This bright and playful art journal page starts with bold watercolor color washes and evolves into whimsical, Dr. Seuss–inspired flowers outlined in black. The background uses vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows with rubbing alcohol texture and white dotted circles for movement. The flowers are simple, graphic, and fun to draw, making this a great project for loosening up and creating without overthinking!
Begin by applying painter’s tape around the edges of your page. This will give you a clean border when the piece is finished. Mist your watercolor palette with water to activate the colors.
Load your brush with bold watercolor colors. Use bright reds, oranges, and yellows and apply them directly to the page with minimal water. Allow the colors to blend and move into one another naturally. Let the pigments spread across the page in organic shapes.
The goal is to create a vibrant, energetic background rather than a controlled wash. Continue layering color until the page feels bold and saturated.
While the watercolor is still damp, lightly spray rubbing alcohol across the surface. The alcohol will react with the watercolor and create soft organic textures and blooms throughout the background. Allow the page to air dry completely before moving forward.
Once the background is dry, place a circle stencil over the page.
Using white acrylic paint and a foam detailer or sponge applicator, dab paint through the stencil to create dotted circular shapes across the page.Scatter these circles around the background to add movement and visual interest.
Press harder for larger dots and lighter for smaller ones. Allow the paint to dry completely.
Using a liner brush and black acrylic paint, begin drawing long, flowing stems starting near the bottom of the page. Let the stems curve naturally upward. These flowers should feel loose and playful rather than precise. Draw three stems spaced across the composition. At the top of each stem, paint a simple abstract flower shape. These flowers can resemble tulips, pods, or stylized petals. Allow them to feel whimsical and slightly exaggerated. Fill the shapes with black paint to create bold outlines. Once the black paint dries, use a Posca pen or black marker to add decorative patterns inside the petals.
Try mixing different designs such as:
- stripes
- dots
- curved lines
- simple geometric shapes
Each flower can have a slightly different pattern to make the piece more interesting.
To add depth, lightly apply Ranger black ink around the edges of the page using a soft blending brush.
Blend the ink in circular motions to create a soft vignette effect. This helps frame the artwork and draw the eye toward the center.
Use an aquarellable pencil to add a few final details or accents to the flowers if desired. You can also lightly smudge the pencil marks for a softer effect. Keep this step subtle so the bold colors and patterns remain the focus.
Carefully remove the painter’s tape from the edges of the page. Sign your artwork and allow the piece to dry completely before closing your journal.
If desired, seal the page with a light layer of Dorland’s wax once everything is dry.
This project is a great reminder that art does not have to be complicated to be beautiful. Starting with bold color and adding simple graphic flowers creates a striking mixed media page with very little planning. The goal is to enjoy the process and create something vibrant and full of personality!
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:
- Grumbacher 7 X 10 Watercolor Journal
- Painter’s Tape
- Watercolors: Tropicals and The Classics
- Ink: Ranger Archival Ink
- Posca Paint Marker: Black
- Decoart Media Paints: Carbon Black & Titanium White
- Brushes: Tracy Weinzapfel Sets
- Liner Brush: Micron 10/0 X Long Liner Brush
Check out Tracy’s Art Journal Starter Kit!
Tracy’s Resources Page and visit Tracy’s Shop