This project is a bright, funky, Dr. Seuss-inspired mixed media art journal page all about playful flowers, bold background color, and the reminder that “Life is art.” You’ll create a soft but colorful Distress Oxide Spray background, add whimsical acrylic flowers with liner brush details, stamp a meaningful quote, and finish with subtle dot texture and Dorland’s Wax. It’s loose, happy, and full of creative personality.
Start by taping off your art journal page with painter’s tape. Spray the background with Distress Oxide Sprays, beginning with Mustard Seed and Mowed Lawn, then soften things with Shabby Shutters. Add a small amount of Worn Lipstick for warmth. Lightly mist the page with water to help the colors move, then add a little rubbing alcohol for texture and quicker drying. Dry the background completely before moving on.
Before painting, decide where your stamped quote will go so you don’t accidentally cover that space. Lightly visualize three tall flower stems across the page. This keeps the composition balanced and leaves room for the message.
Using green acrylic paint and a liner brush or small round brush, paint tall stems coming up from the bottom of the page. Keep them loose and playful. These don’t need to be realistic flowers – think whimsical, funky, and a little Dr. Seuss-inspired.
Use magenta, teal, and green acrylic paint to build the flower tops. Let each flower have its own personality. One can be tall and pod-like, another can feel more loopy and playful, and another can have a layered petal shape. Keep the brushwork simple and bold.
Paint leaves along the stems using green acrylic paint. Vary the leaf shapes and sizes so the page has movement. Add some on the sides and some toward the center, making sure they don’t cover the stamped quote area.
Once the flowers and leaves are dry, use white acrylic paint and a liner brush to add highlights. Add thin white lines inside the petals and leaves to bring the shapes forward. This is where the flowers start to feel more finished and full of character.
Use archival ink to stamp your quote onto the open space. For best results, stamp onto scrap paper first to make sure the ink transfers clearly. Then stamp carefully onto the journal page. The quote used here says, “Life is art. Paint your dreams. Sing your songs. Enjoy the dance.”
Use a dot stencil or small circle stamp with ink to add soft background texture. Keep it subtle so the dots add interest without overwhelming the page. You can layer colors lightly and allow some areas to blend into the background.
Because Distress Oxide Sprays are water-soluble, finish the page with Dorland’s Wax instead of a brush-on sealer. Apply a small amount with a paper towel and gently buff it over the page. This seals the layers without reactivating the background.
Carefully remove the painter’s tape to reveal your clean border. Sign your artwork and enjoy the finished piece.
This project is a fun reminder that art doesn’t have to be serious to be meaningful. A few sprays, funky flowers, a favorite stamp, and some playful details can turn into a page full of movement, color, and joy. Keep it loose, enjoy the dance, and don’t forget to do something creative every day!
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Supply List:
- Surface: 7 X 10 Grumbacher Watercolor Journal
- DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics Carbon Black Cobalt Turquoise Hue Quin Magenta Primary Yellow Primary Magenta Titanium White Fairway Green (DecoArt Americana)
- Distress Oxide Sprays:
- Dorlands Wax Medium (clear wax medium)
- Paint brushes – Tracy Weinzapfel Brush Sets
- 10/0 Micron Liner Brush
- Painter’s Tape
- Ranger Archival Ink (Jet Black)
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop