Monday, August 6, 2012

Painting & Art Journaling

I spent a very inspiring Saturday with my friend Junko - we were neighbors for a few years, we went to the same middle school, high school, and college... even the same study abroad program in Rome. Junko is an awesomely creative person. When I heard she was in town, I happily made plans to have lunch with her. We had a buffet lunch at Araya's, a vegetarian Thai restaurant we both love, talked forever, and ended up walking around the University Village. While browsing around, we came across "The Art Study," a small, well curated art & art supply shop. They sold Moleskine journals, which Junko highly recommended, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to begin my own art journaling. I first heard of and saw it on Jenny's blog (she did a great post on art journaling basics here). The shop also had practice canvas boards for $1.25, so I picked up one of those.


I have been itching to do mixed media/paint collages and art journaling, but to be honest, I was intimidated by the paint. I am not particularly good at painting (and very much admire those who are). Brushes don't feel comfortable to me - I like control too much, and I just don't have the skills (or the right brushes, probably) to feel like I'm in control. But sometimes, with lack of control comes freedom. Last night, I was a combination of a few things: inspired by my day with Junko, ready for some art journaling, stressed out by everything I need to do in the next few months (the home I purchased is in the closing process, I am launching a new website, I have to move, busy at work, etc.)... and you know? I felt like I needed it. Needed to let myself just be, let out some stress and the pent-up creativity that's been constantly on my mind lately, stop worrying about what I'm good at and what I'm not, and just... experiment. And see how it goes. So I started with the canvas.

I picked a piece of pretty scrapbook paper out of my ridiculously massive collection. Cut it to size and used mod podge to "glue" it to the canvas.


Then... I just did what felt right. Added blue washi tape to the right border. Mixed up some paints and painted in the borders blue, gold, and pink. Painted a peacock feather stamp hot pink and stamped my piece. Stuck a gold scrapbook border sticker to the bottom. Added 3D flowers with rhinestones glued in the middle. Used mod-podge to attach shimmery pink paper-punched swallows.


Added glitter. Painted a heart. Stuck on a butterfly. Added more flowers and rhinestones. Stuck a blue & gold border sticker on the left side. Secured everything with more mod podge. Glitterized lots of it.




Added a little rhinestone trail for the butterfly. More random paint touches and pink glitter glue.






And... this was the result. I wouldn't say it is the best piece ever, but you know what? It was me. It was how I felt at the time. I only felt comfortable using paint as an accent this time, but maybe I'll start experimenting with paint more in the future. I've always been a fan of mixed media, so this works for me. I glued a piece of baker's twine to the back of the board, taped over the glue with washi tape (the back of the board deserves to be pretty too) and signed it.


By this point in time, it was probably around 2am, but I was feeling inspired. I itched to create more, so I started my very first art journaling endeavor! I cut another pretty piece of scrapbook paper to size and attached it to a page spread in my new journal.


Then... let's be real. It was late and I couldn't think of anything clever to say, but I felt strongly about doing a piece with text. So I googled quotes. First "art," then "dream," then "imagination." Bingo. I found a Picasso quote: "Everything you can imagine is real." Loved it, so I just changed it a tiny bit and began painting. I had my stencils out (see upper left corner of the picture below), but then I thought... Don't be afraid of the paint or the brush. Text is simple enough - you can do it, and it will feel more real and cathartic if you paint the words yourself.


I will admit that I actually meant to keep his quote exactly as is, but I wasn't reading the quote when I painted. I had it in my head as "we," and it came out as we. And I like it.


The "Real" text looks like it's pockmarked, but I promise it's really pink glitter!


It was 4am by the time I was done. Again, I wouldn't call this the most brilliant art journaling in the world, but I loved it. It was practice. I have bigger, better ideas for next time. I need to make time for this kind of thing, because otherwise it grates at me, eats at me not being free to just do whatever the heck I want, creatively. I love, love, love making jewelry and I am beyond excited to be launching my jewelry collection. But while I like having uniform collections with themes, it is hard for me sometimes because I just want to make things, whatever comes to mind, whatever I feel like that day, and sometimes that doesn't fit into a box or collection. So I need to make time, whenever possible, for personal art and art journaling, because I need it to stay sane and focused. I need to learn to not be afraid of painting and sewing and all of those skills that sound so daunting... but that I really, really want to learn. Things take practice, so that's what I'll be doing.

Expect to see more of this in the future! Do you enjoy doing personal mixed media/painted pieces or art journaling?

33 comments:

  1. This looks like fun. Also, look at all your lovely washi tape!!

    Sarah
    http://acatlikecuriosity.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. The best part is, I didn't have to buy any of them! My boyfriend's mom adds in washi tapes and other craft items to gifts... so sweet!

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  2. i have to be honest, i've never dabbled in mixed media, or art journaling myself. i am really the type of person to, because (like you, i think) i will find myself up very late doing a random art project that i put little thought into prior to doing it. it's like the artist in me just all comes out at once, in one night, and then goes away for a while...

    but now it's been a long while and i've been dabbling in other things!

    despite all of that- i absolutely love this piece, and it's so cool of you to share it on your blog. i know how things like this can be really personal for people, so well done having such courage and feeling so open about your work. not to mention, it came out so beautifully... can't believe you did it freehand. i'm so crap at painting-also a control issue, i think.

    really love the "everything we can imagine is real". in fact, i truly believe that... well done. talk to you soon,

    xo

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    1. Thank you so much! I hope you do try it sometime... I am already addicted, though - just to warn you. =)

      Checked out your blog today - can't wait to see your projects!

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  3. Oh wow that came out really lovely! I am a fan of mixed media, there is just something so wonderfully fun about it.

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    1. Thanks, Amanda! Mixed media is my favorite. I can't ever seem to just stick to one thing... hehe.

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  4. I love how you've added dimensions and layer on layer on top of this funky paper. Looks fantastic. I hope you frame them and hang them on the wall for everyone to see :)

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    1. Layering and dimensions are my favorite! I've never been particularly good at sticking to 2D surfaces. I already hung up the "practice canvas" one and the other will stay in my art journal, but I still have to decide what to do with it eventually. =)

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  5. Kelsea, me and Aaron are seriously blown away by these. Aaron thought it was so indicative of your generous personality that you subconsciously changed the quote to read "we" instead of "you". What we've found with so many people branching out artistically is that the biggest obstacle with paint is that first hurdle of fear. You have apparently leapt over that hurdle. If this is just the beginning of your mixed media journey...wow, we can't wait to see more! Both the canvas and the art journal spread are so YOU. And having a clear artistic identity is such an awesome thing to possess. You are such an inspiration! xo, Jenny & Aaron

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    1. How is it possible that you two continually amaze me by your kindness? You are the reason I started art journaling, and I'm so excited to continue!

      Ha, about the quote - it was funny. When I finished the text (I was in a bit of a trance, trying to focus on not messing up, while painting it), I was like awesome! And then I read the original quote again and thought... oops. But ya know, I think I like it better this way.

      <3 you both!

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  6. I love what you created! I too have been inspired by Jenny's art journalling, but I totally have that hurdle of fear to get over first...I should just bite the bullet! Great post x

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    1. Thank you, Caroline Mary! Erm, yeah - so I bought those paints YEARS ago and still haven't used them for anything except painting surfaces one color. It was about time! Haha. I hope you try it though!

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  7. Wow, These are amazing! So happy that you got over your painting "fears" and tried it out. I love the mixed media in the canvas piece, and it definitely does not look like a first or practice project. Pretty enough to frame and hang!

    I find it kind of funny that my mom has sketched her entire life but is scared to death to try watercolors. That she will "mess it up". And me - opposite- loves watercolors. I think they are so flowing and pretty no matter how many "mistakes" I make.

    I *love* any type of art. I started out drawing and painting around 4 years old. I think from then on, I knew I would be a creative person for the rest of my life. I have to admit I haven't gotten around to art journaling yet. Maybe someday! :)

    P.S. Can't wait to see your new jewelry collection!

    xo Aubree

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    1. Thanks, Aubree! <3

      Yeah, it is really funny once you start talking to people about fears and that kinda thing, especially when it comes to art. I think it's a little terrifying, when you know you don't have control over it quite yet... and it's not going to turn out like what's in your head for a while. At least that's how I feel about it. I hate being bad at things, so sometimes I get unreasonably afraid to just dive in and try! Watercolors definitely terrify me, but I love the way you describe them - flowing and pretty no matter what you do. I guess I never thought of it that way.

      I have always loved art of all forms too, but I can never stick to one interest. Which I guess is why mixed media works for me... it's just random enough.

      Eeep, thanks - I can't wait for my website launch! Just some annoying logistics stuff to get out of the way... but it'll be ready soon (fingers crossed)!

      I hope you do post some of your watercolor pieces, or art journaling, or whatever you decide to create! With your awesome style I can only imagine it will be a lot of fun to see. =)

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  8. I really like those two! I always doubt myself as well, but when I start doing something, it usually turns out alright. I (we) should be more daring and just do what we want and see how it turns out. Because this turned out awesome :)

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    1. Thanks, Dorien! I totally agree that we might as well try. =) Generally a good attitude to have anyway!

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  9. Hi! Thanks for your lovely comment over on my blog! I replied over there, but thought I'd message here too. These are really pretty I like the little details you incuded like the pink birds. Now following you via bloglovin, I look forward to seeing more of your work and looking around your blog :)
    Hope you're having a great day!
    xBeth

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    1. Thanks, Beth! I definitely want to poast more of this kind of thing in the future! And your blog rocks! =)

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  10. Wow your art work is amazing and so beautiful, I love to do mixed media work but haven't done in years, you have given me the inspiration to start getting arty again :D

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    1. Thank you so much! I do hope you start up... art is so much fun. =)

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  11. It's so wonderful to see you picked up your paintbrushes, and look at the result! Beautiful pieces and uniquely you!
    Well done and thanks so much for sharing.

    xx Susie

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    1. Thanks, Susie! You and everyone else who has been bravely posting their paintings & other artwork lately has been such an inspiration to me. =)

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  12. i really love how the first one came out. so pretty!

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  13. Hey, I thought I could better tell you here: you can buy that Blythe doll here: https://juniemoonshop.com/ xo

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    1. Oh my gosh. Awesome and dangerous (for my wallet)... hehe. Thanks, Dorien!

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  14. Just LOVE this! How cool! And it's lovely--art is all about expression, and you have that down pat. Can't wait to see more of your beautiful creations! XD

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I'm hoping to post another one tonight!

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  15. I'm in love with your practice piece! Your pages are fantastic and I'm so impressed that you got over your painting fears and dove right in. The results are wonderful! Can't wait to see what you do next week.

    xo Tori

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    1. Thanks, Tori! I can't wait to get home tonight so I can finish up and post my new piece!

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  16. this is lovely! i love the colors & the birds!
    xo

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    1. Thanks, Christina! Contrary to my typical "I want everything bright and saturated," I've been really into pastel tones lately. =)

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  17. hey Kelsea,

    I noticed your website today. I think what you're doing with the art journaling is fantastic. Keep it up. I've been thinking about how I can do more with incorporating words into my artwork and I think that your pieces are just inspiring and awesome.

    -Megan

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