I picked the above journal page to illustrate this book review for two reasons:
* I'm so danged happy that I put an arrow on that page!
* I used a sharpie to write (very un-Diana-like)
* oh make that 3 reasons ... I'll probably come back to this page and add something more.
The Journal Junkies credit the work of Dan Eldon as their inspirational jumping off point. If you don't know Dan's work and life story, here it is. He lived large in a short period of time.
Back to the book, these two guys gave me some great ideas for using watercolors and watersoluble media that are inspiring me. I like their examples for using text, stencils and tracing. I'm enjoying their prompt section very much. There is not a single beautiful vintage-looking girl in sight; instead think: sharpies and lettering and stencils. Sharpies and lettering were not a "go-to" for me and it's exciting to work with these new elements.
I like opening this book randomly for an bit of inspiration. I think the visuals here are very appealing to teens, twenty-somethings and guys. And let's face it: most of what is out there in the art journaling world has been largely aimed at women so this is very refreshing.
One of the things I look for in craft and art books is the aesthetic. I've been around for a while so it's hard to spring new techniques on me. But great new ways to present the techniques is something that draws me in for a second (and more) look. I'm excited when I see something different.
{notes on my journal page}
I photocopied some fabrics recently and have been using them in my collages and journals. This page was originally a bunch of doodles and I stuck a piece of the fabric copy on top.
Gesso.
Pencil doodles.
Portfolios smooshed in.
Writing on paper glued in
Flower on book paper glued in.
