Art Journaling Trick

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I just found out something for my art journaling that had been bothering me for a long time.

Sakura Koi Watercolors, Dawn Detergent, Moleskine Sketchbook, Micron pen

Sakura Koi Watercolors, Dawn Detergent, Moleskine Sketchbook, Micron pen

I love Moleskine sketchbooks.

They are sturdy and the books can lay flat. The pages feel like card stock, are creamy colored and have curved corners.

I love using watercolors in them except for the way that the paint usually lays on top of the paper.

Their paper has some kind of smooth coating that resists the watercolor. The watercolor sits on top and doesn’t penetrate the paper without a lot of water and that makes the paper buckle.

This weekend I read the book The Complete Decorated Journal by Gwen Diehn.

Her tip is to mix dishwashing liquid or detergent with the watercolor paint to break the bond on the surface of the paper. It works!

Now I only did it today so I don’t know what will happen to the page or to the paint over time. If it starts to deteriorate I will let you know.

Have you tried a technique that solved an issue you have had with art journaling? What is your tip?

Line Drawing

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In my visual journal I don’t always write. Sometimes I just want to draw something cute and cheery.

#mycreativejoy #drawing #bulldog #sketchbook #sakurapens

I have friends that say they can’t draw. I feel that way too and it is because we haven’t been taught.

I use as many resources as I can to help me. One of my favorite books for drawing simple little drawings is Let’s Draw Cute Animals. Sachiko Umoto shows you step by step how to draw little creatures like this friendly bulldog.

Her other two books, Let’s Draw Happy People and Let’s Draw Plants and Small Creatures are also in my collection. I highly recommend these books if you want to learn to draw in a whimsical, fun and cute style. Right now I am completely copying her style. Eventually with more practice, my own style will emerge.

I drew this first in pencil to allow for adjustments. Then went over it in pen once I felt happy with the image. I added a bit of shading with a light grey marker and erased the pencil.

I am curious, do you draw in your visual journals, just write or do a combination?

bad hair day by Grace Mendez

Moving Beyond the Visual Journal

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Generally I use my visual journal for trying out supplies, for list making, responding to journal prompts and for just having fun.

I like the idea of having my artwork contained in book form, unlike my Gelli plate prints that are in a pile on a bookshelf.

What happens when a visual journal is goes beyond a place to explore the properties of paint and pen? Continue reading →

Bon Voyage! Journal Writing Prompt

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“A ship is safe in harbor, but that’s not what ships are for.”       ~William Shedd

I created another 3-D visual journal writing prompt and video for you.

Origami boats

Origami boats made from magazine pages and graph paper. There is a secret journal writing section that is hidden when folded.

What I like about this journal writing project is that unlike a journal that may be closed up and put away, the boats can be displayed. When I look at mine, I am reminded of what I wrote inside.

I left my boats unadorned but feel free to add paint, markers, or washi tape to yours as you see fit.

Unlike a home that represents stability and shelter, a boat is meant to take you on a voyage, even it’s a short ride around a lake – unless it’s a house boat and then my comparison doesn’t apply. Continue reading →