In this fun and relaxing mixed media project, you’ll create a vibrant watercolor floral painting with loose sketchy linework, soft leafy greens, and bold flowers in pink, yellow, and orange. The background begins with blended Distress Oxide colors and water, then layers of watercolor flowers and expressive pen details bring the artwork to life. This is a wonderful project when you want to paint freely without overthinking!
Prep your art journal page by taping off the edges with painter’s tape. Mist your watercolor palette with water to activate the colors.
Open your Distress Oxide inks and use a soft stencil brush to pick up color. Lightly brush the ink onto the background of your paper. Blend the following colors together:
- Twisted Citron
- Evergreen Bough
- Pine Needles
Work in soft circular motions, allowing the colors to blend naturally. The goal is a gentle green background – not solid coverage.
Mist the surface lightly with water and use your brush to soften and blend the colors even further. Because Distress Oxides are water-reactive, they will create beautiful soft transitions. Allow some of the white paper to show through for visual interest.
Once the background is established, begin painting loose watercolor shapes.
Use a round brush and add organic areas of color where flowers might develop. Let the watercolor flow naturally and avoid over-controlling it.
Think about placing:
- One large flower
- A second flower nearby
- One or two additional blossoms to balance the composition
Allow the colors to blend and move with the water.
While your watercolor palette is still active, mix some greens and yellows to create a few leafy tones. Paint loose leaf shapes around your flowers. Allow the leaves to overlap slightly with the watercolor areas.
Remember: watercolor follows water, so embrace the blending and movement. Let dry.
Using a Sharpie Ultra Fine marker, begin loosely sketching your flowers.
Start with the centers and draw radiating petals outward.
Keep your lines loose and slightly imperfect. Scribbly lines actually enhance the whimsical style.
Continue drawing:
- Leaves
- Small vines
- Decorative stems
These elements fill the negative space and connect the flowers throughout the composition. Let your pen move freely across the page.
Use your stencil brush again with the original Distress Oxide colors. Lightly pounce the brush around flower centers and leaf bases to create subtle shading and depth.
You can also use a Stabilo Aquarellable pencil for darker accents. Blend with a damp brush if desired.
For stronger contrast, switch to black acrylic paint and a fine liner brush. Trace over some of your pen lines to emphasize the flower shapes and add bold outlines. The liner brush allows you to create beautiful flowing lines and expressive details. You can also use a small stencil brush to pounce some black and white acrylic paint in the flower centers.
Using a fan brush or small brush, splatter a little black or white paint across the page. This adds texture and a playful mixed media look.
For a finishing sparkle, apply Galaxy Glitter paint in Champagne Stardust or a gold shimmer paint. Lightly brush or tap it into flower centers and around select areas of the painting. This subtle shimmer catches the light and gives the artwork a magical finish.
One of my signature elements is small red hearts. Using red paint or a marker, add five tiny hearts throughout the composition.
Carefully peel away the painter’s tape. This reveals a crisp white border that beautifully frames your artwork. You’ll be left with a vibrant floral painting full of expressive lines, layered color, and playful detail!
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Supply List:
- Fabriano or Grumbacher 7 X 10 Watercolor Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Watercolors: Odyssey
- Decoart Galaxy Glitter (Champagne Stardust)
- Decoart Acrylic Paint: Carbon Black, Titanium White & Pyrrolle Red
- Distress Oxides: Pine Needles, Evergreen Bough, and Twisted Citron
- Brushes: Tracy Weinzapfel Sets
- Aquarellable Pencil
- Twin Tip Sharpie
- Liner Brush: Micron 10/0 X Long Liner Brush
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop