Art Journaling with Photos

Hi Everyone!  Today I want to share an art journal page I did last week.  I had my BFF come over to make cards, but I ended up covered in paint, of course.  I love this page, and I was hoping it would inspire some reluctant scrapbookers who want to art journal, but do not quite understand it.

AJ-photos-1-2 When I started teaching altered art books years ago, I remember it being a “big sell” to some of my scrapbookers.  They did not understand the point of pulling books apart and painting them.  That’s a fair point of view.  To help them understand the practicality of it, I incorporated pictures.  That made it have a purpose, and then they could see the beauty of the art behind the idea.

Often times people think of art journaling as writing.  Actually, art journaling is a very personal thing, your own diary of sorts.  Naturally, that means it can be anything you want it to be. Being a lefty, my handwriting isn’t the prettiest, so I am not a big fan of journaling.  I overcome this obstacle, if you will, by using printed words, phrase, and quotes instead when I want writing on my page.  I incorporate a lot of texture and elements (such as rub-ons, tags, paper, photos, etc) to make my journal what “I” want it to be.  I think of mine as a diary of visual art that chronicles how I am feeling or what I think is pretty, not writing.

I started this page in my Ranger Dylusions Creative Journal with a collage of papers.  Then I layered in paints, stamps, gel medium, modeling paste, coarse pumice gel, gelatos, stencils, Glimmer Mist, India ink, and distress ink!  I used one of my favorite photos (adhering it with soft gel medium), washi tape, and phrases.  I love, love the texture and bold, bright colors.  And, every time I look at it I am reminded of a wonderful day I had with my BFF.  This is my idea of a perfect art journal page.

art journaling with photosart journaling circles art journaling texturemixed media art journaling with photosI hope you enjoyed my page, and are inspired to pick up an art journal and start creating what you see as beautiful!

melissasamuels.com

2 responses

  1. Melissa, these are lovely pages. I love the colors and textures. I have just begun to practice art journaling with Documented Life Project on Facebook. I am definitely no artist but am so inspired by the real artists who share their work on that site, as I have always been by your talents. You’ve been sharing yourself with us for years and I appreciate you! Thanks!

    • Awww, thank you Sharon!!! You are too sweet! I’m so excited to hear you have started art journaling. It is definitely one of my favorite things to do. It’s so relaxing. I know you will enjoy, and I hope you will share your work. I know it will be amazing!!! xx

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