Magenta & Ochre Color Mixing + Abstract Spread | Art Journal Ideas

In this video, I’m working in my Dina Wakley Ledger to explore color mixing and create an abstract art journal spread.

I start by building a custom color palette using magenta, ochre, black, and white, experimenting with different mixes and swatches on the left page. On the right, I transform those colors into an abstract painting with mark-making, stenciling, and layered textures.

Join me for some creative play as I share tips on color mixing and how to bring a cohesive color palette into your art journaling projects. Perfect for mixed media enthusiasts and anyone looking for color inspiration!

Supplies used:

(Some of the links are affiliate links. If you use my link, I get a small commission, which will go toward my art supplies and to support this channel! I appreciate your support!!)

🗒️ Note: I no longer add individual links under each video to avoid expired links, YouTube may flag, risking my channel being deleted. And due to the volume of comments I receive, I’m not able to look up individual supplies on request — but everything I use regularly is listed on that page! Thanks for your understanding!

[marytanner]

I was so surprised at the lovely range of colors you discovered. How fun.

[bonnierosendale]

Oh, Denise! Your enthusiasm just brings me so much laughter and joy! And we all need that right now. Thank you! 💖🎨

[nicolagibbons]

13:23 absolutely love ❤❤these colours😊

[katemcallister]

Another lovely abstract! I showed one of your videos where you were leafing through some past paintings to my 9 year old grandson. He isn't crazy about art class but I got him to try abstracts and now he loves abstracts. He has painted four, two of which his parents framed and two more on a recent visit. He just loved your paintings as I knew he would. Thanks for the inspiration❤

[celiawofford]

Loved it - especially cause purples are my favorite.

[BB-nzsk]

Ooooohhh Oooohhh - love these colors!!! ❤❤❤❤

[Lainers]

I was amazed at the range of color you made from just the 4 colors! The lavenders and the greens were a complete surprise and the pages are beautiful. A big ol hug for you, Denise 🤗! Have a wonderful Sunday.

[lynndavis]

I got out my rubber stamps and mimicked the ledger "look" in a homemade journal to play along. I love the swatch pages as much as the artwork....I love flipping through all the colors just like you do. Such a feast for the eyes!

[faithisrising]

Denise, I sat here earlier today and thought I’m afraid to mix colors…and then I watched you do it! I’m inspired. Thank you and this was so beautiful!!!

[heatherzstuff]

WOW! I love the flower stencil you put on there! It all looks magnificant!!

[jimandjancrussel]

A rough day! Bad paint, paint on the wrong page….more like what happens to us!😝 And it turns out gorgeous as usual. Thanks for being so real!!!

[LovewhatidoStudio]

I'm going to watch you on my TV cuz you're like a superstar I need some journal and inspiration and you always inspire me Thank you so much for all you do❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊 I need some cheering up and you always do that for me😊 You're awesome

[catherineminor]

That turned out really awesome!!! Thanks for sharing! LOVE! 😍😍😍😍😍

[bonnerdebbie]

Gorgeous color palette, swatching and painting. Thanks Denise, a good paint day for sure.

[audreycharlton]

Brilliant!!! I just received my order with the Dina Wakley journal. It was on backorder. I am so thrilled with this whole concept. I LOVE the vintage elements of the journal. Your tutorials for color mixing and creating an art piece from those leftover paints is just the push I needed to step outside my comfort zone and work on color mixing and play. Abstract art has never really been my thing, but I am finding a lack of destination quite freeing! Tonight I took two colors I wouldn't have normally picked to paint with together, magenta (a favorite) and yellow ochre. I loved the results. AND I am learning to just play, explore and have fun!

[jenniferrobertson]

I never would have guessed you could get that color range with those. Amazing & a beautiful result.

[dleigh]

That was a good one! And good saves too. 😊

[yovamccoy]

I love the lavender shades you got. Thank you for the class in fixing accidents.
I took a life painting class at Painting with a Twist where we mixed black and yellow for the background of our vampire. It made a lovely olive green. I am enjoying your color mixing series.

[jlmrocks]

this was more fun watching than doing... pretended ii was the brushes loving those mixes...ty!

[TheSande]

Baby wipes for the win. 😊. Denise you are always a great way for me to start my day.