Virtual Open Studio - Art Journal Technique - Dabbing with Color

Virtual Open Studio – Art Journal Technique

Dabbing with Color: Lush Foliage & Living Texture

Thursday, April 2nd | 7:30 – 9:00 pm

Join us for April’s Open Studio & mini technique lesson: Dabbing for Foliage & Organic Texture 🌿

The dabbing technique in painting involves applying paint with a gentle tapping or pressing motion (up-and-down) using a stiff brush, sponge, or even a cloth. Instead of sweeping strokes, we build texture through soft layers of color. This creates natural, organic surfaces — perfect for foliage, leaves, trees, and abstract nature-inspired backgrounds.

By varying pressure, paint thickness, and color combinations, you can create depth, light, and movement without harsh brush lines. It’s playful, forgiving, and surprisingly calming.

Mini Technique Lesson: Dabbing in Your Artist Dream Journal ✨

We’ll begin with a guided mini lesson inside your Artist Dream Journal, focusing on creating layered foliage using shades of green — with the option to experiment with other colors if you’d like.

You’ll explore:

• how to build dimension by layering light and dark values
• using warm and cool greens to create depth
• adding touches of unexpected color for vibrancy
• how dabbing naturally mimics the rhythm of leaves and organic growth
• creating soft, glowing light within foliage

Materials needed:

• Art Journal (or other painting surface)
• Paints - white, black, & different shades of greens and yellows, you can also experiment with dabbing with other colors of your choice
• Different Brushes - I like to use different size filbert brushes and flat brushes for dabbing but open studio is a time to explore and play with all your different brushes to see what you like

This technique is perfect for capturing the feeling of nature — whether you stay realistic or lean abstract.

After the mini lesson, you can:

🎨 continue practicing in your Dream Journal
🖼️ try the technique on canvas
🌈 experiment with bold or unexpected color palettes
✨ or work on your own project during the remainder of Open Studio