In this tutorial, I am back to a more “traditional” art journal spread.

As is the case very often when I create, I did not have anything in mind, and just grabbed some colours that spoke to me at the time (in the video).

I started applying and spreading my colours quite randomly, using different tools (spatula, then brush and fingers) and techniques (spreading, tapping, dotting).

I then used a white gel pen, first by circling my yellow dots to make them pop out, and then by writing what this page was telling me. I saw some kind of sky, so I wrote my thoughts about it, randomly, in different directions. My main aim in doing this was to make some marks and break down the colour patches.

I decided to create a plain black silhouette, as the background was already quite busy. I created my lettering on the opposite page to bring some balance. I used the excess black gesso I had on my silhouette to colour in one of my words, then a green paint pen to colour my next word, add some extra journaling and create marks on darker areas of my background. I also used the green paint pen to create an inside outline on my silhouette and my first word.

I used my big brush pen in black to go over my last word as I thought it didn’t stand out enough.

I went over a part of my journaling that was hidden by similar background colour, with a silver paint pen, and added tiny silver dots around my yellow dots.

I finished by scribbling all over my background with my mechanical pencil. As the lead I used was 2B (quite soft), I softened the marks with my finger.

Et voila…

SUPPLIES USED

• Artiste acrylic paints in Noir, Blanc, Lagoon, Canary Yellow,Azure Blue, Cobalt Blue, Avocado
• Catalyst silicon wedge
• Dina Wakley mixed media brushes
• Hybrid white gel pen
• Faber Castell Pitt brush pen and big brush pen, both in black
• black gesso
• Posca paint pen in Apple Green and Silver
• graphite 2B mechanical pencil