Lilacs are the perfect blend of softness and vibrance, making them a fun subject for an art journal page. In this tutorial, we’ll layer watercolor and acrylic to create a textured, organic look – no perfection required!
Start by prepping your art journal page – secure the edges with painter’s tape to create a clean border. Lightly mist your watercolor palette with water to wake up those colors.
For this project, I’m using the Terrain Watercolor set, which is packed with beautiful shades of green. Load a fan brush with a light green watercolor, then gently tap it against another brush over your page to create a soft splatter effect. Repeat this process with medium and dark greens, layering the splatters for depth.
Next, take your fan brush and lightly drag it from left to right across the page, blending some of the splatters into softer, more organic areas. Once you’re happy with the base, dry the page with a heat tool. To finish, add a few darker splatters on top for extra contrast and dimension.
To create the lilacs, grab a small detailer foam brush, Q-tips, or even the end of your paintbrush – whatever feels fun to experiment with! Add White, Purple Cow, and Purple Iris to your palette. Dip your chosen tool into the paint, alternating between colors, and gently dab or blend as you go to form the soft, clustered shape of lilac blooms.
Next, use Leaf Green and New Leaf to paint the leaves and stems. For a bit of texture, take a fan brush and swipe upward from the bottom of your page to create wispy blades of grass. Finally, add a few delicate stems using Quin Gold.
I’ll load my fan brush with purple acrylic paint and gently tap it against another brush above my page, creating a soft, scattered splatter effect. If any areas of your lilacs need a little extra color, go ahead and fill them in. Once you’re happy with the look, dry your page with a heat tool.
To finish, seal your artwork with a coat of Duraclear (Satin) for a beautiful, lasting finish. Peel off the painter’s tape, step back, and admire your masterpiece!
Watch the replay below!
Thank you for joining in on the creative fun. Join us LIVE every Wednesday at 5:30 pm PST on Facebook at Tracy Weinzapfel Studios.
Join the waitlist for Your Artful Journey! This is my exclusive creative membership where you can explore the world of art journaling! Join a community of support and inspiration with interactive art sessions full of tips and tricks, conversation, Q & As, and most of all, FUN!
Supply List:
- Indigo Mixed Media Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Watercolors: Terrain
- Acrylic Paints: Decoart: Titanium White, Purple Cow, Purple Iris, Leaf Green, and New Leaf
- Brushes: Dynasty
- Sealer: Duraclear (Satin)
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop