"Art is my vehicle through life; may we share the ride together." Ron Wickersham

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Art Journaling

 I've tried art journaling several times, but never seem to stick with it.  When I saw this challenge on Julie Fei-Fan Balzer's blog awhile ago, I decided to get onboard and start out the new year with a resolution to try to journal daily.  I like Julie's approach - no stress, just trying to carve out about ten minutes a day to nurture your creative spirit.  Well, maybe I can do that!  And, I was the first to sign up!  Now there are over 250 participants!

So, the hardest part is getting started.  I've had an inspiration journal I purchased from Donna Downey at least a year ago and never dared make a mess in it!  I took it out and just stared at the first white page for awhile.  I decided I just needed to get something on the page, so I pulled out my water-soluble pastels (inexpensive Portfolio brand - love these) and scribbled two colors on the page.  Not very pretty but a start!


Looking a bit better after brushing with water.  I also spritzed with water and let it drip down the page.  I was at a loss at what to do next, so left it - I'd already spent more than ten minutes anyway...


The next day I decided to stamp this large foam stamp from Prima with black paint.  (This photo shows the true colors - the first two were taken in bad light.)  Now what?

 
I decided to tear some flowery shapes from book text but they looked too stark, so I painted them with a metallic paint.  I dried that with a heat gun and then a happy accident occurred - the paint bubbled and I liked the texture.  

Here's the finished page after outlining the flowers, adding gold centers and writing with India ink.
It's not a masterpiece, but then art journal pages are supposed to be more about the process than the finished product.  And this took me four days of playtime!


What's next?

13 comments:

Robin said...

Way to go Susan! Your journal page looks fabulous. I haven't taken the journal plunge yet....maybe someday.

Sugar Lump Studios said...

your pages are beautiful and I love the colors you selected! Can't wait to see more of your journal - looks like a lot of fun! :)

Diann said...

I'm so impressed....I look forward to seeing more of your journal, Susan - you go girl! Diann

Sarah said...

You're off to a good start...love those metallic flowers. Like any project, once you get past the first page, the going gets easier. Have fun with it!

Scatter said...

Awesome! Never dabble with water soluble pastels. Looks like fun! I love the color.

Scatter said...

Duh, that should have said 'I've never dabbled'. :)

Donna T said...

Susan, can't believe how easy you make it sound. Love your artwork.

LollyChops said...

How awesome Susan! I have wanted to do one too! It's not too late! I need to get on board!

Hope you are feeling better!

HUGS!

Barbara Hagerty said...

Great page, Susan! I love the way your colors blended, and the black silhouette of the flowers is stunning!

Sarah said...

not a masterpiece?

I disagree :)

looking great! enjoy the "journal every day" thang, I am!

Unknown said...

What a gorgeous page! I love happy accidents :)

Sue said...

That is gorgeous! I would love to join the challenge, but I've never art journaled before and have been at a loss. After seeing your stunning example, I think I may even be capable of doing something that could vaguely be considered artistic. Maybe. :)

scrapwordsmom said...

Loved how you used the crayons...I never thought of that. New tip to try:)