Keeping Organized

Occasionally I get questions from people asking about products that I used during the filming of my DVD, Art Journals on-the-go.  Several of you have wondered about the zippered bag that I like to use to keep my journal and supplies in.  I buy them through Daniel Smith Art Supplies and here is the link to my favorite size:  Clear Vinyl Art Bag.  They are very handy if you are traveling.  I prepare a bag before I get on the plane and then it is easy just to pull the bag out and it has my pencil, eraser, journal, small palette, a couple brushes and whatever else I may need to do a little project.   I do believe that I have every size, but this is the one I use the most.

 

Just recently they have several that have handles and a pocket.  I just bought the one below and think it will be very handy too.  Vinyl Art Bag with Handles:


This page shows all the different sizes:  http://www.danielsmith.com/Item--i-G-479-015

WARNING - the larger bags are really big!  I suggest getting out your measuring tape before you order to see which size fits your needs.

Pam Carriker's New Book, Creating Art at the Speed of Life

Pam Carriker’s new book, Creating Art at the Speed of Life: 30 Days of Mixed-media Exploration is a delight! 

It is filled with easy to understand lessons with step-by-step guidelines on how to do fun journaling ideas such as create a journal page of random shapes, making layers of textures and colors, and how to make the page cohesive with monochromatic colors. 

I love how she introduces and explores the elements of design with a series of exercises and the completes the lesson with a worksheet to help you evaluate your work to make it more successful and satisfying. 

As I sat down to look through Pam’s book, I could hardly sit still to read it as I wanted to jump up and do each and every activity that was presented in this colorful and lesson-filled book!

I especially loved the chapter entitled, Trompe l’oeil - fool the eye.  Pam teaches us how to take a photo and change its settings to “fool the eye” using shading.  I cannot wait to try this in watercolor art journal!

Thank you, Pam for giving us this beautiful, artistic gift.  I highly recommend it for the adventurous artist.

Up Close - Castles and Such

I think it is fun to take photos from odd angles and of things up close.  Here are some that I took as we toured castles, chateaus and medieval villages in the southwest of France.

Art Journaling Magazine

The autumn 2013 issue of Art Journaling Magazine by Stampington & Company has hit the stands.  I am so excited that my article, A Watercolor Travel Art Journal, is included in this issue!

This is my bare all story of how I got started painting and how it led to keeping an art journal.  I hope you will find this an encouraging story about my struggle from not knowing the first thing about painting, drawing and art in general to where I have ended up today.  I wrote this article for those of you that struggle with being a beginner artist.  I hope that you will find it inspiring.

Here is a description of this issue:  

Dive into a world of heartfelt art with the Autumn 2013 issue of Art Journaling. The vibrant and emotional artwork of Traci Bunkers graces the pages of the Artist Portfolio, and you'll learn how to build a visual vocabulary with Kelly Kilmer. For ideas on documenting those memorable summer vacations, the gorgeous travel journals of Jacqueline Newbold and Chrisanne Robertson are sure to fill you with inspiration. This issue will also help you get a head start on the holidays: Follow Tori Weyer’s lead, and create a Christmas box journal filled with your thoughts and memories of the season.