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

Watercolor Week 4: More Sea Salt and Tulips

Week 4! Returned back to class to see how bright the background looked. I've learned that dry time is so important. You must be patient and let the piece dry before working on another part of your painting. Reason being, the colors will bleed into the first painted layer causing it to be ruined. On the other hand, you must work fast. If your wet brushing, it's important you get the color down before the surface drys. Work fast and slow, balance. 

The last class ended with having had the background finished and the bubbles were unpainted. We used the same wet brushing technique to fill the bubbles. I absolutely love the way the colors instantly blend together. It's like they were given the green light to run free. The first layer was light and so I worked in a few layers before walking away. The last part will be to clean up the edges and blend them into the background. I'm loving this piece so far! 

Second layer of the sunset. The colors are intensified and look a little better in the blending department. I didn't work much on this piece for week 4. 

The 3rd assignment was to draw and paint this beautiful tulip. I chose a light but bright background to balance out the color of the tulip. Decided to stick with the wet brush technique and the blending was a lot more easier with practice. It's so calming to sit and watch paint blend together. I'm always amazed at what paint can do and the direction it decides to flow. 

Once the colors were done mingling salt was added to the wet surface. This is where magic happens! I still can't get over this amazing technique! The photo below is the end result of what magic I'm talking about. It reminded me of a shower curtain or a silk scarve. So feminine and welcoming. I had no idea this was going to be the end result. Leaving class that day was like walking on clouds. So much ideas and motivation installed in me. 

And so the day ended with 3 beautiful unfinished pieces. Looking down at them has really opened a new door in my art world. I've come to understand and respect watercolor a lot more. 

xo-Starlynn