Reflecting on... practicing art again

When I scheduled this topic on my editorial calendar I was optimistic that I’d be back into all the types of art by now, delving into a new form every month. Alas, I have started persuing artistic endeavors again, just not to the extent that I was expecting. Nevertheless, I still have some thoughts, hopes and dreams to share.

I’ve mentioned it here before, but I used to be an art kid. I loved to draw and I took art classes all through school, beyond when it was a required “special” in elementary and one of the CAR rotations in middle school. Somewhere along the way, perfectionism reared its ugly head and when I didn’t have it as an assignment anymore, I let any artistic activities fall away. If I didn’t attempt it, I couldn’t make something bad.

For several years now I’ve wanted to get back into drawing, painting, or anything artistic. I set goals of finishing a sketchbook, but then I wouldn’t even start it (for fear of ruining it) and would beat myself up year after year.

And this year was no different, I have a “Complete a sketchbook” goal yet again. I still struggle to get started. But I did find an entry point this year that I’m enjoying and am finally making art on a regular basis again! I’ll take it as a win!

Mark Making

I love watching YouTube artists that add “mark making” to their art, though I’m usually uncertain that I would be capable of doing this, or at least in a way that would be appealing. And even though it is about the journey, the process, I still want to make something nice to look at. That’s just my style. Sue me.

In May, I decided to try my hand at mark making, as a unit in my personal art curriculum. After binge watching Laura Horn’s YouTube videos, I gave it a go. I only did a few pages in a couple of super small sketchbooks, but it was a start.

Since then, I haven’t worked in my sketchbooks but I’m so inspired by Laura’s practice and art pieces that I purchased her course bundle and am excited to jump back into mark making (and my sketchbooks). I’m planning to make it my focus this fall.

Junk Journaling

In June, I wanted to explore junk journaling for my art curriculum. And I got hooked! I created accordion journals and pamphlet style sewn booklets. Even just making the journal was fun. Then I documented my June staycation.

I’m still unsure of myself sometimes, not liking my handwriting or maybe second guessing some of my design decisions. But I’m enjoying the process and that is a big part of it! Especially for me since I’m usually VERY focused on the finished product.

I extended the unit into July and completed a Junk Journal July challenge. Then I documented my August sick-cation. All the while, I think what I really fell in love with about junk journaling was doing collage…

Collage

I love that collage has a lower barrier to entry. I’m not totally confident in my drawing skills anymore, but collage allows me to be creative without needing to rely on my ability to draw. I do want to brush up on my skills, and also get back into painting, but for now collage is scratching that itch and I’m here for it!

To me, collage feels a lot like graphic design (which is what I studied in college and kind of what I do at my day job). Combining imagery and text, creating a composition with balance and contrast and a focal point on the page. I love it!

This month I’ve been working on an altered book. And coincidentally, I’m altering an old book about the printing side of graphic design (which is appropriate because I work for a printing company for my day job)! I find it very full circle and am really enjoying myself. I’m using limited colors (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black—or CMYK) and am working on it slowly, adding to pages as I collect materials in my color scheme.