In this art journal page, we’re playing with loose watercolor shapes, splatters, and drips to create bold, happy flowers that feel fresh and free. Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or just need a creative reset, this step-by-step tutorial is all about letting the water do the work while you relax and enjoy the process
Prep your art journal page by taping off the edges with painter’s tape. Mist your watercolor palette with water to activate the colors.
Grab your watercolor brush (I used a size 6 round) and lightly wet your paper where you want your flowers to go. No need for perfect shapes – just loose circles or petal-y blobs are totally fine. The water will guide the paint, so think of it more like a suggestion than a precise outline.
Drop the watercolor into your wet areas and watch it do its thing! I used yellow and orage on the petals along with brown and purple in the flower centers. Tilt your journal a bit if you want the colors to run in a certain direction. Let the water take over – this is where the magic happens.
Next, use a thin liner brush to add some flower stems with your brown watercolor paint.
Take a fan brush, dip it into your watercolor paint, and tape it against another brush above your art journal page. I did this with a few different colors, like yellow, orange, and purple to create a splatter effect.
Mist your paint splatter with water, tilt the journal up, and let the color run down the page. If the paint feels like it’s getting out of hand, you can always guide it with your brush or blot it gently with a paper towel. Remember: you’re in charge, but you’re also letting the watercolor have its moment.
Use a small stencil brush with some black acrylic paint to add more texture to your flower centers.
I’ll also come back with my fan brush and create the splatter effect again with purple and yellow watercolor paint. Dry with a heat tool. also used a Sharpie for a few subtle marks, but nothing too harsh – I wanted to keep things soft and airy.
Remove the painter’s tape and enjoy!
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