We’re creating a vibrant, dreamy art journal page inspired by lavender fields and glowing spring sunsets. This project layers colors in a soft, playful way, using acrylic paints and simple blending techniques. Here’s how to make your own!
Start by prepping your page with a painter’s tape border and applying a thin layer of white gesso. Spread it evenly across the page and let it dry completely. (You can use a heat gun to speed up the process if you like.) This step helps your paint glide on more smoothly and prevents it from soaking directly into the paper.
Once your gesso is dry, it’s time to build your background. Using a stencil brush or any round brush with slightly damp bristles, begin at the top of your page with white paint. Brush it across the top few inches of the page.
Next, blend in a layer of primary yellow just beneath the white, allowing the two colors to overlap slightly for a soft transition. Continue moving down the page by blending in a fuchsia shade called Love Potion, followed by layers of Lavender Haze and Purple Iris. As you work your way toward the bottom of the page, deepen the colors by blending into black. You’re aiming for a smooth gradient that moves from bright daylight tones at the top to deeper, moodier hues at the bottom.
Use a stippling or gentle tapping motion with your brush to help the colors blend softly into each other, and blot extra paint onto a paper towel if things start to feel heavy.
Once your background is complete, it’s time to add the lavender blooms. Grab a liner brush and use black paint to swipe on flower stems from the bottom of your page up. Next, load your brush with a mix of the purple shades you used earlier. Starting near the bottom of the page, create clusters of small, thick dabs by tapping your brush vertically. These represent the tops of the lavender flowers. As you move higher up the page, make the clusters lighter and a little more spread out to create a feeling of depth and distance. It’s okay if the shapes are imperfect – this part is meant to feel loose and organic.
Next, I’ll dip a wet fan brush back in the purple paint and tap it above my page against another brush to create a splatter effect. I’ll do the same with yellow paint to mimic fireflies glowing in the early evening. You can also blend a little more black into the bottom edge if you want to anchor the scene and make the colors pop even more. And if you happen to drip paint anywhere you didn’t plan to, simply blend it in – this page is all about texture and movement!
Finally, dry your page completely, using a heat gun if needed. Remove the painter’s tape and step back to admire your soft, dreamy lavender sunset!
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Supply List:
- Strathmore Watercolor Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Acrylic Paints: New @decoart Colors: Lavender Haze, Love Potion, Purple Iris, Primary Yellow, Lamp Black, and Titanium White
- Gesso: Decoart (White)
- Brushes: Dynasty
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
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