a peek inside my art journal

I spent  A LOT of time sketching but I probably spend just as much time working in an art journal. For me there is really a fine line between an art journal and a sketchbook. For my sketching process I limit my supplies- I use all an purpose paper sketchbook, a pen and watercolors. I like to keep my sketching supplies simple so that I can take them on the go.

I use an art journal (that typically has heavy duty paper like watercolor paper) to explore all kinds of mixed media techniques like painting, collage, sewing (with paper), stamping, doodling, drawing and printmaking. My art journal is a small and accessible place for me to practice, explore and brainstorm all kinds of techniques.

There are all kinds of at journaling supplies but these are what I tend to use most-

1. While I am not picky about the sketchbooks that I use, I am particular about my art journals only because I use a lot of paint and wet media which means I need paper that will hold up to all my layers and techniques. I prefer watercolor paper or bristol paper because it is nice and thick and holds up well when using paint. 

2. I really like using matte acrylic paint when I am painting in an art journal because the pages, once closed, won't stick together (sometimes they will when using acrylic paint that has a gloss).

3. I always keep a glue stick around so I can quickly glue collage ephemera or photos to pages of my art journal. 

4. I spend a lot of time drawing and doodling over the top of my painted journal pages so I always have a good collection of permanent pens and markers on hand. 

5. When I am creating painted backgrounds in my art journal I tend to reach for my brayer before a paint brush- I love the look of messy color rolled all over the surface of a page.

6. Paint pens, especially white ones are one of my favorite tools to use when I am drawing or doodling over the top of dark backgrounds. 

7. I will use any kind of tape (washi tape, masking tape, scotch tape, etc) to attached photos and collage ephemera to my pages. Often my art journal becomes a place to store ideas which means a lot of pages have little notes, ideas, pieces of doodles and photos attached to the surface.

8. I use watercolors all the time and even though I use a lot of acrylic paint in my art journal pages, I also like to use watercolors to add color to doodles and drawings.

p.s. I've got another batch of handmade art journals in the shop HERE!