If you're new to Art Journal Every Day, all the posts can be found here. Please read this post first. There is a flickr group for sharing right here. Remember, it's just ten minutes of nourishing your creative self every day! No need to finish anything or even like it. Just play! You can join the linky list for September here.
Before I forget, I've been making promises about an online journaling class and now it's really coming. I swear. I'm working on the first few lessons now and hope to have it available for purchase soon…maybe. It's called "30 Days in Your Journal" and it's all about getting into the art journaling habit with short daily lessons and lots of painty techniques. I'll let you know more soon! Now onto today's topic…!
I know I've mentioned this before, but I use my art journal as a place to experiment. It's not just about creating a pretty picture for me, sometimes it's about trying out ideas or techniques for other projects.
Do these doodles look familiar?
They should! They were the inspiration for the "Wonky Circles" stencil that I designed!
It's the stencil that I used on yesterday's layout. I never intended those doodles to be the inspiration for a stencil design. I was just playing and painting. But my art journals often become a reference point for me.
I loved the way the multi-colored clouds turned out on this art journal background:
So I decided to make a layout using the same technique:
I loved the half-circle doodle on this art journal page…
…and so it got translated to a scrapbook page!
Not everything is a successful experiment, of course.
Hmmmm…I guess I'm not a natural born bird draw-er.
I disliked this doodle so much at the time that I covered it up:
Although, looking back I can't quite see what was quite so terrible about it.
But covering things I hate up, is something of a theme with me.
You can see some flower doodles that didn't work and got gently obscured with gesso.
The covering up helps me have the courage to try new things because I always figure, well I can just cover it up if I need to!
Here is a two-part butterfly stencil that I hand cut…
…I didn't think it was a successful experiment, but I didn't cover it up either.
And of course I love to use my art journal as a reference book for new ink colors…
…a place to test out stamps I've carved…
…or a place to experiment with a new set of watercolor paints!
There are so many ways you can treat your art journal as a useful tool rather than a sacred object. What do you think? Do you use your art journal as a place for experimentation?
Thanks for stopping by!
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P.S. If you've ordered stencils from me, thank you! And we're currently backordered on the Punchinella stencil. So if you've ordered that one, your order is being held until the stencils arrive! All other orders have shipped.
P.P.S. Just because I'm so darn proud of him: My husband has a new article up on Attorney At Work. I think he's a really good writer and makes even dry legal topics interesting and relevant to non-attorneys.
P.P.P.S. I will announce the Chevron and Herringbone stencil winners on Monday!
I haven’t been posting my art journal for a lot of personal resons, but yes I do use my journal as an experiment, mainly because I am still learning alot of this and anything I do is an experment.. thanks Julie I still think you are the best.
I haven’t been posting my art journal for a lot of personal resons, but yes I do use my journal as an experiment, mainly because I am still learning alot of this and anything I do is an experment.. thanks Julie I still think you are the best.
I haven’t been posting my art journal for a lot of personal resons, but yes I do use my journal as an experiment, mainly because I am still learning alot of this and anything I do is an experment.. thanks Julie I still think you are the best.
I haven’t been posting my art journal for a lot of personal resons, but yes I do use my journal as an experiment, mainly because I am still learning alot of this and anything I do is an experment.. thanks Julie I still think you are the best.
Hmmm…never thought to do experiments on art journals but it is a great idea! Must remember to do that when I start 🙂 Thanks!!
Hmmm…never thought to do experiments on art journals but it is a great idea! Must remember to do that when I start 🙂 Thanks!!
Hmmm…never thought to do experiments on art journals but it is a great idea! Must remember to do that when I start 🙂 Thanks!!
Hmmm…never thought to do experiments on art journals but it is a great idea! Must remember to do that when I start 🙂 Thanks!!
I don’t have an art journal as yet. I hope to start one either this winter or in 2012. I am learning so much from you and from other artists that you feature or to whose blogs you provide links. I think I will consider it a total experiment–at least in the beginning. Where it will go from there, I don’t know. I appreciate the inspiration I find in your work. your enthusiasm is contagious!
When I read your comments about “covering up” what you “hate,” I was surprised! You see, I thought the covering was part of your art and that it looked good. Intriguing, in fact. I guess the joke was on me. Heehee!
I very much enjoyed reading John’s well-written article. He did take a subject that is “dry” to a non-legal reader, and make it interesting and understandable. I agree that he is a very good writer.
Have a great, good memory-making weekend! 🙂
I don’t have an art journal as yet. I hope to start one either this winter or in 2012. I am learning so much from you and from other artists that you feature or to whose blogs you provide links. I think I will consider it a total experiment–at least in the beginning. Where it will go from there, I don’t know. I appreciate the inspiration I find in your work. your enthusiasm is contagious!
When I read your comments about “covering up” what you “hate,” I was surprised! You see, I thought the covering was part of your art and that it looked good. Intriguing, in fact. I guess the joke was on me. Heehee!
I very much enjoyed reading John’s well-written article. He did take a subject that is “dry” to a non-legal reader, and make it interesting and understandable. I agree that he is a very good writer.
Have a great, good memory-making weekend! 🙂
I don’t have an art journal as yet. I hope to start one either this winter or in 2012. I am learning so much from you and from other artists that you feature or to whose blogs you provide links. I think I will consider it a total experiment–at least in the beginning. Where it will go from there, I don’t know. I appreciate the inspiration I find in your work. your enthusiasm is contagious!
When I read your comments about “covering up” what you “hate,” I was surprised! You see, I thought the covering was part of your art and that it looked good. Intriguing, in fact. I guess the joke was on me. Heehee!
I very much enjoyed reading John’s well-written article. He did take a subject that is “dry” to a non-legal reader, and make it interesting and understandable. I agree that he is a very good writer.
Have a great, good memory-making weekend! 🙂
I don’t have an art journal as yet. I hope to start one either this winter or in 2012. I am learning so much from you and from other artists that you feature or to whose blogs you provide links. I think I will consider it a total experiment–at least in the beginning. Where it will go from there, I don’t know. I appreciate the inspiration I find in your work. your enthusiasm is contagious!
When I read your comments about “covering up” what you “hate,” I was surprised! You see, I thought the covering was part of your art and that it looked good. Intriguing, in fact. I guess the joke was on me. Heehee!
I very much enjoyed reading John’s well-written article. He did take a subject that is “dry” to a non-legal reader, and make it interesting and understandable. I agree that he is a very good writer.
Have a great, good memory-making weekend! 🙂
Congrats to your hubby! I enjoyed seeing your pages and ideas – even covered up. I had a blast last night working on some canvas backgrounds and I played with your new stencils! Loving them!
Congrats to your hubby! I enjoyed seeing your pages and ideas – even covered up. I had a blast last night working on some canvas backgrounds and I played with your new stencils! Loving them!
Congrats to your hubby! I enjoyed seeing your pages and ideas – even covered up. I had a blast last night working on some canvas backgrounds and I played with your new stencils! Loving them!
Congrats to your hubby! I enjoyed seeing your pages and ideas – even covered up. I had a blast last night working on some canvas backgrounds and I played with your new stencils! Loving them!
Wow, I loved your wedding page using the cloud stencil. It’s gorgeous … and the picture of you and your husband is lovely. You look lovely!
Wow, I loved your wedding page using the cloud stencil. It’s gorgeous … and the picture of you and your husband is lovely. You look lovely!
Wow, I loved your wedding page using the cloud stencil. It’s gorgeous … and the picture of you and your husband is lovely. You look lovely!
Wow, I loved your wedding page using the cloud stencil. It’s gorgeous … and the picture of you and your husband is lovely. You look lovely!
My journals are generally workhorses for whatever I am working out at the time – funnily they often turn out as works of art – not high art, working art. Waiting for that class – and watch out for all those PPs
My journals are generally workhorses for whatever I am working out at the time – funnily they often turn out as works of art – not high art, working art. Waiting for that class – and watch out for all those PPs
My journals are generally workhorses for whatever I am working out at the time – funnily they often turn out as works of art – not high art, working art. Waiting for that class – and watch out for all those PPs
My journals are generally workhorses for whatever I am working out at the time – funnily they often turn out as works of art – not high art, working art. Waiting for that class – and watch out for all those PPs
My journals are like Lori’s, and don’t get posted very often, but I am learning from all these sketchbook posts and such. I created a fabric collage today, where I covered up a nasty bit and funniy enough, it was a collage loosely based on YOUR QATV 613 spot. Thanks Julie.
My journals are like Lori’s, and don’t get posted very often, but I am learning from all these sketchbook posts and such. I created a fabric collage today, where I covered up a nasty bit and funniy enough, it was a collage loosely based on YOUR QATV 613 spot. Thanks Julie.
My journals are like Lori’s, and don’t get posted very often, but I am learning from all these sketchbook posts and such. I created a fabric collage today, where I covered up a nasty bit and funniy enough, it was a collage loosely based on YOUR QATV 613 spot. Thanks Julie.
My journals are like Lori’s, and don’t get posted very often, but I am learning from all these sketchbook posts and such. I created a fabric collage today, where I covered up a nasty bit and funniy enough, it was a collage loosely based on YOUR QATV 613 spot. Thanks Julie.
Online journaling class, beautiful stencils and so inspiring! No wonder your blog is my absolute fav! : ) My art journal is a combo of just playing with my various supplies, to experimenting with a new supply that caught my eye, to another way to get out some intense emotion (I also keep a writing journal), a way to be creative everyday, and now I have a goal to sketch each day so lots of areas of focus – I love my art journals! : )
Online journaling class, beautiful stencils and so inspiring! No wonder your blog is my absolute fav! : ) My art journal is a combo of just playing with my various supplies, to experimenting with a new supply that caught my eye, to another way to get out some intense emotion (I also keep a writing journal), a way to be creative everyday, and now I have a goal to sketch each day so lots of areas of focus – I love my art journals! : )
Online journaling class, beautiful stencils and so inspiring! No wonder your blog is my absolute fav! : ) My art journal is a combo of just playing with my various supplies, to experimenting with a new supply that caught my eye, to another way to get out some intense emotion (I also keep a writing journal), a way to be creative everyday, and now I have a goal to sketch each day so lots of areas of focus – I love my art journals! : )
Online journaling class, beautiful stencils and so inspiring! No wonder your blog is my absolute fav! : ) My art journal is a combo of just playing with my various supplies, to experimenting with a new supply that caught my eye, to another way to get out some intense emotion (I also keep a writing journal), a way to be creative everyday, and now I have a goal to sketch each day so lots of areas of focus – I love my art journals! : )
I love, love how real you are on your blog…showing your true self through your art successes and mistakes (although your mistakes are better than my successes lol!). In the art/scrapbooking world we are bombarded with ‘perfect outcome art’ and are rarely shown how many not so perfect trials are behind those pieces. Keep doin’ what you are doin’…WE LOVE IT!!
I love, love how real you are on your blog…showing your true self through your art successes and mistakes (although your mistakes are better than my successes lol!). In the art/scrapbooking world we are bombarded with ‘perfect outcome art’ and are rarely shown how many not so perfect trials are behind those pieces. Keep doin’ what you are doin’…WE LOVE IT!!
I love, love how real you are on your blog…showing your true self through your art successes and mistakes (although your mistakes are better than my successes lol!). In the art/scrapbooking world we are bombarded with ‘perfect outcome art’ and are rarely shown how many not so perfect trials are behind those pieces. Keep doin’ what you are doin’…WE LOVE IT!!
I love, love how real you are on your blog…showing your true self through your art successes and mistakes (although your mistakes are better than my successes lol!). In the art/scrapbooking world we are bombarded with ‘perfect outcome art’ and are rarely shown how many not so perfect trials are behind those pieces. Keep doin’ what you are doin’…WE LOVE IT!!
Everything I do is experiment because I have no idea what I am doing most of the time. I like looking back later and either loving a page or being happy to see that I have grown since then.
Everything I do is experiment because I have no idea what I am doing most of the time. I like looking back later and either loving a page or being happy to see that I have grown since then.
Everything I do is experiment because I have no idea what I am doing most of the time. I like looking back later and either loving a page or being happy to see that I have grown since then.
Everything I do is experiment because I have no idea what I am doing most of the time. I like looking back later and either loving a page or being happy to see that I have grown since then.
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
Keep up the good work!
When I finally get my art journal up and running it’ll definitely be a place for experimentation. Right now that seems to be my layouts, LOL.
When I finally get my art journal up and running it’ll definitely be a place for experimentation. Right now that seems to be my layouts, LOL.
When I finally get my art journal up and running it’ll definitely be a place for experimentation. Right now that seems to be my layouts, LOL.
When I finally get my art journal up and running it’ll definitely be a place for experimentation. Right now that seems to be my layouts, LOL.
My art journal is a place for exploring all sorts of artsy stuff. I just love playing with techniques, and through playing I discover a lot about myself. That is one (of many) reasons I love your blog Julie. You are so real and open and it invites me to feel comfortable to just “play”. I do not have any particular artistic talent, I just like to play.
My art journal is a place for exploring all sorts of artsy stuff. I just love playing with techniques, and through playing I discover a lot about myself. That is one (of many) reasons I love your blog Julie. You are so real and open and it invites me to feel comfortable to just “play”. I do not have any particular artistic talent, I just like to play.
My art journal is a place for exploring all sorts of artsy stuff. I just love playing with techniques, and through playing I discover a lot about myself. That is one (of many) reasons I love your blog Julie. You are so real and open and it invites me to feel comfortable to just “play”. I do not have any particular artistic talent, I just like to play.
My art journal is a place for exploring all sorts of artsy stuff. I just love playing with techniques, and through playing I discover a lot about myself. That is one (of many) reasons I love your blog Julie. You are so real and open and it invites me to feel comfortable to just “play”. I do not have any particular artistic talent, I just like to play.
Yes, I use my art journals as experiments too. They are a place to have fun and just play.
Yes, I use my art journals as experiments too. They are a place to have fun and just play.
Yes, I use my art journals as experiments too. They are a place to have fun and just play.
Yes, I use my art journals as experiments too. They are a place to have fun and just play.
Thank you for reminding us that we can also experiment in our art journals. I have this fear of “messing up” my art journals by experimenting in them, but that just gives me another reason to make another journal just for my experiments:) I very much enjoyed your husband’s article. He is truly an ethical, honest attorney (with the finest credentials and education behind him!), so kudos to him!
Thank you for reminding us that we can also experiment in our art journals. I have this fear of “messing up” my art journals by experimenting in them, but that just gives me another reason to make another journal just for my experiments:) I very much enjoyed your husband’s article. He is truly an ethical, honest attorney (with the finest credentials and education behind him!), so kudos to him!
Thank you for reminding us that we can also experiment in our art journals. I have this fear of “messing up” my art journals by experimenting in them, but that just gives me another reason to make another journal just for my experiments:) I very much enjoyed your husband’s article. He is truly an ethical, honest attorney (with the finest credentials and education behind him!), so kudos to him!
Thank you for reminding us that we can also experiment in our art journals. I have this fear of “messing up” my art journals by experimenting in them, but that just gives me another reason to make another journal just for my experiments:) I very much enjoyed your husband’s article. He is truly an ethical, honest attorney (with the finest credentials and education behind him!), so kudos to him!
I love Wonky Circles! Thanks for all your great inspiration.
I love Wonky Circles! Thanks for all your great inspiration.
I love Wonky Circles! Thanks for all your great inspiration.
I love Wonky Circles! Thanks for all your great inspiration.
Thanks for sharing these peeks into your creative process…so cool!! And your birds are AWESOME 🙂
Thanks for sharing these peeks into your creative process…so cool!! And your birds are AWESOME 🙂
Thanks for sharing these peeks into your creative process…so cool!! And your birds are AWESOME 🙂
Thanks for sharing these peeks into your creative process…so cool!! And your birds are AWESOME 🙂
Since creating an art journal is a new adventure for me I will be keeping it in mind to use it as a place for experimenting…….
Since creating an art journal is a new adventure for me I will be keeping it in mind to use it as a place for experimenting…….
Since creating an art journal is a new adventure for me I will be keeping it in mind to use it as a place for experimenting…….
Since creating an art journal is a new adventure for me I will be keeping it in mind to use it as a place for experimenting…….
Thanks Julie for sharing your inspiring art journal pages, yes, experimenting starts there and continues, more repeats then more experimenting…..smile, creativity is endless and continues…..
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Thanks Julie for sharing your inspiring art journal pages, yes, experimenting starts there and continues, more repeats then more experimenting…..smile, creativity is endless and continues…..
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Thanks Julie for sharing your inspiring art journal pages, yes, experimenting starts there and continues, more repeats then more experimenting…..smile, creativity is endless and continues…..
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Thanks Julie for sharing your inspiring art journal pages, yes, experimenting starts there and continues, more repeats then more experimenting…..smile, creativity is endless and continues…..
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As always Julie, beautiful inspiration. I know its about experimenting but sometimes it’s hard to take that leap!
As always Julie, beautiful inspiration. I know its about experimenting but sometimes it’s hard to take that leap!
As always Julie, beautiful inspiration. I know its about experimenting but sometimes it’s hard to take that leap!
As always Julie, beautiful inspiration. I know its about experimenting but sometimes it’s hard to take that leap!
I love the idea of having a journal to test out ideas and play! I have two going, one that I write in and the other I’m not so sure what I should call it…maybe I will change it to a let’s play journal!!! Thanks as always for the wonderful tips and ideas!
I love the idea of having a journal to test out ideas and play! I have two going, one that I write in and the other I’m not so sure what I should call it…maybe I will change it to a let’s play journal!!! Thanks as always for the wonderful tips and ideas!
I love the idea of having a journal to test out ideas and play! I have two going, one that I write in and the other I’m not so sure what I should call it…maybe I will change it to a let’s play journal!!! Thanks as always for the wonderful tips and ideas!
I love the idea of having a journal to test out ideas and play! I have two going, one that I write in and the other I’m not so sure what I should call it…maybe I will change it to a let’s play journal!!! Thanks as always for the wonderful tips and ideas!
Your art journal is beautiful! I think it would be so much fun to have one. I just can’t seem to get the inspiration to get it started!
Your art journal is beautiful! I think it would be so much fun to have one. I just can’t seem to get the inspiration to get it started!
Your art journal is beautiful! I think it would be so much fun to have one. I just can’t seem to get the inspiration to get it started!
Your art journal is beautiful! I think it would be so much fun to have one. I just can’t seem to get the inspiration to get it started!
I certainly experiment in my art journal, to the point that I don’t always want to share it, but that’s all part of the process!
Loved John’s article. He not only comes across as a good writer, but a good guy too!
I certainly experiment in my art journal, to the point that I don’t always want to share it, but that’s all part of the process!
Loved John’s article. He not only comes across as a good writer, but a good guy too!
I certainly experiment in my art journal, to the point that I don’t always want to share it, but that’s all part of the process!
Loved John’s article. He not only comes across as a good writer, but a good guy too!
I certainly experiment in my art journal, to the point that I don’t always want to share it, but that’s all part of the process!
Loved John’s article. He not only comes across as a good writer, but a good guy too!
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie!
Just want to say that we think John’s an excellent writer, too! And your work is GORGEOUS.
Thanks for the link.
MAT
Hello Julie,
I want to respond to your question, what type of artist are you?……I have been painting on canvas for several years and just love it….I paint huge pieces, murals and love getting lost in the process! I have a good friend that is a fiber artist that has us working through the book “Captivating” and everyday we have a project that ties into art journaling…..I am amazed at the detail and totally overwhelmed at these little pages full of color and dreams! I have started about 5 pages and have not finished one yet!!! It is very odd that I can paint a huge painting and this little page intimidates me! Haha! but I am going to get the hang of it! I would love to be considered for winning the stencil! It might help me get past this place of not knowing where to start! I have enjoyed painting landscapes, abstracts and figurative paintings for several years, but it all comes through my brush! This is such an interesting way to express your thoughts! I have a site and you can see what I do! http://www.kathybrusnighan.com and http://www.ArtWPurpose.blogspot.com. Your work really inspires me and draws me in…I love the layers and the mystery! Something that is important in my work. Thank you!
Hello Julie,
I want to respond to your question, what type of artist are you?……I have been painting on canvas for several years and just love it….I paint huge pieces, murals and love getting lost in the process! I have a good friend that is a fiber artist that has us working through the book “Captivating” and everyday we have a project that ties into art journaling…..I am amazed at the detail and totally overwhelmed at these little pages full of color and dreams! I have started about 5 pages and have not finished one yet!!! It is very odd that I can paint a huge painting and this little page intimidates me! Haha! but I am going to get the hang of it! I would love to be considered for winning the stencil! It might help me get past this place of not knowing where to start! I have enjoyed painting landscapes, abstracts and figurative paintings for several years, but it all comes through my brush! This is such an interesting way to express your thoughts! I have a site and you can see what I do! http://www.kathybrusnighan.com and http://www.ArtWPurpose.blogspot.com. Your work really inspires me and draws me in…I love the layers and the mystery! Something that is important in my work. Thank you!
Hello Julie,
I want to respond to your question, what type of artist are you?……I have been painting on canvas for several years and just love it….I paint huge pieces, murals and love getting lost in the process! I have a good friend that is a fiber artist that has us working through the book “Captivating” and everyday we have a project that ties into art journaling…..I am amazed at the detail and totally overwhelmed at these little pages full of color and dreams! I have started about 5 pages and have not finished one yet!!! It is very odd that I can paint a huge painting and this little page intimidates me! Haha! but I am going to get the hang of it! I would love to be considered for winning the stencil! It might help me get past this place of not knowing where to start! I have enjoyed painting landscapes, abstracts and figurative paintings for several years, but it all comes through my brush! This is such an interesting way to express your thoughts! I have a site and you can see what I do! http://www.kathybrusnighan.com and http://www.ArtWPurpose.blogspot.com. Your work really inspires me and draws me in…I love the layers and the mystery! Something that is important in my work. Thank you!
Hello Julie,
I want to respond to your question, what type of artist are you?……I have been painting on canvas for several years and just love it….I paint huge pieces, murals and love getting lost in the process! I have a good friend that is a fiber artist that has us working through the book “Captivating” and everyday we have a project that ties into art journaling…..I am amazed at the detail and totally overwhelmed at these little pages full of color and dreams! I have started about 5 pages and have not finished one yet!!! It is very odd that I can paint a huge painting and this little page intimidates me! Haha! but I am going to get the hang of it! I would love to be considered for winning the stencil! It might help me get past this place of not knowing where to start! I have enjoyed painting landscapes, abstracts and figurative paintings for several years, but it all comes through my brush! This is such an interesting way to express your thoughts! I have a site and you can see what I do! http://www.kathybrusnighan.com and http://www.ArtWPurpose.blogspot.com. Your work really inspires me and draws me in…I love the layers and the mystery! Something that is important in my work. Thank you!