Finding Joy in the Process

Featured

One of the things I love most about watercolor is that it always has a surprise waiting for me.

That’s exactly how these four little watercolor abstracts came to life.

They started as practice pieces, but somewhere along the way they became much more than that. One brushstroke led to another, colors blended in unexpected ways, and before I knew it, each panel had developed its own personality. I never know exactly where a painting will take me, and honestly, that’s part of the fun.

I especially enjoyed adding all the little details—the dotted lines, tiny marks, pops of bright color, and touches of shimmering gold. Those finishing touches always seem to bring everything to life, and they’re often my favorite part of the process.

Looking at all four together, I can already see ideas I’d love to explore in a larger painting someday. It’s funny how a simple practice session can spark inspiration for something bigger. Sometimes all it takes is giving yourself permission to experiment.

I think that’s one of the things I love most about creating art. There aren’t any rules saying every painting has to be perfect or even finished with a specific goal in mind. Sometimes it’s enough to simply enjoy the process, try something new, and let your creativity surprise you.

Do you have a hobby where you lose track of time because you’re having so much fun? I’d love to hear about it in the comments!

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope these colorful little paintings bring a smile to your face and remind you that wonderful things often begin with simply being willing to try.

Share the Happy 💖

Discovering Beauty in Abstract Art

Featured

Sometimes the most beautiful discoveries happen when we slow down and really look.

This collection of four colorful abstract studies invites your eyes to wander from one panel to the next, uncovering playful patterns, shimmering details, and unexpected combinations of color along the way. Each little painting has its own personality, yet together they tell a joyful story about creativity, curiosity, and finding beauty in the smallest moments.

As I worked on these pieces, I found myself enjoying how each section developed its own unique character. A sweep of vibrant yellow here, a burst of turquoise there, tiny dotted details, flowing lines, and touches of shimmering gold all came together in ways that made me smile.

The more I looked at them as a group, the more I began imagining them as something beyond a practice piece. I’ve been contemplating creating a larger work inspired by this idea—one designed specifically to be framed as a collection. There’s something special about individual pieces that stand beautifully on their own while also becoming part of a larger story when displayed together.

One of the things I love most about abstract art is that it invites each of us to see something different. There isn’t a right or wrong interpretation. What catches your eye may be completely different from what catches mine, and that’s part of the magic. Every time you return to a piece, you may discover a new detail you hadn’t noticed before.

Creativity has a wonderful way of reminding us to slow down, stay curious, and appreciate the little things. Sometimes all it takes is a closer look to uncover unexpected beauty.

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope this colorful collection inspires you to pause, look a little closer, and find joy in the little details that brighten your own day.

Share the Happy 💖

Exploring Creativity in Art Journals

Featured

One of the things I enjoy most about keeping an art journal is that there are no expectations. There isn’t a deadline to meet, or even a finished vision in my mind. It’s simply a place to play. This page is a perfect example.

When I first started painting, I had no idea where it was going. I created a light watercolor wash, then added more layers and a few unexpected colors, and slowly watched the page begin to tell its own story. The more I worked, the more it reminded me of an underwater world filled with coral, shimmering light, and tiny bubbles drifting through the sea.

The funny thing is, that wasn’t my plan at all. Sometimes the best ideas appear when we stop trying to control every brushstroke and simply allow ourselves to explore.

Art has a wonderful way of teaching us that creativity isn’t always about knowing the destination. Often, it’s about being willing to take the first step and trusting the process. Every experiment, every unexpected color combination, and every little “what if?” has the potential to lead somewhere beautiful. That’s true outside the studio, too.

Life is full of blank pages waiting to be explored. We don’t always know where a new opportunity, hobby, friendship, or idea will lead. If we never give ourselves permission to try something different, we may miss discovering something we truly love.

So don’t be afraid to experiment. Try a new technique. Use colors you’ve never paired together before. Create something without worrying about whether it’s perfect. You might surprise yourself.

This little journal page reminded me that some of the most interesting discoveries happen when we simply stay curious. After all, creativity isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about remaining open to possibilities. Who knows what beautiful idea is waiting for you on your next blank page?

Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope this inspires you to explore something new today, whether it’s with a paintbrush or in another part of your life.

Share the Happy 💖

The Magic of Letting Go in Art Creation

Featured

Sometimes a painting has plans of its own.

When I began this watercolor, I had a completely different vision in mind. I imagined one direction, selected my colors, and started painting with a clear destination. But somewhere along the way, everything changed. Instead of resisting it, I decided to listen.

One of the things I love most about watercolor is that it reminds me not everything can—or should—be controlled. The pigments flow, blend, and settle in ways that are impossible to predict. Sometimes the best thing I can do is step back and let the painting become what it wants to be.

Years ago, I would have tried to force this piece back into my original idea. I would have worried I’d ruined it. Experience has taught me something different: those uncertain early layers are often where the magic begins.

By staying patient and trusting the process, this painting slowly revealed a peaceful landscape with soft turquoise reflections and warm golden earth—something I never would have created if I had insisted on controlling every step.

Life often works the same way. Our carefully made plans don’t always unfold as expected, but those unexpected turns can lead us somewhere even more meaningful than we imagined.

This painting is a reminder to keep the faith, stay patient, and remain open to where the journey leads. Whether you’re creating art, pursuing a dream, or navigating everyday life, there is beauty in allowing room for the unexpected.

Thank you for spending a few moments with me today. I hope this watercolor encourages you to trust your own journey, even when it takes an unexpected turn.

Wishing you a wonderful day!

Share the Happy 💖

Exploring Creative Playfulness with Sweet Sadie

Featured

Lately, I’ve been spending a lot of time creating abstracts, so I felt like taking a little break and trying something different. Karen Campbell’s Wonky Woofers was the perfect choice. As I flipped through the book, Sweet Sadie immediately caught my eye. With her floppy ears, curly features, and sleepy little eyes, she was just too adorable to pass up.

It was such a fun change of pace to create something whimsical and playful instead of my usual abstracts, and Sweet Sadie certainly brought plenty of smiles to my studio.

Why Sweet Sadie Stole My Heart

One of my favorite things about Sweet Sadie is her peaceful expression. She looks completely content stretched out on the ground with her eyes gently closed, as if she’s having the best nap ever.

What made this project even more special is that my own furry baby, who recently turned two years old, is also named Sadie. In fact, this little Wonky Woofer looks a bit like her! Those floppy ears and sweet expression reminded me so much of my own girl, which made this project feel extra special.

The Joy of Trying Something Different

One of the things I love about creativity is that it doesn’t always have to be serious. Sometimes it’s about trying something different, having fun, and creating something that simply makes you smile.

As much as I love painting colorful abstracts, it was refreshing to switch gears and create something playful and lighthearted for a change.

Final Thoughts

Sweet Sadie may be taking a nap, but she certainly made a lasting impression on me. Between her floppy ears, gentle expression, and cozy pose, she’s a pup that’s hard to forget.

I’d love to hear about your furry baby! Share their name (and maybe a photo if you have one) in the comments below. 🐶💕

Thank you so much for stopping by today. I hope Sweet Sadie brought a smile to your face and inspired you to make a little time for creativity. Have a wonderful and creative day!

Share the Happy 💖

Sadie

A Walk in Monet’s Garden: Observing the World Through Art

“All I did was to look at what the universe showed me, to let my brush bear witness to it.”
~ Claude Monet

When I came across this quote by Monet, it stopped me in my tracks. Such a simple thought, yet so deeply powerful. It reminds me that art isn’t always about striving or planning—it’s about noticing. Truly seeing. Allowing beauty to move through you and out onto the page, canvas, or journal.

Monet painted the world as he experienced it: shimmering light on water, the softness of morning mist, the dance of color in a garden alive with blooms. His work invites us not only to see, but to feel.

That’s the heart of my painting, “A Walk in Monet’s Garden.” It’s a gentle meditation on color and tranquility—a moment where I allowed myself to pause, observe, and let my brush bear witness, too. It’s not a replica of Monet’s style, but a reflection of the awe I feel when I slow down and look at the world with wonder.

Maybe today, you’ll take a quiet moment to do the same. Let beauty find you. Let it speak through whatever medium brings you peace.

Hope you enjoyed this today, thanks for stopping by!!

Share the Happy 💖

Watercolors vs. Gouache: Which Paint is Right for You?

Lately, I’ve been working on a small handmade journal, experimenting with both watercolors and gouache. Each medium has its own strengths, so I thought I’d share some of the perks and drawbacks of both. If you love painting, you’ve probably come across these two, and while they share similarities, their unique qualities can make a big difference in your creative process. Let’s dive into the pros and cons to help you decide which one suits your style best!

Watercolor

Pros:

  • Transparent & Layerable – Watercolors create beautiful, light washes and ethereal effects.
  • Fluid & Spontaneous – The paint flows naturally, making it great for loose, expressive work.
  • Lightweight & Portable – Perfect for travel and on-the-go painting.
  • Mixing Potential – Can achieve a wide range of colors with just a few pigments.

Cons:

  • Less Control – The unpredictability of water can be challenging to manage.
  • Lighter Colors Only – Once a dark color is down, it’s hard to lighten it.
  • Paper Dependent – Requires high-quality, absorbent paper for best results.

Gouache

Pros:

  • Opaque & Vibrant – Offers rich, bold colors with great coverage.
  • More Control – Doesn’t flow as much as watercolor, making details easier to refine.
  • Reworkable – Can be reactivated with water after drying, unlike acrylic.
  • Matte Finish – Gives a velvety, professional look, perfect for illustrations.

Cons:

  • Less Flow – Doesn’t have the same natural blending effects as watercolor.
  • Can Crack When Thick – If applied too heavily, it may crack when dry.
  • Not as Portable – Tends to be heavier and requires a palette for mixing.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you love soft, translucent layers and effortless blending, watercolor might be your best bet. If you prefer bold colors and a more forgiving medium, gouache is a great choice. Why not experiment with both and see what suits your style?

Which one do you prefer—watercolor or gouache? Let me know in the comments!

I hope you found this helpful—thanks for stopping by!

Share the Happy💖

Setting New Creative Goals with Watercolor Landscapes

It’s hard to believe we’re already into November, with Thanksgiving just around the corner. As I start looking ahead to next year, I’m setting some exciting goals for my art journey—planning both what I want to accomplish and the new techniques I’m eager to explore.

One of my personal goals is to complete a watercolor landscape in my journal each week. I’m a huge fan of Kolbie Blume, the talented artist behind This Writing Desk. Her books—Wilderness Watercolor Landscapes, Stunning Watercolor Seascapes, and Mastering Light in Watercolor—are my go-to guides for inspiration and technique. With all three on my shelf, I’ve decided to challenge myself to paint through each one, creating a new piece from her books each week until I’ve explored them all.

The paintings shown here were inspired by an online art challenge Kolbie hosted last year, which was a fantastic learning experience. I’m excited to dive back into her work and continue learning, especially as I build my skills in capturing the beauty of nature with watercolor.

If you haven’t checked out Kolbie’s work, I highly recommend it. Her books, website, and YouTube channel offer fantastic tutorials for watercolor lovers at any level. I hope this inspires you to set your own creative challenges for the upcoming year!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend filled with inspiration! 🌄✨

Share the Happy💖

Trash to Treasure Art Journaling

This creation is part of the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram! I fell behind because I’ve got so many projects going on in the studio, but this artwork is for July’s prompt: “Trash to Treasure.” My original plan was to use chocolate wrappers to create something fun, but that would have meant eating a lot of chocolate! Not that I’m complaining, but I am trying to be good 😇

Sometimes things simply don’t go as planned. I had painted a watercolor abstract that just didn’t turn out the way I wanted. But with the July prompt in mind, I thought, why not salvage it and turn it into a treasure?

I had a lot of fun punching out butterflies—each one unique—and adding them to my journal. After finishing, I thought maybe leaving the background white would have been better—sometimes less really is more! But you know what? I still like how it turned out. And now, I’m officially all caught up! 🎉

I hope this piece inspires you to create something fun this weekend! Thanks so much for stopping by!!

Share the Happy💖

“Open your heart and mind like the wings of a butterfly. See then how high you can fly.” ~Zeenat Aman

Labor Day Sale 2024: Enjoy 25% Off Handmade Art at FlowingWatersArtShop

Thrilled to announce this special Labor Day Sale going on now through September 3rd, where you can enjoy 25% off in the shop!🎉 Whether you’re looking for a new painting to brighten up your space or a keepsake ornament to add to your collection, this is the perfect time to shop for something unique and handmade.

The sale is live now, but don’t wait too long—these deals are only available for a limited time. Head over to my Etsy Shop now and find your next favorite piece before it’s gone! (Discount will be automatically applied at checkout.)

Thank you for supporting handmade art, and happy shopping!

Share the Happy 💖