Connecticut artist explains “art journal”
I am a walking color palette. Everywhere I look, I coordinate colors and objects. And I like to put all my thoughts in one place. Or, many places. My art room consumed an entire living room in our house – books and magazines everywhere, cupboards full of art supplies crying out for use.
With all of these things, it is only natural that they are organized or displayed in a fun way. Ways to spark conversations. Ways to show my stuff. After some Google searches for a more artistic medium through mixed media, I came across art journaling. This is not your everyday scrapbooking world. It is art, a self-expression encompassing all kinds of tools, mixed media and visions. And people of all skill levels can make these creations. Art journaling can be mind-blowing.
While browsing a new world of artists, I found Heather Neilson, an abstract artist and art educator who works at the Whiting Mills Art Center in Winsted. Neilson guides you through many processes to individualize each project. In class and through Zoom, she helps you turn your thoughts into journal pages. You can even create your own book.
I connected with Neilson and we did some amazing projects. Her process is inspiring, motivating and exciting. I spoke with Neilson to learn more about his journey in art journaling and how people can get started.
What is artistic journaling?
Art journaling is a way to have a visual dialogue with yourself. It’s personal expression and can help open up your creative intuition. Newspapers come in many shapes and sizes, and you can even make your own from readily available materials. The possibilities are endless and the materials can include sketches, paint, writing, fabric, notions, collage papers, ink and more.
How and why did you start art journaling?
I started when I knew I wanted a place to explore my creativity. It was something I could easily set up and store away when not working on it. I needed something to deal with and deal with the stresses of everyday life. Once I started I realized the possibilities were endless and it would be a lifelong practice. It has become such an important part of my art practice that I enjoy teaching it in workshops in my studio, online, and at various art centers.
How to spark creativity and ideas for your newspapers?
I often start my journal pages with writing exercises. Sometimes I just start to doodle and draw paint and papers as I go. I also spend a lot of time collecting things in nature or in my life that I study or think about that I can then incorporate into my journal.
Is there a right or wrong way to create an art journal?
From basic to advanced, here is a good list of equipment to get started:
Faber-Castell watercolor pencils – draw first then add water
Indian ink pen Faber-Castell Pitt Artist Pen Brush– waterproof; write like a painter
Stencils – Glue the parts you don’t want or use the whole
Acrylics – Golden Artist Colors are Neilson’s favorite brand
Rapidograph technical pens – Ideal for precise drawing. Recommended for the advanced artist
Wine corks – fun touches of paint and because a little wine makes things more fun
Gelatos Faber-Castell – mix them with a palette knife, blend them on the stencils
Palette knife – to scrape, mix and slap the colors together
Faber-Castell Jumbo Grip graphite pencil, HB, silver – for sketches that can be covered while you journal
Assorted brushes (and fingers!), foam, bubble wrap and any other tool that makes marks
Books – blank journals, old books to cover parts, big and small
Sewing machine – yes, sew the paper and the fabric together!
Notions – string / thread, buttons, safety pins, etc.
A table with space
With Neilson’s help, here are our gear choices for you to keep an art journal:
Hull art supply + Framing, New Haven; 203-865-4855, coquesnewhaven.com
Jerry’s Artarama, West Hartford + Norwalk; 203-424-2911, yourartsupplies.com; store.norwalk-jerrys.com
Blick, Plainville; 860-747-5551, dickblick.com/stores/connecticut/plainville
Michel’s, statewide; michaels.com (“I think the good thing about Michael is his accessibility to almost everyone,” Neilson says. “With coupons this can be a very affordable option.”)
I don’t think of art journaling in terms of good or bad, but rather “what if?” So I try to ignore and calm the inner critic, but instead allow the experience to be peaceful and happy. I look forward to working on my journals rather than making it just one more task on my to-do list.
What kind of skills do you need?
The only skill you need is the desire to experiment and explore! It’s a very personal practice so there is less pressure to produce final pieces or to produce something specific.
What supplies do you need?
Use some sort of multimedia art journal that you can buy at any art store. Or you can even use an old book and cover the pages with white paint or gesso to have a good starting point. You can use paint, collage, markers, pencils, fabric, sewing notions (snaps, buttons, etc.), stencils, images, photographs. In short, everything you can put in a book!
Describe the thought process when writing an arts journal.
Art journaling and any creative process helps balance the overly analytical side of the brain. It is a wonderful respite from the pressures of our modern world. The idea is to let your intuition and imagination guide you rather than what may be “right or wrong”. Sometimes my approach is completely intuitive and can be a way to just explore the process. Other times I start with an idea. For example, compassion, hope or spring. Find a poem or text that can be a springboard for using words, pictures and colors to create a journal.
What type of student is attracted to your class?
Typically, students are either curious about art journaling or already have some ongoing practice and want to dig deeper. They might have heard of art journaling and had some creative experience. Frequently, students will say that it is a very calming time for them in their busy and hectic life, and that bonding and sharing among students is common.
Where can someone new to art journaling and interested in art journaling find out more?
There are many resources online! Start by searching on YouTube and Pinterest and you will see lots of examples. Or take a class with someone in your area. My next classes are at heatherneilsonart.com/ateliers.
How my project worked
There is no wrong or right way to art journal. This is what I wanted to do.
I met Neilson two Saturdays, which gave the pages time to dry.
I started with a little book on bears, painted the cardboard covers, and cut out various pieces of paper and other supplies that Neilson had for me. I just tried to make it all flow, not really thinking too hard, and it all happened. Time flies.
For the bird diary above, Neilson made me close my eyes in a relaxing exercise. I was then invited to write freely in the book with whatever words came to mind. I then applied the bird photo through a process called photo transfer and applied various paint and stencil designs.
According to Neilson, these projects are often revisited and reworked. I’m eyeing the left page and making plans for the second edition!
Inspiration for all levels
Need to see the finished product? These books will make your artistic juice flow:
A world of artist journal pages: Over 1000 works, 230 artists, 30 countries by Dawn DeVries Sokol
In my bones: A visual journal by Orly Avineri
The Diary of Frida Kahlo:
An intimate self-portrait
, introduction by Carlos Fuentes
Heather neilson
Abstract artist and art teacher
100 Whiting St., Studio # 509, Whiting Mills, Winsted
@heatherneilsonart on Instagram
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