Reflect and Journal: Begin by taking a moment to think about the thought or feeling you want to express on this page. Spend a few minutes journaling about it—let your words flow freely. This will guide the visual elements you choose to include.
Stenciled Foundation: Place an A4 stencil on your journal page. Choose two acrylic colors that resonate with the theme or mood you want to convey. Apply the colors randomly with a brush, allowing them to blend naturally. Tip:Whether it’s calm blues, passionate reds, or earthy tones, let the colors be an extension of your emotion.
Ghost Print on the Opposite Page: Lift the stencil and press the ghost print onto the opposite page. This creates a subtle, mirrored design, adding a sense of unity to your spread. Tip: Think about how this mirrored effect can represent balance, duality, or a continuation of your theme.
Soft Touch with Unbleached Titanium: While the paint is still wet, apply Unbleached Titanium on the right side with a card. Choose a piece of vintage paper that aligns with your theme or mood. Press it onto the wet paint to create delicate textures, then set it aside for later use. Tip: Let the vintage paper be a tangible connection to the past, representing memories or emotions that align with your journal’s theme.
Layering for Unity: Continue to apply the paint in sweeping motions, allowing it to merge with the leftover paint on the left side. This technique unifies the pages, creating a harmonious background on both sides. Tip: As you layer the paint, think about how your experiences are interconnected—let this inspire your movements.
Gesso Magic: Apply gesso with a card, spreading it across the 2 sides. Take more prints on additional vintage papers. Tip: Gesso can symbolize a fresh start—consider what you want to renew or cover as you work with it.
Tissue Paper Textures: While the gesso is still wet, tear tissue paper and place it on the right side, or apply gel medium to adhere it. Let the pieces form abstract patterns and textures. Tip: Think of the tissue paper as embodying the delicate or resilient aspects of your theme, and let this guide your placement.
Collage with Vintage Paper: Take the vintage paper you used earlier and tear it into smaller pieces. Collage these onto the page, adding a light layer of white or gesso to blend them into the background. Tip: These pieces can represent fragmented memories or emotions you wish to incorporate into your present narrative.
Final Flourish: To finish, add high-flow white acrylic and spray water over it to create drips. Allow the drips to run down the page, adding an organic, unpredictable element. Tip: Let the drips represent release and acceptance, embracing the beauty in imperfection and the flow of life.
Adding Emotional Elements:
Mood: As you work, let the emotional tone you want to convey guide your choices. Each step can deepen the connection between your inner world and your artwork.
Memory: Incorporate materials or elements that hold personal meaning, allowing your work to become a visual diary.
Story: Your journal page is a canvas for your story. Each layer, color, and texture can symbolize different aspects of your journey, making your art a powerful expression of self.
