Tuesday Tips and Techniques: Begin with a Shape

So you pull out your journal. You want to create, but you're feeling a little less than inspired.  Begin your spread  with repetition of a single shape.  Here, I took a charcoal stick and began drawing circles in random sizes over both pages.

After the circles were made, I began drawing vertical lines for contrast.  There was no rhyme or reason to the placement, I just kept adding lines until I was satisfied with the design.  Once the design was completed, it was time to add color.  I started adding color to the circles with my index finger and acrylic tube paint, beginning in the center and working my way out blending the paint into the charcoal.  once that dried, I applied more color to the center.

I then turned my attention to the lines.  Still using my index finger and tube acrylics, I began adding paint to some of the striped areas.  I just let myself play.  I finished with a Pitt pen and added black design elements.

I began this spread in the same fashion, drawing circles in random sizes over both pages.  This time, I focused on the circle theme adding a few additional elements, and this time, I used Prismacolor pencils to color in the shapes.

For my final spread, I decided to go with elongated rectangles, once again placing them randomly on the page.  I then colored in the areas with a brush and tube acrylics.  When that dried, I began enhancing areas with Prismacolor pencils, and I my completed spread became a representational composition of direction.

I hope you'll give this method of journaling a try as you explore your creativity.  Let your inner child come out and play as you "Celebrate, LOVE, and Create!"

PHOTO OF THE DAY

"Monday's Harvest"  The garden is doing well!