This project is a gentle reminder that your art doesn’t have to be loud to speak volumes. In this tutorial, we’re creating soft, vintage-inspired watercolor flowers using the Vintage Pastel Watercolor Set – perfect for a morning meditation or a quiet creative reset. So grab your brushes, take a deep breath, and let’s get into it.
Prep your art journal page by taping off the edges with painter’s tape. Mist your watercolor palette with water to activate the colors.
Start by lightly wetting your watercolor paper. I used the #2 brush set from my collection and simply brushed clean water across the surface. This allows the soft pigments to blend and roam freely!
Using the Vintage Pastel watercolor set, begin dropping in your colors. You can start with soft pinks and lavenders for your petals, then let the water carry them across the page. If colors begin to mingle or “bleed,” let them, even if they feel like they’re drifting outside the lines of your plan. Use green for the background and add in black and yellow for the flower centers. Dry with a heat tool.
Now it’s time to give your flowers some definition. You can use a liner brush and black watercolor or acrylic paint, or go the simple route and grab a fine-tipped Sharpie. Trace around the petals and centers, keeping it light and whimsical. Your lines don’t need to be perfect. In fact, a little wobble adds to the charm.
Take that same liner brush (or a fine pen) and begin adding little lines to define the petal edges. You can add curved strokes, dot patterns, or let your pen guide you. The key is to keep it flowy – don’t grip the brush or overthink the marks. Let your hand move naturally.
If your background feels too light or blank, you can darken it by re-wetting certain areas and dropping in more color. I used a bit of blue to create a two-toned wash around the flowers.
I brought in a fan brush (from the same brush set) dipped in a bit of black acrylic paint to create a light spatter effect. Tap gently to avoid overloading the page, and make sure the surface is dry enough to prevent smearing. I also use my liner brush to paint a few leaves into the background. Remove the painter’s tape and sign your piece!
Watch the replay below!
Thank you for joining in on the creative fun. Join us LIVE every Wednesday at 5:30 pm PST on Facebook at Tracy Weinzapfel Studios.
Join the waitlist for Your Artful Journey! This is my exclusive creative membership where you can explore the world of art journaling! Join a community of support and inspiration with interactive art sessions full of tips and tricks, conversation, Q & As, and most of all, FUN!
Supply List:
- Strathmore Watercolor Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Watercolors: Vintage Pastels
- Acrylic Paints: Carbon Black
- Brushes: Tracy Weinzapfel Studios Brush Sets 2
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop