Tag Archives: Watercolor

Embrace Spontaneity in Art Journaling

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Have you ever started creating without having any idea what the finished piece would look like?

That’s exactly how this journal page came together. I began with random line drawings using a watercolor pencil, simply letting my hand wander across the page. From those first lines, I started adding watercolor, playing with turquoise, orange, blue, and green. Circles, dots, patterns, and a little sparkle followed, and before I knew it, the page had taken on a life of its own.

Just Follow the Fun

I love when a journal page evolves this way. There’s no pressure to create something perfect and no need to have the whole thing figured out from the beginning. One mark leads to another, one color suggests the next, and suddenly you have something you never would have planned.

This colorful page was a fun reminder of why I enjoy art journaling so much. Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply pick up a pencil, make a few marks, and see what happens.

And who knows? Maybe this little experiment will lead to something new. Stay tuned—I’ll be sharing more about that later this month.

Thank you for spending a little creative time with me today. I hope you find a few minutes to play and make something simply because it makes you happy.

Have a colorful and wonderful day!

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Embrace Creativity: Break Your Artistic Routine

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As artists, it’s easy to fall into comfortable routines. We all have favorite colors and trusted techniques, but sometimes the best discoveries happen when we try something different.

This journal page began as an experiment. I rarely reach for black paint, especially in watercolor, but this time I thinned it slightly with water and let it flow across the page without a plan.

At first, it felt much darker than anything I normally create. Instead of starting over, I asked myself, “How can I make this feel more like me?” The answer was color.

Soft turquoise blues and cheerful pinks brought the page to life. White doodles, playful marks, and splatters added movement and whimsy, transforming the painting into something that felt much more like my style.

It reminded me that contrast isn’t something to avoid. The darker areas make the bright colors shine, just as life’s challenges often help us appreciate the joyful moments even more.

That’s why I love keeping an art journal. Not every page has to be a masterpiece. Some are simply a place to play, explore, and discover something new—and those unexpected experiments often become our favorites.

This page started with watered-down black paint, but it ended as a reminder that trying something outside our comfort zone can lead to beautiful surprises.

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope this encourages you to try something new, whether it’s in your art or in everyday life. You might just surprise yourself.

Have a wonderful day!

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Exploring Creativity in Art Journals

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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.

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Honorable Mention in Somerset Studio Magazine for My Accordion Art Journal

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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! 🎨✨

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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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Watercolor Abstracts: A Creative Journey

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  • Work in Progress
  • Glitter
  • Gold

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!

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Creative Ways to Enhance Your Concertina Art Journal

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I’ve been having a bit of fun and working in my concertina art journal also known as an accordion journal. The next four pages burst with layered whimsy and creative reuse. I started with collaged butterflies—each one crafted from stash papers I had previously made. Their wings are full of bright colors and lively movement, bringing a sense of flight across the spread.

To add a bit more charm, I included collaged pieces from an old book page and sketched in snippets of musical notes. They bring just the right touch of vintage whimsy. I also added gold pen accents that catch the light in such a lovely way, tying everything together with a gentle shimmer. One page has a leafy collage that helps ground the butterflies and adds a sweet little nod to nature.

On the far right page, I included a small pocket—just big enough to hold a hand drawn woven paper and a cut-down strip from a loose watercolor painting. It’s a little surprise tucked into the page, inviting interaction and a closer look.

This spread is all about play, texture, and transformation—breathing new life into forgotten bits and well-loved papers. I had so much fun watching it all come together, layer by layer.

I hope you enjoyed this little peek into my latest concertina journal pages! Do you have favorite treasures hiding in your stash that always inspire you? I’d love to hear what you’ve been making—feel free to share in the comments.

Thanks so much for stopping by, and I hope you have a wonderfully creative weekend ahead!

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Creative Watercolor Journal Ideas

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Every now and then, a journal page comes together in the most unexpected—and delightful—way.

Take this one, for example: a colorful little abstract filled with watercolor, gouache, and some playful collage elements. The stars? Pink and yellow birds I stamped and painted myself, full of whimsy and personality. But the real surprise? Their tail feathers are made from a white cupcake liner. Yep, straight from the kitchen to the art table. Because who says cupcake liners are just for baking?

I love moments like this—when the creative process is loose, joyful, and totally unplanned. It was one of those no-rules kind of pages that made me smile the whole time I was working on it. Adding a little “kitchen magic” gave it even more charm, and reminded me just how fun it is to experiment and be playful with materials.

Now I’m curious… what’s the quirkiest thing you’ve ever added to your journal or artwork? I’d absolutely love to hear!

Wishing you a wonderfully inspired weekend, filled with color, creativity, and maybe even a few unexpected supplies. 🌸✨

Thank you so much for stopping by!

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

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

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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!

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The Magic of Layering: Creating Sunset Lake Scenes

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I love experimenting in my abstract paintings, allowing each piece to evolve organically with textures, layers, and unexpected materials. Recently, I incorporated a unique twist into one of my works—a piece of cloth seamlessly blended into the paint. I didn’t have a set vision when I started, but as I layered colors and textures, something magical emerged.

Somehow, it transformed into a scene that reminds me of a sunset by the lake—a warm glow reflecting off the water, the sky shifting through soft gradients of color, and a sense of peaceful movement. That’s one of the things I adore about abstract art: the way it unfolds in unexpected ways, sometimes revealing emotions, memories, or entire landscapes you didn’t consciously set out to create.

This piece also reminded me why I love experimenting with different materials—whether it’s textiles, textured pastes, or metallic finishes, they add unexpected depth and intrigue. Pushing the boundaries of my work keeps the creative process exciting and full of discovery. I encourage anyone creating art to embrace playfulness, let go of expectations, and see where the materials take you.

But art is deeply personal, and the beauty of abstraction is that each viewer brings their own perspective. What do you see in this piece? A distant horizon? Gentle waves? A completely different story? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

✨ Wishing you a weekend filled with creativity, inspiration, and a touch of magic! ✨💫

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