For many years I kept a sketchbook and would practice drawing and  jotting down my  ideas. However, it wasn't until I began diving into the creative practice of art journaling that I saw a significant shift in my artwork. It was a place to explore color, lines, mark making, and build up layers of beautiful materials - all without fear.

Your art journal will become a sacred place where you can pour your ideas out onto the page. Ideas that are uncensored and pure. It allows you think, and then you will create. You will feel and create what you feel. By gathering ideas, your emotional connection to your work becomes richer, more intuitive and a more fulfilling creative experience. 
 

If you are new to art journaling here are a few tips and techniques to get you started.

1. Decide on what time of book you would like to create in: Strathmore Mixed Media Art Journal is one of my favorites or breath new life into a vintage book that you pick up at the local thrift shop. 

2. Prepare your pages (especially in a vintage book) with gesso. I like to use Liquitex Clear Gesso, - or you can choose from white or black as well.

3. Begin to gather things that inspire you - words cut from a magazine, colors and images you love, vintage papers, theater tickets - anything and everything. 

4. Pull out your art supplies and begin.

If you are interested in learning more about art journaling I have a few online classes that will guide you through the process. 

My newest class, The Painted Camellia, can be found on Ivy Newport's creative network. We will dive headfirst into three inspiring art journal projects.  The class begins March 8th and there is currently Early Bird registration available. So, take a moment and visit Ivy's site.

In addition, there are two more classes that begin with art journaling projects, Full Bloom and Beautiful Pages. 

Make sure you visit my instagram, @reneedesigns for daily art and inspiration., or feel free to  visit my Facebook page.

Have a beautiful and creative week