Easy Watercolor Abstract: Concentric Circles and Mark Making Tutorial

Introduction

Hello everyone! Today, I am excited to share a tutorial that focuses on playing with a handmade journal I created in a workshop called "Fabric Snippet Rolls and Clusters: Enhancing Your Art Journal Covers." This journal features various high-quality watercolor papers, including cold press and hot press Arches paper, as well as some beautiful handmade papers.

Materials Used

Handmade Journal with a fabric cover
High-quality watercolor papers (Arches, HML, and handmade)
Raphael Zero mop brush
Sketch Box Signature Round Brush #6
Princeton Flat Shader #2
Various colored watercolors from the Around the World set
Color Cube Card #383 from Volume 2 by Sarah Renee Clark
Micron Pens (0.08 and others)
Posca Pens for additional markings
Clips for holding pages down
Water and tissue papers

Inspiration and Process

I drew inspiration from the Creative Abstract Watercolor book by Kate Rebecca Leech. This book has been one of my favorites for exploring colorful abstract designs. I decided to create concentric circles and add some drops of water and mark-making. First, I established a color palette using the Color Cube, which simplified my color selection process. The colors I focused on included T-Rose, French Vermilion, Izar and Crimson, and I also considered using black for some strong outlines.

Step-by-Step:

Background: I started by marking the central part of my page with a bright color and then spread it out to create the concentric circles, ensuring I made different, wonky shapes for added interest.
Layering: After the first layer dried, I used a smaller round brush to add more colors, blending where needed while maintaining various shapes.
Mark Making: Next, I explored using different brushes to create dashes and unique marks to complement the circles.
Final Touches: Once everything was mostly dry, I introduced black dots and outlines with Micron pens and some white highlights with Posca pens. This added depth and finished the layout beautifully.

I thoroughly enjoyed this mindful exercise and appreciated the spontaneity of mark-making. As I worked, I reflected on how engaging in a creative process without pressure—relying on my instincts—provided a rewarding experience.

In the end, I revealed my work, enjoying the unique layout and the vibrant combination of circles, lines, and colors.

Conclusion

I hope you had as much fun experimenting as I did with creating concentric circles and their associated mark-making! Remember, playing with different mediums and techniques can lead to delightful discoveries in your artwork. Keep creating and don’t hesitate to let your imagination wander!

Keywords

Watercolor
Abstract art
Concentric circles
Mark making
Creative Abstract Watercolor
Art journal
Color palette
Handmade paper

FAQ

Q1: What is the main focus of this tutorial?
A1: The tutorial focuses on creating abstract art using concentric circles and various mark-making techniques with watercolor.

Q2: What materials do I need for this project?
A2: You will need a handmade journal, high-quality watercolor papers, watercolor paints, several types of brushes, Micron pens, and Posca pens.

Q3: Can I use any watercolor set for this tutorial?
A3: Yes, you can use any watercolor set that you have on hand. The key is to find colors that you feel inspired by.

Q4: How do I make concentric circles?
A4: Start with a central dot and gradually work your way outward, varying the shape and size of the circles to add interest.

Q5: Do I need to be an experienced artist to try this?
A5: No, this tutorial is suitable for all skill levels. The focus is on experimentation and fun in the creative process.