Creative Fuel for Visual Art Journaling

Visual art journaling is just that, a visual story. Things you see, ponder, imagine, the things you want to preserve and remember about a particular experience. Images, shapes, colors, lines, textures, words; all of these things help you to remember and to tell your story. Think about leaving the history of your experience behind for someone to find after you are gone. Now, consider the "Who, What, Where, When, and How" to help you gather the information. This will help you to put together the pieces of the story so you can pass the experience on to others. How you choose to convey your visual story is totally up to you. All you have to do is begin.

Starting can be as simple as applying paint to the page. This can be done with a brayer. Starting can be as simple as applying paint to the page. This can be done with a Speedball Soft Rubber Brayer. American Journey Artists' Acrylics are smooth as silk from the tube, just perfect for printing, as well as, painting!

START HERE - Well, we all have to start somewhere. But, even starting can be a difficult task. Just thinking of a blank white page in your journal sketchbook and all of its possibilities can be overwhelming. What do you do, say, paint, create, write is enough to consider, but then, you also have the choice of colors, textures, techniques, and materials to also think about. There are some who know exactly what to say and do, and then, there are others that might need some inspiration. Looking online at all of the great pages of journals everywhere is one great way to get inspired. Bloggers just love to share their knowledge of journaling. Pinterest is another great place to gain visual inspiration. Books, DVDs, and YouTube videos are also a great source. And then, your own curiosity is probably the best! When you begin your exploration of visual journaling, a great place to start is by just playing. Remember what it was like to be a kid in art class. Just experimenting with techniques, materials, backgrounds, ideas, thoughts, will bring a whole new world of possibilities to your art table!

CREATIVE FUEL

Just a thought? Write it down. Write everything down, no matter the time of day, if the idea is complete or not, if it is actually original or good. It might just be a word or description of something.
What If...
Play- Don't begin with the intent of completing a masterpiece. Just play. Experiment, explore, and ask yourself, "What If I..."
Request samples from manufacturers if they are available. Purchase sample sets which are usually cheaper than buying full-sized products.
Buy in Bulk- Purchase supplies with other artist friends and divide the larger quantities between the group. This saves money and allows lots of variety.
Be curious.
Try something new and unfamiliar.
Collaborate with art friends. Start a weekly group among, join local community art groups.
Ponder. Sit and Think.
Look around you and comment.

Keep your journal with you when you travel.

Starting with a quality art journal sketchbook will be the most important decision you make. Each one is different. You will need a heavier weight sketch paper, 60 lb. or more. 140 lb. watercolor paper makes a great surface to journal on as you can paint with most water media, collage, glue, layer, cut out, without stressing the pages. Many are spiral bound to allow the pages to lay flat. The American Journey Hardbound Sketchbook with 60 lb. sketch paper and The American Journey Journaling Sketchbook with 140 lb. hot Pressed watercolor paper are both great choices. But, my favorite journaling sketchbook is the Kilimanjaro Original Bright White Watercolor Paintbook. It is available in 140 lb. and 300 lb., Natural white and Bright white, and many different sizes. Each comes with 70lb. sketch paper nestled in between the watercolor paper, with 20 sheets of each. There is even a 300lb. cover provided so you can personalize your book cover according to the contents!

Kilimanjaro Original Bright White Watercolor Paintbook

Half Sketch paper + Half Watercolor paper= One great journal sketchbook!

The Fun Stuff -

Ok, with all of this thinking, pondering, contemplating of what to do, you will now be ready to start.

Here are a couple of easy ways to spice up your journal pages!

CUSTOM STAMPING

Stamping- Make your own stamps

I made this stamp with general Speedball stamping supplies.
A Speedball Soft Rubber Brayer
Cutting Tool
Quick cutting lino material- 1/2 thick
American Journey Artists’ Acrylic

Stamp a page, cut them out, and adhere them to your journal pages.

The process is easy.
Draw a design, cut out the design, ink up the stamp using the brayer and American Journey Artists’ Acrylics, align your stamp and press!

American Journey Artists’ Acrylics, Great for art journaling!

CHEAP STAMPS -
You don’t need to buy expensive supplies. Chances are you have what you need right now!

I made several stamps from the surfaces of just one eraser.

ACRYLIC ABSTRACT DESIGNS -

Abstract acrylic ink design with color washes from totally random and free hand drawing!

Acrylic Inks

Acrylic ink is perfect for drawing look designs. Then, while wet, pull a flat brush lightly over to move the ink.

Just Add Color - American Journey Artists’ Acrylics

Mixing and mingling the color washes give great results!

Amazing color really livens up the page!

So, the hardest thing to do may just be to get going. There really are unlimited possibilities to consider. The point is not to create a masterpiece, but to express yourself in a creative and artistic way. This is really what people want to see. They want to see the real you. To hear your inner voice, to experience you from your point of view, to see your world through your eyes.

Take time to express yourself in your art journal and pass the results on to someone you love!
Share your passion!

Have a Happy Visual Art Day!

And Don’t Forget To Add Fuel To Your Creative Fire Today!