A Sneak Peek

Good morning! I hope you've had a great couple of days creating something that makes you happy!

Today I'll be sharing inside my art journal ... my practice art journal.

'Little Fellow' - A little fairy wren that I found and painted using water colour crayons.
I've never used them before and found them to be very effective!

This is just an A4 visual diary where I play with different mediums and try my hand at putting something together. I like using the art journal as it allows me to be free in what I do create without the restriction of perfection I would put on myself if I was going to be framing the piece, or painting on a canvas to hang on the wall.

'Love of Trees' - I used the same water colour crayons for this piece as I did
for the fairy wren above. I like the rough texture that the crayons provide,
but through this practice, I know that I enjoy using normal water colour paints more.

This journal method works really well for me, and I thought it might work for you too? I also critique my little pieces, writing what I like and don't like, what I should have done differently, what to try next time, etc. I jot down the type and brand of medium I use as well so that I can use it for future reference. If I've used a book to draw inspiration from, then I write the name and page etc, just in case I need it again.

'Study of an Apple' - I used dry water colour paint to eperiment with
tone, highlights, shadow etc in this piece. I'm happy with the outcome.

I find that even though I'm not creating big art pieces, this process is still extremely beneficial in helping me learn completely different techniques etc in such a fun (and cost effective) way!

I was inspired by an art piece that my seven year old daughter did at school the other day (I love her artwork, she uses the most beautiful, bright colours that always create such a happy masterpiece!), and I'm going to play with the technique that she explained to me in such a cute seven year old way! I'll pop a post up when I'm done!

I found this picture on google images, so I can't take credit for it.
I tried painting it as quickly as I could so that I could get used to the
fast application that water colour paint needs.
I am very happy with this sweet little boat!

I encourage you to maybe consider starting your own practice journal this week? Let yourself be free to play and enjoy, to plan and practice! Each day we can use the gifts we've been given (whatever they are!) and allow ourselves to make something beautiful!

Have a wonderful time enjoying your gift!