaves near the top and the dark blue waves at the bottom. There’s something calming about those patterns—I love the flow they bring to the piece. What about you? Do you have a favorite part?

I hope this little peek into my process brings a bit of inspiration to your weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing this creative moment with me!

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“‘Others have seen what is and asked why. I have seen what could be and asked why not.’” ~Pablo Picasso

Photo by Asad Photo Maldives on Pexels.com

Exploring Dark Watercolors in Abstract Art

I decided to try something a little different in my 5.5×8.5″ watercolor journal. For this practice painting, I worked mostly with darker watercolors (shown above-left) instead of my usual brighter palette (shown above-right). I love how bold it turned out and how the brighter colors really pop against the deeper tones.

What didn’t quite meet my expectations was the neon-colored paint pens I used—they didn’t stand out as much as I’d hoped. One challenge with watercolor abstracts is that the paint moves and lifts when wet, which can cause those vibrant colors to get a bit muddied.

Still, it was a great practice piece, and I enjoyed the process. That said, I definitely prefer a lighter, brighter background for my work. How about you—do you lean towards bold and dark, or light and bright?

I hope this inspires your creative muse this weekend! Thanks for stopping by!!

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“Creativity is seeing what others see and thinking what no one else have ever thought.” ~Albert Einstein

Vibrant Modern Watercolor Abstract Painting – Color in Motion

If you ever walk into my studio while I’m painting, you might just see splashes of color flying around!🎨 I do my best to stay neat, but I get so excited when I’m working with colors, especially watercolors. I tend to move fast to keep everything flowing smoothly, and I feel like this painting really captures the joy of that process.

I’m thrilled to introduce “Color in Motion,” a vibrant and original Modern Watercolor Abstract Painting, now available in my Etsy Shop! Created on a 7.9-inch square, 140 lb hot press watercolor paper with professional-grade paints, this piece radiates energy and life.

“Color in Motion” adds a touch of magic to any space—whether it’s your living room, personal retreat, or workspace. Its modern elegance will effortlessly elevate your surroundings, making a lasting impression wherever it’s displayed.

Thank you so much for your continued support—it truly means the world to me!

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Shop Update: Colorful Watercolor Abstract Painting ‘Whispers of Sunset’

Sunsets are such a beautiful sight, and they were my inspiration for this painting. The warm glow of pinks, yellows, and oranges creates a feeling of joy and serenity, capturing the essence of those magical moments when the day gives way to night.

With this in mind, I’m excited to share that “Whispers of Sunset,” a colorful original Modern Watercolor Abstract Painting, is now available in my Etsy Shop! Crafted with love on 5×7 inch, 140 lb cold press watercolor paper using professional-grade paints, this piece radiates life and captivates everyone who sees it.

“Whispers of Sunset” brings a touch of contemporary elegance to any space. Whether displayed in your living room, personal sanctuary, or workspace, it adds vibrant colors and creative energy. Plus, its versatile design lets you hang it vertically or horizontally, perfectly suited to your style and space.

✨ Just a reminder—today is the final day of the Labor Day Sale in my Etsy Shop! Enjoy 25% off select Original Art and Ornaments. ✨

Thank you for your continued support!

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Shop Update: Soothing Watercolor Abstract Painting ‘Dreamscape’

Colors have a wonderful way of bringing calm to our lives, and that’s exactly what I had in mind when creating my latest piece, “Dreamscape.” I’m so excited to share this soothing and serene modern watercolor abstract with you! 🌊💜

Featuring a blend of calming blues, greens, yellows, and purples, “Dreamscape” is all about harmony and tranquility. Painted with care on 7.9×7.9 inch, 140 lb hot press watercolor paper using professional-grade paints, this piece brings a sense of peace to any space. It’s not just a painting—it’s a gentle invitation to relax and unwind. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of serenity to your home or office, “Dreamscape” is a beautiful, high-quality piece that’s perfect for creating a calming atmosphere.

Head over to my Etsy Shop to see this piece and discover more original artwork. Your next favorite piece is waiting✨

Thank you for your support!

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