This project is all about building a fast blue background with Distress Oxide Sprays, then layering a bold, textured flower over the top with gesso and acrylic paint. The finished piece has rich color, raised texture, soft teal outlines, and a fun spiral center. It’s not exactly a sunflower, not exactly a daisy…just a happy, expressive flower with lots of personality.
Begin by taping off your art journal page with painter’s tape to create a clean border. Spray the background with Blueprint Sketch and Peacock Feathers Distress Oxide Sprays. Let the colors blend naturally across the page. These sprays are water-reactive, so they create a fast, bold background with very little effort. Let dry.
Once the background is mostly dry, use gesso and a liner brush to sketch a large flower directly onto the page. Start with the flower center using a stencil brush, then pull large petal shapes outward with a liner brush. Don’t worry about making it perfect. The gesso acts as both your sketch and a primer for the acrylic paint that will go on top.
Use the same gesso to add a stem and a few leaves. If your flower feels too centered, bring the stem slightly off-center to create more movement. Thicken any areas where you want more texture.
Load your brush with yellow acrylic paint and begin filling in the petals. While the paint is still wet, layer in Green Gold, Primary Magenta, and Cobalt Teal Hue. Let the colors blend right on the page. Because the acrylic is wet, the colors will mix together naturally and create depth.
Use your heat tool carefully over the acrylic paint to puff and texture the surface. Keep the tool moving so you don’t scorch the paper. This creates raised areas and gives the petals a dimensional, almost sculpted look.
Mix Cobalt Teal Hue with Titanium White and paint a spiral in the center of the flower. Work in a circular motion and let the colors blend slightly. Add more white where you want the spiral to stand out.
Instead of using heavy black outlines, use teal acrylic paint to define the petals, center, stem, and leaves. This keeps the piece softer while still adding structure and contrast.
Once the paint has cooled, use an Aquarellable pencil around the flower and leaves to add shadow and depth. Remember, this pencil is water-soluble and can melt slightly into warm paint, so make sure the page is cool before applying.
Because the background sprays and Aquarellable pencil are water-reactive, seal the piece with Dorland’s Wax instead of a brush-on sealer. Apply a small amount with a paper towel and gently buff it over the artwork. Carefully peel off the painter’s tape to reveal your crisp border. Sign your artwork and enjoy your finished textured flower page!
This project is a great reminder that you don’t need a perfect plan to create something beautiful. A quick spray background, some gesso, bold acrylic color, and a little texture can turn into a flower full of life and movement.
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Supply List:
- Strathmore Watercolor Journal
- Decoart Gesso: White
- DecoArt Media Fluid Acrylics Cobalt Turquoise Hue, Primary Yellow Primary Magenta Titanium White Saffron Yellow (DecoArt Americana)
- Distress Oxide Sprays:
- Dorlands Wax Medium (clear wax medium)
- Paint brushes – Tracy Weinzapfel Brush Sets
- 10/0 Micron Liner Brush
- Stabilo Aquarellable Pencil (Black)
- Painter’s Tape
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop