Over the past several months I’ve been noticing “artist journals”. The difference between my sketchbooks and these journals is the addition of writing and page design. In my sketchbook, I just fill up the rectangle with a landscape or small study of a building, plants, or animals. An artist’s journal is a sketch most often including observations, thoughts or quotes. They might become travel or nature journals or just small sketches of an object with some notes or even poetry. Some journals are objective and fact-finding while others might follow a time of internal searching. I just finished reading this one by Danny Gregory. He had never sketched in his life, but his artistic journal through a confusing and painful time in his life creates a very poignant read.
I started taking an online artist journal class because I really had no idea where to start. The class is still open for registration. Go here if you would like to take it. It is Workshop Two. I’d love to know if you sign up.
Posting these sketches makes me feel a bit vulnerable. I know there is much room for improvement in the drawings, but Cathy Johnson, who is leading the workshop said, “It’s a learning tool, a place to play and respond and observe.”
I sketched our grandkids’ wagon because it went with a quote I had just read so I put them together on a page. I’m going to post some of these journal entries for the next couple of weeks. This is an artistic recess.
Creating in Alaska 
“artistic recess” 🙂 Love it! It’s supposed to be fun!
What a lovely idea! Look forward to seeing more pages from the journal… 🙂
Thank you for joining me in the fun, Daphne!
Thank you, Helen!
Suzie………I think this is great!!! I only really discovered art journals last year. It’s been slow going for me as I try to learn designing my pages in addition to content. Like you I only filled space with drawing or painting. The art journals have opened a whole new world for me and I’m loving it!!! It was through one of the ladies who contributed to Cathy Johnson’s book that I discovered this journaling concept. I look forward to seeing more of your work!
Susan, we are becoming groupies following each other. It is so inspiring to see all these amazing journal pages and yours are some of my favorites. Thank you for your kind comments!
Your sketches bring color to my day 🙂 So I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award 🙂 Details can be found here: http://wp.me/p2gJnl-m3 Have a great week ahead!
Thank you so very much! It is amazing that we can connect over the seas through cyberspace, isn’t it?
I’m typically against the surplus of technology nowadays and was one of the last ones to even own a cellphone. But for purposes of bridging ideas and meeting people like you, I am grateful 🙂