art and other things
Sometimes, we can find inspiration in old, vintage, and antique books.
That’s especially true about old diaries. They may not be art journaling examples, but you’ll see fascinating ways people have documented their daily lives, sometimes just with words, and sometimes with illustrations.
This 25-minute video shows a variety of old-fashioned diaries. Delicious inspiration!
https://youtu.be/iBwmCMbDyjU
Keri Smith broke the mold when she first published her “Wreck This Journal” journals.
She’s still a great inspiration, whether you’re a beginner or a long-time fan of art journaling and scrapbooking.
If you’re not familiar with Keri’s art & philosophy, this video may be a good place to start. It’s about 3 minutes long.
https://youtu.be/EQpoDWSHby0
If you like her message, you’ll find more,related videos at YouTube.
Also, even if you don’t speak Spanish, this 3-minute video is fascinating. Multiple artists demonstrate how they “wrecked” a Wreck This Journal (Destroza Este Diario). They’re some intriguing art journaling examples.
https://youtu.be/uQko6xa3whE
Would you like to sketch in your art journal or scrapbook, but need art journaling ideas?
This short (under two minutes) video is in German – with subtitles in English. (You’ll understand it, even without the sound on.)
This unique idea may give you a fresh outlook, and ideas of what to draw in an art journal. He also uses visual layering techniques to lend a sense of depth to some of his art journal illustrations.
Mr. Scheinberger talks about sketching with art materials that may be at your elbow, and using them as subject, but changing their size or proportions.
In other words, make the everyday into something different with art journaling.
https://youtu.be/Au9vpEaAjYc
I kind of love these.
Here’s a thorough, 10-minute tutorial.
And here’s his webpage with lots more info about his daily monsters projects: Stefan G. Bucher’s Daily Monsters Project.
Are you looking for drawing and painting ideas? Want to know what to draw in your art journal?
Here’s one very cute approach to art. Thanks to Jane Davenport, it can be easy, too.
Jane Davenport has inspired many people to create elegant and charming illustrations in their art journals. She’s made this easy with how-to books, as well as innovative art supplies.
Here’s her story, in her own words.
I bought one of her books, Beautiful Faces, because I felt like I was getting into a rut with my usual illustration techniques. (Generally, no one is likely to call my journals “cute,” but sometimes I’m aiming for pretty… and needed some insights. Jane’s book definitely helped.)
It’s just one of Jane’s many books you’ll find at Amazon.
Next, in this demo, she shows how to use her die-cut embellishments.
Notice the art she’s starting with. It includes “mark making,” stencils, sketches, and more.
Also, her art journaling examples suggest great layering techniques for art journaling. (I might use them in some Goth- and Steampunk-style art journals, too. Purples, metallics, and so on…)
Next, here’s Tamara Laporte (Willowing Arts) demonstrating some of Jane’s art supplies.
She starts with a blank page, then sketches in pencil, and then… well, you’ll see. (I’ve started the video at the 23-minute point. If you want to see the full unboxing, start from the beginning.)
If you like Tamara’s approach, take a look at the sample projects on her “Create Your Life” book page at Amazon.
Those ideas may be all you need to start experimenting with new drawing, painting, and mixed-media techniques, right away.
But, no matter what your art journaling style, when you’re deciding what to draw – especially in your art journals – I think you’ll find those videos (and products) inspiring.
Personally, I’m experimenting with magazine photos, pasting them (with Yes!Paste) onto a painted page, sealing them with gel medium, and then drawing & painting over them.
This involves layers. (If I’m going to use lots of layers or thick paint, I’ll prime the page with gesso, first.)
My art journaling isn’t necessarily sweet or romantic, but these techniques & materials can work for both “cute” and extreme artists’ journals, too.
