After watching many videos, reading extensively about the art and doing some dabbling, I have begun to try my crafty hands at art journaling. I have had to learn a whole new language for this craft. I have learned about gesso, gel medium, embossing paste. I now know the difference between dye inks and pigment inks and how to use them for the best results. I also have learned about gelatoes, oil pastels and watercolors. It has been a broad learning curve, but slowly, and with some experimentation, I am beginning to like my results. The first couple were really crude, but with each one I am trying new materials as well as different techniques.
This is my first attempt. I used a lot of rubber stamps, and some embossing folders. Pretty crude, and obviously my camera skills leave a lot to be desired. The pinkish cast to the pic is due to having my red and white check curtains closed against the bright sunshine that day.
Same pinkish cast, but you get the idea. Muted background is cut from a sheet of scrapbooking paper, the letters and butterflies are die cut on my embossing/die cutting machine.
"I shall drink no wine before it's time." Acrylic paint free hand grapes on a gesso background, Wine bottles and glasses cut from paper, and the wine label from a bottle of wine I finished while journaling. It happens to be from winery in Southern Indiana. The clock in the bottom corner is a reminder that maybe it's 5 o'clock somewhere!!
One of my favorite quotes from who knows where, I first heard from my daughter. I have used it many times on cards, especially graduation cards. But it serves as a good reminder to all of us to be true to ourselves first. The maps are from scrapbook paper I collected as are the compasses The compass rose in the lower left corner is a rubber stamp and dye ink.All on a background of watercolor over gesso applied with a wet baby wipe. I just finished this page today.
I have found that each page takes a LOT of time. Mostly because I have the quote, idea or mood in mind, and spend a lot of time visualizing how it's going to look. Then I have to gather the tools and materials I "think" I will need for the project. I work at my kitchen table (I leave an open place mat available to eat on) but my craft storage area is in the laundry room, so lots of trips back and forth are necessary. I guess this art is also a form of physical exercise as well as emotional/mental.
Lots of art journalists do a page a day. Not me, I do one when I get an idea, or hear a good quote, or want to convey a mood. Writing in a journal, I have found, is boring and not creative enough for me. I tend to ramble on and on and say very little. (Much like my blogs) so putting those thoughts, ideas and moods into art form is better for me.
I have one more page to post if and when I can find the photo.
AC, if you read this and can offer any suggestions to help improve my camera skills, whip them on me. I would like to be able to show my work in a better "light." :)
It's fun, creative, passes the lonely hours cooped up in the house because it's so damn hot outside, and this winter should pass some time when it's too damn cold to be outside! Can't please all the people all the time!
Until next time,
Peace,
JE
It's a great idea, Jim, and I am impressed with the results. My SiL does one per week -- amazing stuff. I think you captured the images well enough. I don't see a problem.
ReplyDeleteGreat job. I think they look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI like your compositions of themes, quotes and anecdotes. Keep them coming. I'm hooked.
ReplyDelete