One of the projects I've started over the warmer days is an art journal centred on a forest theme. Art journalling is something I've been wanting to do for a while but hadn't had time. I also admit I have often bought things like nice sketchbooks then worry about messing them up! The great thing about art journals is you can use a range of things from paint to collaged elements, so you can't actually go wrong. It's easy to cover anything you don't like.
I decided on a forest theme because although I've lived on The Fens for over twenty years now, I originally came from an area surrounded by woodlands and forestry. I love where I live, but I still have a hankering for the retreat of a forest and the magic held within. I want it to be a beautiful thing to look through to remind me that navigating life is often like finding your way through a forest; sometimes you may get lost, but there is beauty within.
So I bought myself this beautiful antique style journal and started. What I love about this way of working is it evolves organically. Although I have an idea in mind for each page, quite often as I'm progressing it evolves in a different direction to that I intended. I recently treated myself to a We R Memory Keepers pocket punchboard, and the pocket on the page above is my first one! Well, the first one that worked. I love the fact I can make pockets to put in tiny watercolours I sometimes do.
A lot of my art is a learning experience, not just technique wise, but it also allows me to learn more about nature. I wanted to find out about the different flora and fauna in woods and forests, as well as explore feelings and emotions that are personal to me. Sometimes there is writing that you can't read, but I know what it says, and sometimes I've written things then obscured it.
For the moth page I had a look at woodland moths and found the wonderfully named Sallow Kitten moth. they really are extraordinary things and very fluffy. The painted elements are done with an acrylic background, and the other elements are painted in Himi Gouache. I have a lot of art supplies that are lovely to use, but aren't lightfast, so using them in a journal is perfect.
You can follow my progress on this project on my
YouTube channel, where I plan to film as much as I can.
