Last spring I was looking forward to all of the time I'd have this summer to work on my art. But here I am in August, still looking forward to that time! It's been a wonderful summer, though, and I have been able to squeeze in some great creative time here and there.
One fun exercise I've done is to make a visual journal to play and practice in. The idea comes from
Jane Davies and is basically a variation of a sketch book, or art journal. After watching her video tutorials about using a
gel plate, I knew I had to get one. Monoprinting has never been so easy, fast and fun!
Here is a view of the cover, and inside cover of my booklet. I used a file folder for the cover; read more about making this kind of booklet
here.
In my journey to develop abstract compositions, I don't often consider the idea of practicing in a sketchbook, the way a representational artist would. The format here is bigger than I often work when doing abstracts, so it's helped me to push past my fear of doing larger compositions. I also used color very freely and in different combinations than I might if I were doing a painting or collage. And let's be honest, a visual journal is also just a lot of fun. There is so much freedom in giving yourself permission to play without focusing too much on results. Since I've made this journal, I often think of it, even when I don't have time to work in it, and feel so happy knowing that I still have some more pages to do.
Fantastic work!! I love your flickr pics as well.
ReplyDeleteisn't it amazing how fast the time flies?!? i can't believe it's august already.
ReplyDeletei love your handmade journal. you have a wonderful sense of color. looking forward to exploring your flickr photos!
Oh, I really love this! There's so much color and texture - I can see why you'd want to keep going back to it, xo
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to use monoprinting! Your journal is absolutely fabulous and full of such wonderful layers!
ReplyDeleteTerrific backgrounds. Happy PPF, Annette x
ReplyDeleteoh wow!!!! your journal pages are looking amazing Debbie!!! wonderful work!!!
ReplyDeleteYour journal is wonderful!! I'm going to look at more on Flickr now..
ReplyDeleteCool journal pages! I haven't tried gel printing yet... you've inspired me to get started.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun project. You did it so well. I like those pages and the end result of the bottom one came out brillantly. Nice of you to share all the links!
ReplyDeleteThese pages are beautiful. I really love your color choices and textures. Well done! Happy PPF
ReplyDeleteGorgeous pages! I tried mono printing without the gel and it didn't come out as good but still it was exciting to try. :)
ReplyDeleteThat gel plate looks like a dream to use, and the pages you have created with it are really great. Hmmmm....might have to order one for myself.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie. Loving your backgrounds. You did a great job with the gel. I've never tried this, looks and sounds interesting. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI learn something new every time I visit PPF! I'd never heard of mono printing but these pages look fab and I love the before and after one at the bottom!
ReplyDeletelovely pages Debbie, interesting and full of details and texture.
ReplyDeleteWonderful journal pages, Debbie. Such a gorgeous array of colors for backgrounds.
ReplyDeleteThese are wonderful. I may have to check out the whole gel plate monoprinting--looks fun, and gives a totally different "look" than any other techniques...
ReplyDeleteVery creative and colorful ~ lovely ~ (A Creative Harbor)
ReplyDeleteYour book is very good and I love the pages! Will have to and check out the process :0)
ReplyDeleteOh, this looks like fun! I think a journal would be a great way to work out compositions for abstracts. I can see you are going to love working in it.
ReplyDeleteMarvelous unique journal. I agree about experimenting in a journal first. Have a wonderful creative weekend.
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful colours, I love monoprints as well. Great work
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun. Would make a nice background for writing & on instead of boring white.
ReplyDeletewhat wonderful and colorful pages debbie! You have done a great job moving out of your comfort zone. :)
ReplyDeleteThis work is fantastic. I love the layers and textures. I have been wanting to try out gel play printing, I feel very inspired. :)
ReplyDeleteI love your pages! I don't have the gel pad yet but love it!! Thanks for sharing that link and process!! Very fun!!I agree a sketch book has been so much fun for me and pushed the envelope!! I haven't been using them long either! Great post!
ReplyDeleteHugs Giggles
Awesome pages, and the process looks very interesting and fun!
ReplyDeleteWow, your pages are amazing! Sounds like a really fun thing to do!
ReplyDeleteI have never done journaling, but will do one day. These are gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteFabulous visual journal, Debbie!!
ReplyDeleteI hear you about summer flying by! I always plan to do so much in summer, too! :)
♥♥♥
Happy PPF!!
Mary
Mixed-Media Map Art
Hi Debbie
ReplyDeleteFabulous pages, and show you were having fun.
Happy weekend, ev
Debbie these pages are great!! Thanks for sharing!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the progression and the art come alive. Blessings, Janet PPF
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very fun technique. I have never done monogramming, but your pages really entice me!
ReplyDeleteI checkout out your Flickr to see all the pages- and they are stunning!!
ReplyDeleteThis looks fabtastic. Beatiful colors and backgrounds. Love it
ReplyDeletelovely greet and nice weekend Marja
[marjascreativity]
Really yummy pages to show for the gelli party...I love the overlapping layers here...Must be fun to journal in them. xox
ReplyDeleteYour visual journal pages are just wonderful. Thank you for the before and after Picts!
ReplyDelete;-> Felicia
The Journal Junkie
Blog: http://feliciathejournaljunkie.blogspot.com/