Learning As I Go

The Early Years of Art Journaling

Today I sat and looked through the stacks of art journals and notebooks growing on my little stand. Some of which haven't been opened in 6 months or so. Memories came back looking at some as they hold so much emotions. Each page has a story or theme of their own. I explored a lot in my early journals and made plenty of mistakes. Countless hours were spend on YouTube and art blogs watching and learning. Doodling was something that I did all through high school and never would have thought it would be incorporated or a big part of art journaling.

Rewind to almost 5 years later, May 2011. After a year of exploring and making gawd awful but beautiful pages I decided to upload my first video. Not sure how many times I watched the video before I hit the upload button. This was going to be it, the whole world will watch, they are all getting a glimpse into my life. (Eek!) After some thought, I clicked the button. Here it is for you to watch and hopefully get inspired. 

After last weeks revisit with working with magazine clippings I got to thinking about the early years. At that time my crafting supplies were very limited. Gesso was a foreign word to me as was mod podge. Never knew watercolor crayons were magic and that PITT pens would be my favorite writing tool/marker. Everything was so new and interesting! I wanted every color of paint, tools and stencil that existed. It was crazy. I remember making my first trips to Michael's to buy inexpensive acrylic paint (which I still use), brushes, stencils, gel pens and a sketch book. Magazines were within arms reach and junk mail with fun images were kept for later use. Coffee sleeves were my favorite. I still keep some in my stash to use as a stencil or for added texture.

That moment I discovered and started art journaling was like reaching the top of a hill and on the other side a valley of green trees and blooming flowers beamed back at me. I found what made my heart sing. It was then that I decided art journaling was going to be apart of my life. Years later here I am, started a blog, making greeting cards, and painting big when I crave to throw paint. I hope that this inspires you to pick up a sketchbook and get journaling. Check back soon for the journal flip of my very first art journal!

Learn as you go.

xo-Starlynn

Day 2: 20 Minutes To Draw

Where are you taking me?

Another 20 minutes of drawing led to about 45 minutes of layering. Organic leaves found themselves taking over the pages. Like writing in cursive, each one flowed so easily without me having to lift my hand. These and similar leaves/petals have been showing up in my drawings lately. I'm not sure what they mean or where they are taking me. I am allowing them in with open arms. 

xo-Starlynn

Precious Sticks Of Color: Drawing Faces

Reconnecting With Soft Pastels

Sketching with vine charcoal

After spending time with oil pastels I decided to dip back into soft pastels. I have to admit they are my favorite medium to draw with. Funny though, they haven't seen much sun the last year. My collection has been precious to me and a lot having to do with the money I put into building a good set. They have been kept closed and untouched waiting for that special drawing. A drawing that wouldn't just sit in a sketch book but would be a masterpiece selling for major bucks. Yeah, pretty silly. 

 Since stepping foot back into the drawing world I realized something. I'm hoarding these amazing sticks that could be put to good use making masterpieces in my sketch book. Who cares if no one ever sees them. What am I waiting for?! What are you waiting for?

She's not complete on the outside but I see how content she's become inside.

xo Starlynn