Sing Your Wild: Behind the Layers
Ever feel like a blank page is just daring you to begin?
This art journal page started with a feeling—the need to move color around, get messy, and stop procrastinating. It became a celebration of creative courage—and an invitation to sing my own wild song. That’s how all my art journals start. I never sit down with a plan—I show up with a craving to play.
In these moments, I find a sense of connection—not only with my inner self but with the spirit of creativity. I invite you to sing your own wild song too and as you turn your own blank page, remember that every mark you make is a step toward discovering your unique voice. Let your art do the talking and keep your ears open for its whispers!
If you’ve been craving playful art exploration that feels more like freedom than perfection, I made this post for you. Whether you're just beginning your creative journey or you're reconnecting after time away, I hope this behind-the-scenes look encourages you to let go of expectations and just start.
My Heart-Led Art Process
Anything over a few days away from my art feels like an eternity and when I sat down to this page it was with a feeling- you know the kind, it tugs at you when life feels a little too loud, and your soul just wants some room to breathe. My hands reached for scraps of florals cardstock and magazine text, and before I even knew what I was making, I was in it.
As I brushed gel medium across the page and pressed in the collage pieces, I let my mind quiet and just went with what felt right. Part of my practice is reminding myself there are no rules. After that first layer dried, I smeared on some white with my fingers. That soft wash always feels like exhaling. Like creating space for something amazing to emerge.
Collage layer in progress for Misty of Creatively Misty’s “Sing Your Wild” art journal page, featuring overlapping botanical prints, vintage script, and torn paper textures. This earthy, expressive composition invites creative courage and celebrates the bold beauty of intuitive, mixed media storytelling.
I pulled out my paints and let them flow across my fingers adding a vibrant splash of color with lime green. I grabbed a stencil and my favorite aqua acrylic adding another pop of color and texture.
“Sing Your Wild” mixed media art journal page by Misty of Creatively Misty, featuring bold layers of teal, neon green, and leafy botanical textures over vintage paper and collage. A vibrant expression of creative courage and wild-hearted exploration in progress.
At this point, I felt the page needed a little more breathing room, so I grabbed a foam sponge brush and added soft white circles. They were the perfect reminder for me to pause and appreciate how far I’d come in this spread, and in my journey.
To finish off my background I drew some dashes using my apple Deco Brush.
Then, the hummingbirds arrived.
I’ve never created a hummingbird in my work, they’ve always seemed a bit intimidating but something about their presence—bright, small, fierce—just felt perfect. Hummingbirds have always been dear to my heart and each tiny feather was hand drawn and painted with love. Their vibrant colors and fragile elegance challenged me while sparking joy and wonder in every stroke. They zip around with boundless energy and purpose, exuding a resilience and beauty I aimed to capture in my art.
Mixed media art journal page by Misty of Creatively Misty featuring hand-drawn hummingbird sketches layered over collage, bold green and teal stenciling, and botanical textures. A vibrant work-in-progress celebrating bold self-expression and the creative courage to explore freely.
To complement these beautiful little hummingbirds, I added decoupage napkins creating a blooming floral paradise. The napkins' vibrant colors blended in perfect harmony with the hummingbirds' vibrant shades, creating an enchanting and lively scene. The flowers seemed to burst forth with life. Each tiny detail added depth and texture, transforming the page into a captivating work of art.
As always, I wrapped up my art journal page with a flurry of alcohol ink splatters, each one a rebellious little splash of creativity adding depth and flair. I stepped back to admire the final piece, feeling a sense of fulfillment and joy.
Finished mixed media art journal page “Sing Your Wild” by Misty of Creatively Misty, featuring vibrant hummingbirds, bold floral collage, expressive paint layers, and textured stenciling. Tis joyful artwork celebrates bold self-expression, fearless creativity, and the freedom to explore with color and voice.
What This Page Taught Me About Creative Courage
Creating this piece reminded me that bold self-expression doesn’t come from knowing what you’re doing- it comes from showing up anyway.
This wasn’t about perfect composition or technique. It was about honoring the moment, moving beyond intimidation, and trusting that something beautiful would come out of the process.
And it did.
Ready to Try Fearless Art Journaling?
If you’re feeling creatively blocked, stuck in perfectionism, or unsure where to begin—I see you. You’re not alone, and you don’t need to be “an artist” to make something meaningful.
Try starting your next art journal page with these 3 prompts:
What colors are calling to you today?
What would it look like to let go of needing it to be “good”?
What part of you is ready to speak through paint and paper?
Your Creative Invitation
If this post sparked something inside you, I’d love for you to create your own “Sing Your Wild” art journal page.
Want help getting started?
Join my email list and receive my free Building Your Mixed Media Art Kit—an easy starter kit to help you break through blank-page fear and create with joy.
Or drop a comment below and tell me:
What symbol or image feels like your creative courage today?
P.S. You are allowed to create without knowing the outcome.
You’re allowed to explore without rules.
You’re allowed to take up space on the page and in the world.
Let’s make fearless art together.
Hi, I’m Misty
Mixed media artist, creative guide, and passionate believer in the power of fearless self-expression. After years of playing small and settling for a life that didn’t feel like mine, I chose to rewrite my story through art — and I’ve never looked back.
Now, I help women just like you break free from perfectionism and self-doubt so you can reconnect with your creative voice and boldly explore what lights you up. Whether you’re picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to art after years away, my mission is to help you step bravely into your own magic — one joyful, messy layer at a time.
Let’s create a life (and art) you absolutely adore. 💙