Archives

I often get asked what is Art Journaling. The answer to that is as varied as there are folks who art journal. For me I do a couple of different types of art journaling.

One type that I engage in is visual art journaling where I create visually appealing journal pages, sometimes theme based, sometimes not. I use different types of media, such as shiva oil sticks, pan pastels, acrylics, acrylic inks, different types of collage materials, and more. For me this type of journaling is more experimental, it gives me the opportunity to use and experiment with different media to create art. I utilize these journals to create pages that I may or may not use at a later date to inspire a new canvas piece.

I also create art pages for journaling. On these pages, I create backgrounds, using different techniques; then I journal over them or do paintings etc. on them. In nature art journaling, I concentrate on my surroundings, focusing on aspects in nature. It might be a texas sage plant, onions in the garden, a wren in my back yard, or something else that I am observing and painting. I do nature art journaling, visual art journaling and journaling on art pages on a regular bases. There are so many variations on art journaling, what is most important is to find something that works for you and helps you get to whatever place you want to be. It may be that you need a kick start in your creative process, a chance to experiment with new media or techniques, maybe you want to be more observant of your surroundings, maybe you need a creative outlet for stress relief. Art journaling allows you the freedom to create without worrying about doing something a right or wrong way; you just do it your way and have fun!

I have been working quit a bit in my visual journals. I have several of them going at one time, so I just switch off, depending on which one I feel like creating in. I have an experimental journal, that I am trying new techniques, new ways to use old techniques, etc. Just experimenting, being creative, giving myself permission to just make art. I also journal some favorite quotes, songs, verses, or whatever strikes my fancy, on some of those pages. Of coarse I am still adding to my gardening art journal, and have created several new pages in that journal. I love looking at the two. They are both evolving in such different directions. I feel like these journals have helped me to loosen up in my work, become more creative and just paint because it is what I love.  If you are interested I am starting up a sketchbook crawl group, our first meeting is Saturday May 28th, 10 am until about 12pm, at Central Market in Southlake. Hope you can come out and join us.