Art Journaling: Lessons from Kasia Avery

Have you ever tried making an art journal? It's essentially a from of self expression using a sketchbook and mixed media like paint, collage, and journaling. Travel albums, bullet journals, and inspiration boards are a few examples of art journals.

I've dabbled in simple art journaling in the past but I'd like explore a little bit more, this time with the help of mixed media artist, Kasia Avery. 

She has a book called "Creative Wanderlust" that allows anyone to bring their inner artist to life through art journaling and intuitive mixed media.

Here are some of valuable insights I picked up while reading her book:

1. Let go of perfection and limiting beliefs

We are our biggest critics and a common stumbling block to making art is the idea of what the end result should look. If we expect ourselves to create work like that of Picasso or Van Gogh, then we'll feel defeated. Kasia, instead, suggests we define art this way:

2. Choose an art journal and create a supply kit

There are many options to use as an art journal like old books or handmade books using paper remnants. I'm on a mission to whittle down my paper stash so I'm using individual sheets of paper to make my art journal pages. Then, once I'm done, I put the pages in a binder. I also have my sketchbook (watercolor paper) as an alternative: 

I have a small art table where I work and my materials are already laid out -- when I see them ready, it's an invitation for some creative time:

My art journaling supply kit includes: acrylic paint (black & white), 

paint (watercolor & gouache), brushes, modeling paste, gesso, and paper.  

Not in photo: scissors, glue, magazine pages & smaller paper scraps

3. Learning how to use gesso

Gesso is a water-based medium that gives a toothy layer to paper so that when we apply paint, it sits on top of the gesso instead of being absorbed into the fibers of the paper. 

Kasia suggests to apply a thin layer of gesso on your paper (especially the thin ones like tissue) and letting this dry completely. 

Here I am testing gesso for the fist time. I used white gesso applied with a paint brush on printed tissue. The upper part of the tissue is just a layer of paint. The lower part of the tissue started with a layer of gesso, then paint was added on top of the gesso. Notice that on the bottom part, you can't see the design as clearly as the upper part. The tissue also provided a less delicate surface (no fear of tearing) with the layer of gesso.     

I'll keep experimenting and let you know what I discover. 

4. Before making a spread, choose a color palette and a focal point 

Limiting the colors when making an art journal spread helps create a mood and tell a story. That's why Kasia recommends swatching our colors before we begin. Another decision to make early on is the focal point. It's the first thing you see when you look at an artwork like a drawing, word, splash of color, strong pattern or handwritten text. The focal point should stand out.

An art journal spread made using a paper bag, watercolor, and a Sharpie pen.

5. Create a ritual for your art journaling practice and assign a mindfulness reminder

In the book, Kasia also says, "Having certain practices right before you start creating will take your art journaling to a whole new level. It will immediately put you in the zone, giving your inner artist a sign that this is their time to sparkle, explode with color and go absolutely wild."

Here are some of the things I like to do when I start an art journal page: I light a scented candle and play some music to help me process my thoughts and feelings. Then I write down an intention for the spread I am about to make. I also determine how long I want to work and set a timer. When I'm done, I applaud myself for showing up, whether or not I like the page I created.

Kasia also recommends having a mindfulness reminder: "Choose an object that will bring you back to being in the moment every time you see it. It could be sticky notes you leave around your house or a little precious stone you always have in your pocket and every time you touch it, it reminds you about appreciating the now." The mindfulness reminder I chose is this ceramic origami crane (meant as a chopstick rest but I use it as a paintbrush rest).  

Here are some of the spreads I painted using the prompts in the book:

Prompt: What does it mean to you to be kind to yourself?

Prompt: What makes you feel at home? When and where
do you feel most yourself?

Prompt: Write a letter of reassurance to your inner child.

And finally:

I hope these tips will help you turn a blank page from blah to TADA! as you embark on your art journaling journey.

*****

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