I am often curious when I see finished journal pages, about how they were constructed, the process behind the finished painting.
And I have often thought I should share with everyone the process behind my journal page - I have been asked once or twice to do this.
Usually, I am totally wrapped up in the process myself that I take a photo of the first step + then forget about it until I am almost finished.
This is the journal page that I shared with you here + I managed to get a few pics while I was painting it. {sorry for the load time! There are quite a few photos!!}
Usually my journal pages start with a problem I am working on, a much needed rant, or a observation.
I scribble my immediate + uncensored thoughts down. Don't worry most of it will be covered up later! So be honest.
I covered my scribble with water soluble crayons (I use a mixture of Derwent Aquatones + Caran d'Ache NeoColor II. I prefer the later because they seem to dissolve better the Aquatones can look a bit scratchy.)
Next I added some papers from my scrap draw (this grows bigger daily!!), some mulberry paper left over from our wedding 6 years ago, and some washi style tape.
I had some ink out from another project, so I added this and with a straw blew it around the page. I love this effect!
I gessoed a rough face + neck + added the flower + the three red strips on the right hand side.
At this stage I don't worry about being precise with the head. It will come together later.
I added detail to the face - at the moment I use a lot of blues in my faces instead of dark browns + black.
More detail in the face
I've started the eyes in this photo - I love painting eyes. They are my absolute favourite thing in the world to paint.
I have finished they eyes, added more detail to the lips + I decided that she needed a smattering of freckles.
I finished by adding the words with white paint + outlined with black marker. Added some purple to her hair + a bit of detail on the flower.
So if you haven't tried art journalling before, I can absolutely recommend it. There are absolutely no rules + just go with your heart.
I always feel like I have had a major battle after finishing a journal page. I have ink all over me, gel medium stuck all over my hands, paint all over my new nail polish. I love it. LOVE. IT.
What is your favourite part of art journalling? I would love it if you shared your experiences with me!
And did you know that this months give away is open for entries? It'll take you two secs + absolutely every one is able to enter. So pop on over here.
Just so beautiful. Thank you for the share. Kim
ReplyDeleteFun to see your process. I've started doing some art journaling and have learned a few things about what I prefer: I won't do another one in a bound book--I prefer loose pages which give me more flexibility in how to use or display pages later. I am intrigued by all the layering (like yours above), but really struggle to do that myself. I HATE covering up cool layers with other layers...and just knowing those previous layers are there isn't enough for me! And colors, yep, I ALWAYS love and prefer bright, wild, over-the-top colors!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are making time for art in the midst of your busy/busier life! It's fun to be inspired by your work!