(deep breath)
I've been art journaling in private for about 2 years now - on and off. I love it. Making a mess. Getting inky. Writing things down. It's all wonderful.
But (and it's a big but) I am not where I want to be.
I have so much to learn. Fortunately, I love learning new things. What I do not love is sharing things that are not "good enough". It feels uncomfortable to put the less-than-perfect out there but that's what I'm going to do.
Why?
Because my art journal is about goofing around and using blue as much as I want and playing with supplies and filling up pages. And really who cares? No one is going to get hurt if I think my art journal page is the ugliest page ever made. No one is going to die. For me, it's all about learning and practicing. And you can't learn if you don't practice.
So, without further ado...
I made this page last night when I decided to play along with Julie Fe-Fan Balzer's Art Journal Everyday series on her blog. Her post today is all about getting started in your art journal. What perfect timing!
I made the silhouette using a model from the Sears catalog we got in the mail this week. I cut him out then traced it out 3 times. Originally, I liked how the guy was standing. Now, not so much. Looks like he's Irish step dancing. Oh, well. I do love the blue watercolour background and the Pumice Stone Distress Ink.
I used some Hero Arts background stamps (this one and this one) for texture and visual interest.
Then I collaged in some book paper. I gessoed over the book paper before adding some Jenni Bowlin for Ranger paint dabbers in Speckled Egg and Malted Milk.
The journaling reads, "What makes you you? Is it what you say? Is it what you do? Is it something more?
In the end, I kinda love it and putting it out there wasn't so bad.
Here's to trying something new.
Happy Friday!
zove
C
Art journals fasinate me, though I haven't started one myself. Yours looks great!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading about gesso techniques lately. Do you ever use clear gesso for anything?
Karen Y.
Hi Karen, Thanks for the kind words. It means a lot because I am quite the art journaling newbie.
DeleteI've never tried clear gesso, partly because I use white gesso as an eraser to cover over mistakes and clear gesso wouldn't help with that! :) I'd love to try it though so I've added it to my wish list.
You should definitely start your own journal. It's a great place to try out products and ideas without the worry of making mistakes.
Thanks for stopping by and commenting!
Cathie
Have you ever taken an art journal class? I was tempted to take one online but was afraid you had to be an 'artist' to be successful at it... though I am reconsidering it now. Are you going to be at the year long class Sunday? we will have to chat more about it there!
DeleteI took a collage class from Claudine Hellmuth through Big Picture Classes. It was great and I learned a lot of techniques that I use in my scrapping and art journaling.
DeleteI have taken lots of online classes and they have all been great - excellent instruction and material. I am planning to take 21 Secrets - it looks amazing. http://www.dirtyfootprints-studio.com/2011/12/announcing-21-secrets-workshops-for.html
And yes, I'm going to class on Sunday so we can chat then!