Moody Halloween Reflection Scene with Witch and Gel Pen Details

A project from our live show The Instant Artist - Full Workshop - Broadcast 17TH July 23 · 07/01/2023 · watch it from 58:00

Create a dramatic Halloween scene using the reflection stamp technique with a moody watercolour background. Add a witch silhouette, then use white gel pen to highlight windows, trees and the witch to create an atmospheric, three-dimensional effect.

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Step by step

1. Prepare your previously made moody background card with purple, pink and blue inks. ▶ watch 58:15
2. Edge the background with a blending brush and darker purple or blue ink to add mood and draw the eye inward. ▶ watch 58:30
3. Ink up the reflection stamp (showing a building or landscape) in black and stamp it onto the moody background. ▶ watch 59:00
4. Allow the stamped image to dry completely. ▶ watch 1:04:00
5. Optionally spray the area below the building with water and blend in additional ink to suggest a water reflection. ▶ watch 1:05:00
6. Ink up the witch on a broom stamp in black and stamp it flying through the sky above the building. ▶ watch 1:06:00
7. Using a white gel pen, add highlights down the left side of the building windows to suggest light and dimension. ▶ watch 1:07:00
8. Add white gel pen highlights to the trees and the witch to make them appear to come off the page. ▶ watch 1:07:30
9. Optionally add white gel pen lines in the lower area to suggest ripples in water if you've created a reflection effect. ▶ watch 1:08:00
10. Stamp the 'Creep it Real' sentiment in black ink at the base of the card. ▶ watch 1:08:30
11. Mount the finished design onto a white card blank for a clean, professional finish. ▶ watch 1:12:00

Tips from the show

• White gel pen settles back slightly as it dries, so don't be afraid to apply it generously.
• Focus your white gel pen highlights on one side of the building (e.g., the left) for a more realistic light source.
• The distorted layer in the reflection stamp is intentional and creates the authentic reflection effect.

More from this show

• Watercolour Cabin Slimline Card
• Moody Reflection Background with Splatter Texture
• Lamination Gown Card with Floral Frame
• Multicoloured Heart Background with Girls Silhouette
• Textured Lantern Card with Coloured Back-Stamp Technique

Written up from the show itself. See every guide from our shows · free how-to guides · watch live on My Telly