Expressions of Love: A Little Painting with a Big Heart

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There’s something especially meaningful about sending a piece of original art out into the world. Yesterday, this little 5×5 “Expressions of Love” painting found its new home, and I couldn’t be happier knowing it will brighten someone’s space for years to come.

Sometimes it’s the smallest paintings that carry the biggest emotions.

The Expressions of Love collection began with a simple idea: love doesn’t have to be loud to make a lasting impact. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, a handwritten note, or a small piece of art can remind us that we are loved and connected.

This painting features a vibrant blue heart surrounded by layers of joyful color—greens, blues, whites, and touches of shimmering gold. To me, the heart represents peace, hope, and kindness, while the colorful background reflects the many moments and people that fill our lives with love. No two hearts in this collection are exactly alike, just as every person’s story is unique.

One of my favorite things about creating these little paintings is imagining where they’ll end up. Perhaps this one will sit on a bookshelf, brighten a desk, or become part of a gallery wall. Wherever it lives, I hope it serves as a daily reminder to pause, smile, and appreciate the love that surrounds us.

As artists, we spend hours creating something from our hearts, never knowing whose heart it will eventually touch. When a painting finds its forever home, it feels like the final chapter of its story—and the beginning of a brand-new one.

To the wonderful collector who welcomed this little blue heart into your home, thank you. I hope it brings you joy every time you see it.

And to everyone who has supported my Expressions of Love collection over the years, thank you for believing in handmade art and the stories it carries. Your encouragement means more than words can express.

Wishing you a day filled with kindness, creativity, and a little extra love.

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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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Creative Watercolor Journal Ideas

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

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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Last Chance for Unique Art Gifts This Season!

🎁✨ Be a Gifting Hero! Spread Joy with Artful Finds This Season! ✨🎁

Time is running out—this is your FINAL chance to grab original artwork at incredible savings! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to give a gift that truly stands out. 🎨❄️

✨ Every piece in my Etsy Shop is one-of-a-kind, crafted with care and love. When you choose one, you’re not just buying art—you’re sharing a unique story that will be treasured for years to come. ✨

Important: Each artwork is completely unique, and once it’s sold, it’s gone forever! So don’t wait—head to my shop now to find the perfect gift for someone special or treat yourself to a little holiday magic. 🎄💫

Visit Flowing Waters Art Shop today to make this holiday season unforgettable with the gift of art!

Thank you for supporting my work and helping make this season extra magical. Your support means the world! ❤️🎅

Happy shopping and happy holidays! 🎁✨

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Explore unique gift ideas waiting for you in my Etsy Shop – hurry, the Sale Ends at Midnight on 12/4!

Original Artwork Sale: Limited Time Holiday Offer!

Unique Art Gifts for a Memorable Holiday Season! 🎁✨

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift this Christmas? Start your holiday shopping early with my Original Artwork Sale running from November 18th to December 4th! 🎄🖼️

✨ Each piece in my Etsy Shop is a true original, crafted with care and love. When you choose one, you’re not just buying art—you’re giving a unique story that can be cherished for years to come. ✨

Important: Every artwork is completely unique. Once it’s sold, it’s gone forever! So don’t wait—head over to my shop now and find that perfect gift for someone special (or treat yourself to a little holiday cheer)! 🎨💫

Visit my Etsy Shop to take advantage of this fabulous sale!

Thank you for supporting my art and making this holiday season extra magical! 🎅❤️

Happy shopping and happy holidays! 🎁🎨

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More Original Artwork available in my Etsy Shop:

Finding Inspiration: My Angel Painting Journey

Inspiration can strike when you least expect it, and often in the most delightful places. During a visit to Naples on the West Coast of Florida, I stumbled upon a charming angel in a quaint little shop, and it was love at first sight. Standing 20 inches tall, she now graces my home year-round, serving as a constant reminder of that beautiful day—and she ended up sparking the idea for my latest painting!

This whimsical piece was created on a 4×6-inch canvas panel using acrylic paints. For her dress, I was inspired by the patterns on the Naples angel, and I decided to add my own playful twist. Using a white Posca pen, I adorned her dress with intricate designs that have quickly become one of the highlights of the piece for me. To finish it off, I added a meaningful quote: “may peace and love always have a home in your heart.”

I hope this painting—and the story behind it—encourages you to find joy in your own creative journey. Take a moment today to pick up your brushes, pens, or whatever inspires you, and create something that brings you joy.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend filled with inspiration! Thank you so much for stopping by!

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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!!

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“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!

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Makes my Heart Sing Art Journaling

Ever wondered what goes on inside an artist’s mind? Well, this journal layout is a little peek into mine! I’m all about bright, fun, happy colors, whimsical touches, and the magic of everyday life. Roses and flowers? Absolutely love them. Music and art? They all make my heart sing.

This creation is part of the Scrappy8Challenge on Instagram. I fell a bit behind because of the many projects I’ve got going on in the studio, but this artwork is for June’s prompt: “Makes my heart sing.” So many ideas came to mind, but the real challenge was capturing the feeling in a way that truly resonates.

After some thought, I chose ‘Art’ because, no matter what’s happening in the world, creating always brings me joy, happiness, and peace. This artwork was made in my favorite 4.5×5″ handmade watercolor journal. I used watercolor paints and markers, a white Posca pen for highlights, a sketch pencil for shading, and of course, a bit of glitter for that extra sparkly magic✨

I’ve got one more layout to do for July, and then I’ll be all caught up. I’m planning to work on that this week, juggling it with my other projects. I hope this piece inspires you in some way!

Thank you so much for stopping by! I’d love to hear what makes your heart sing. Have a fantastic weekend!

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Photo by Unchalee Srirugsar on Pexels.com