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Text Box: Art Journals  

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Text Box:        Keeping a journal has always been a favorite activity and can provide a fascinating glimpse into daily life. I have been keeping some form of a journal since I could write. Of all my possessions, I treasure my journals the most. Recently, my journaling has taken on a different form called art journaling. I am using less works, more painted pages and images. Any form of journal can be used. My favorite is the familiar black and white marbled composition type book. Being inexpensive and easy to find, these comp books are less threatening than using an expensive journal. Since they are so inexpensive, they are freeing to try new techniques. There are several types of composition journals, be sure to get the kind with sewn pages. There are many ways to get started in the comp books but my first step it to slightly reduce the volume of pages. I find that the journals get very thick with the paint and collaged page. So every 10 or so pages, I will tear out a few pages. I use a straight edge to tear out the page, leaving a small tap of paper remaining close to the center of the book. This way the opposing page in the back of the book will not fall out. I then prep the pages with paint to give them some body. I use cheap acrylic paints that come in bottles. I will squirt some paint directly onto the paper and spread it around with a paint brush or credit card. At this point, I don't worry about color or theme. My goal is to get some pages covered with paint. Let a page dry and put wax paper between the pages while the paint cures. I try and keep at least 10 pages prepped so I always have a page spread ready to work on. When I am ready to work on a page, I will dry brush more paint if desired. Alter colors if I am working in a theme. There is unlimited things you can do to the background, such as stenciling, sketching, rubber stamping. The possibilities are unlimited. I like to collage on the pages next using bits of paper gathered from the day, photos or anything I may feel like. You can draw or stamp lines for journaling or just freely write. I prefer a smooth surface for writing so I will lightly spray the pages with Deft Clear Wood Finish Spray. You may want to test this on white cardboard first as it can turn your page cloudy or leave a yellow cast. I think that this happens with high humidity. Of course you can just write on top of the paint unsealed. I use sharpie markers for journaling but everyone has their opinion on markers or pens. Just experiment to see what works best for you. Journaling does not have to be a lengthy soul searching affair. It can be as simple as random thoughts, a single work or just pictures. There are no rules to capturing your thoughts. The journaling does not even have to correspond with what is pictured on the page. After all life is mélange of thoughts and feelings, so it is natural that your journal echoes this. Try taking a prepared journal with you on an outing. I love writing in my journal while waiting for appointments or enjoying a day at the park. Journaling in a new environment can be very inspiring.   I plan on writing on the purple petals on the flower below.     

 

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