This mixed-media heart art journal project combines texture, color, and personal flair for a fun and expressive creation. We’ll start with a textured background, then add a vintage dictionary heart cutout, bold colors, and dynamic splatters to bring the piece to life. Perfect for Valentine’s Day or just adding some heart to your art journal!
Prepare your art journal page by securing the edges with painter’s tape and applying a smooth coat of Matte Medium for a durable base.
Now, let’s build the background! Using vertical strokes, layer on rich tones of Almondine, Titanium White, Payne’s Gray, and Quinacridone Gold, blending them for a beautifully textured effect. Once satisfied, dry the page with a heat tool.
For the focal point, tear a page from an old dictionary and cut it into the shape of a heart. Apply a layer of Matte Medium to your background, carefully place the heart on top, and seal it with another coat of Matte Medium. Let it dry before moving on to the next step.
Add strokes of Cobalt Teal Hue and Titanium White to the heart, blending the colors for a soft, layered effect. Using a liner brush and Carbon Black, outline the heart with loose, natural strokes. While the paint is still wet, lightly mist it with water to encourage blending and subtle drips. Dry with a heat tool.
Next, grab the Totally Tracy Create #TT15055 stamp with the word “He(ART).” Press it onto a black ink pad, then firmly stamp it onto your heart. Use a liner brush to fill in the letters with Pyrrole Red and the parentheses with Carbon Black for a bold contrast.
For added texture, dip a fan brush into Pyrrole Red and tap it against another brush to create a splatter effect. Repeat the process with Carbon Black. Lightly mist the splatters with water to let the colors softly run down the page, adding movement and depth.
Finish by sealing your page with a coat of DecoArt Acrylic Sealer (Satin). Once dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape and admire your finished piece!
Watch the replay below!
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Supply List:
- Indigo Watercolor 5.5 X 8.6 Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Acrylic Paint: Pyrrole Red, Almondine, Cobalt Teal Hue, Titanium White, Carbon Black, Quin Gold
- Book Text or sheet music
- Matte Medium: DecoArt
- Ink: Dare 2b Artzy (Black)
- Pencil: Aquarellable (Black)
- Stamp: Totally Tracy Create #TT15055
- Brushes: Dynasty
- Sealer: DecoArt Acrylic Sealer (Satin)
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop