Using Mixed Media Watercolor And Inks To Make A Gorgeous Face In My Altered Book Art Journal

TGIF!!! Today's tutorial for the #100FunFabFaces drawing challenge was inspired by an artist I've admired for some time, Molly Harrison. I recently purchased one of her gorgeous prints on Etsy and specifically fell in love with the way she rendered the lips and sparkly eyes of this girl.

I mean, just LOOK at the way she highlighted those juicy lips and the sheen in those eyes!!! To die for, right?!  I reached out to Molly and asked her permission to use this piece as a reference to inspire today's lesson. She graciously agreed! (THANKS MOLLY!!!😘) 

I decided to work in my altered book art journal (which is actually a giant Alice in Wonderland coloring book from my local scrap exchange!) I started off by reinforcing the perforated pages using some decorative tape, and put down a layer of Daniel Smith Watercolor Ground (a new product to me). 

If you know me at ALL, you know I'm obsessed with Daniel Smith watercolors. However, the watercolor ground - I didn't love. I'm an absorbant ground girl when it comes to watercolor surface prep, and still highly recommend that product after this experience.  Lots of students ask me where to find this - your best bet is typically Amazon. I rarely see it in stores. 

After my surface was prepped, I sketched the outline of my girl's face with all her features (sans one eye - to replicate the sexy Veronica Lake look!)

Actress Veronica Lake. Photo by George Hurrell, c. 1942.

​Next, I squeezed a few droppers of acrylic ink, let them drip around,  and pulled out a watercolor brush to drag some color where it just felt right. I totally had a blast in my creative flow, blasting George Michael in my studio, while bringing this chic to life. 

When you watch the vid, you'll see I have a bit of a paintbrush malfunction while it happens to be filled with permanent ink, no less! I didn't freak out because I actually love the adventure of mixed media. When something unexpected happens, it presents an opportunity to problem solve. 

I actually took a day to mull this one over. After a break, I was able to channel my inner Bob Ross, and turned my "happy little accident" into a somthing I actually love now, and would never have added to the piece if it hadn't been for that snafu.

I hope you enjoy working on this week's mixed media lesson as much as I did prepping it for YOU!

Be sure to check out the lovely Molly Harrison on Etsy & Pinterest. Her work is gorgeous!! Thanks again Molly! 😘