Thursday, June 11, 2015

More from the Art Journal

I finally figured out what my art journal is and what it isn't.


It's a spot for me to try different techniques. Not everyone will be a hit -- I expect plenty of misses, in fact, but hope to learn from every one of them.


I will try techniques I see in online videos and put my own spin to them, like this "one color" challenge.


I will play with various media. Collage, gouache, acrylic, watercolor pencil, gelli printing, and painted deli paper are all fair game. And probably others, I just haven't committed to them yet.


I will try to duplicate things in paint that I have done as collage. (In this case with bad results -- that's a VERY wonky Eiffel Tower on the left. I can do better. I will do better.)


I will work on drawing and painting.. I'll try original things and also work from previously drawn images (like this one, from a Christmas card)...


Or, I'll base my drawing on a photo. But I will try to make them more or less my own.



I will express my passion for places, people and things I love with my art.



Sometimes I'll use it (as my friend Kate does hers) to show a technique or have a guide for her colors. I had tremendous fun testing out the watercolor pencils to see what they really looked like!



And sometimes it will be very personal -- more than an art practice book but a real journal.


I will not be afraid to show it to people, even when I am unsure of their reaction. Is Lady Mary Crawley afraid of anyone's reaction (apart from the misfortunate incident of Mr. Pamook)? I need to bring out my inner Lady Mary!


And always, I promise myself to allow myself to fail and celebrate when I succeed!

25 comments:

21 Wits said...

Wow, you are a commanding force, excellent all the way through.

Jeanie said...

I would love to have your wonky Eiffel Tower in a frame on my shelf.

Lisa's Yarns said...

I love your wonky Eiffel Tower - it's got character! Your journal is beautiful! I really love that play "one color" page especially!

And your last part about not being concerned about the judgments of others is something that resonates with me as that is something I really struggle with. I have to do a lot of writing for my job and I agonize over what people will think when they read it!

Lisa's Yarns said...

I love your wonky Eiffel Tower - it's got character! Your journal is beautiful! I really love that play "one color" page especially!

And your last part about not being concerned about the judgments of others is something that resonates with me as that is something I really struggle with. I have to do a lot of writing for my job and I agonize over what people will think when they read it!

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Your journal is wonderful: pretty, poignant, creative, colorful! I loved everything, but your Gone But Not Forgotten page really resonated. It's hard to believe at times how many loved ones are gone, but live on in memory.

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Dear Jeanie,
This is a journal to be very proud of... You have such a wonderful style!
I love them all.
blessings,
Penny

Janet said...

Perfect! Just what an art journal should be...a place to play and experiment. I love what you've done in your journal, and it definitely has that special "Jeanie" spin on it.

Gwen said...

sooooo much talent, lady!

Victoria Zigler said...

That's just what an art journal should be; a place to experiment with new techniques and ideas, which you can work at improving on later if you want.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Dear, dear Jeanie, OK, have you ever been out here to Carmel, California?

Well, reason why I ask is because this is an artist colony. It is not only enchanting with it's fairytale architecture, fabulous restaurants, FABULOUS WINE, but it is rife with art galleries of local and important artists. I have been on an educational as well as pleasure journey here since we arrived on Monday. I have learned so much about my poetry here, and what you have stated about what you have learned what your journal is for is SO IMPORTANT. I need to sit to really jot down every thing that is striking to me about what I've learned, but one thing I have taken away is this: all of us artists must work and work through our attempts. We are ALL in the same situation. We must always ask ourselves what we are doing and why, and to recognize and accept that not every first attempt will be a hit. Oh I need to really sit and put this into real writing.

I LOVE that "wonky" Eiffel Tower.....if we just copy line for line what we see, then that is fine. Some realist artists can capture that and capture our hearts. But other artists who give a twist to reality can also capture our souls. Do it until your spirit feels it's right.

OK my friend, keep on this lovely path we have chosen to respond to, this path of living and loving the world around us through art.

Anita

Marilyn Miller said...

I would say you succeed. I don't even start. Each time I see your art journal I tell myself I must do it, but I don't. You do wonderful things in your journal and I love seeing it.

Bella Rum said...

What a great way to experiment. I love your work, and I'm always so glad you share it with us.

angie said...

wow!!!!! hugs from angie

angie said...

Thank Jeanie, I still have a lot of photos on an external hard drive, but I had photographed for bloggers are gone !!! my followers the way also !!! I wish you a nice weekend, here there is muggy and I think there comes a storm !!! Greetings from angie

Arti said...

I can see your art journal is a precious chronicle of a learning process. These are beautiful pages. I love your color pallete reference pages and the buildings with windows and flowers. I admire how open you are in sharing your learning process in artmaking.

The Artful Diva said...

your drawings, the layering, all of it - love it!

Maggie said...

Love your commitment to art journalling, it really comes from your heart.
Lady Mary rocks!

Vagabonde said...

You really have a talent for colors. I like the way you blend your colors to create lovely hues – like the pastel aqua, pink and light taupe of your first photo – it is very effective.

Jennifer Richardson said...

there is so much peace in that process....I love
how you do life:) just love the inspiration that
you are:)
your art journal is wonderful!
(as are you)
thanks for sharing,
Jennifer

Tammie Lee said...

I so enjoyed a slow visit with each of your pieces, reading your words and seeing your pencil test sheet. I use things like that, so nice for choosing colors. sounds like you are having a grand time. your chubby cheeked bunny is so cute.

Tamara said...

Jeanie, These images are beautiful, and expose such amazing talent. I see a stunning 'Paris in July' button.

jo(e) said...

Wow. I love this peek into your art journal. It's stunning.

~*~Patty S said...

It must be such a delight to be able to turn the pages of your art journal Jeanie!
So much to enjoy...
I know I would be tempted to 'touch' all of your gorgeous textures too :-)
oxo

Tracy said...

This was such fun to see, Jeanie! Love that top spread with the kitty and the blues & pinks. ;o) And like everyone else, I'm in love wit that wonky Tower! It's good to have a place to play, I think--pure play is a the best way to learn new things. There's a nice freedom in a play place, without being too bogged down with "perfection", etc. You have such a great way with colors and textures. And it's fun to see how you grow in learning of all these techniques... It inspires me! :o) ((HUGS))

CatieAn said...

and that is what an art journal is all about PLAYING and EXPERIMENTING.....looks like you are doing a fantabulous job. Keep it up

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