I’m sharing how to create an art journal page with a dark, moody background that sets the stage for vibrant, detailed designs. In this project, you’ll layer deep hues like Stormy, Poetic Plum, and Mystic Teal, adding vines, leaves, and little hearts for a personal touch.
Prep your art journal page by taping off the edges with painter’s tape and priming it with a coat of white gesso.
For this project, I want a deep, dark background, so I’ll be using Stormy, Poetic Plum, and Mystic Teal as well as some white gesso. I’ll apply these colors in layers by swiping my paintbrush up and down. Then, I’ll use an old hotel room key to add natural lines of Prussian Blue Hue. Dry with a heat tool.
I’ll use a #6 round paintbrush to make vines and leaves using white gesso. I’ll paint the leaves using Cobalt Turquoise Hue. Next, I’ll take a liner brush with Carbon Black paint to outline my leaves and vines and add detail lines. I’l also add little hearts through my art journal using using Pyrrolle Red. Dry with a heat tool.
Then, I’ll use a dry stencil brush to add Prussian Blue Hue around the edges of my page. Dry with a heat tool. Finally, I’ll apply a coat of DuraClear (Satin) sealer to finish my project. Let dry, remove painter’s tape, and enjoy!
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Supply List:
- 8 X 5.5 Strathmore Watercolor Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Gesso: DecoArt (White)
- Acrylic Paints: DecoArt: Prussian Blue Hue, Carbon Black, Stormy, Mystic Teal, Pyrrolle Red, Poeteic Plum, & Cobalt Turquoise Hue
- Brushes: Dynasty
- Sealer: DuraClear (Satin)
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