When an artist shares their work and their techniques, I always take away inspiration. The most recent example is Lynne Perrella's book, Artist's Journals and Sketchbooks.
The image on the cover fascinated me, and I figured that Lynne must have created the bold pages by layering on acrylic paints in contrasting colors -- red orange and blue violet, for instance.
I wanted to try to duplicate Lynne's gorgeous colors in my own art journal.
I began by squirting blobs of Cadmium Yellow Hue and Vermilion acrylic paint onto a blank page spread. Using the side of a sturdy plastic membership card, I scraped the paint and move it around. The corner of the card made a good tool to carve back into the wet paint in places to create texture.
After the first layer was dry, I used the same technique to add Ultramarine and Cerulean Blue to the pages. Where the Ultramarine was applied thinly, it looked black against the red-orange.
I love the contrasts of light to dark and of the orange and blue color opposites.
I did some written journaling separately about my fear of making a failure when creating art. My Hobgoblin (inner critic) yelled that it was dangerous to make larger and more personal artworks. As I responded in my writing, I realized that there was no danger in creating, even if I made a total flop. I always learn from my failures.
The real danger was in not creating that piece of art that my Muse was calling me to make.
Regretting later that I didn't make the art was much sadder than making a messy attempt that didn't come together.
I added these words using Posca paint pens.
Along with a printed butterfly and some little flowers from a Valentine's bouquet.
Here's the final page spread.
I found the whole process of answering my inner critic with facts and logic empowering. Rather than just listen and follow along with the noisy negativity, I had the power of truth and reason. It made me feel invincible!
Of course, I make creative messes all the time. I once read that if you like everything you make, you're not trying hard enough. I take these "failures" as signs that I am a creative explorer.
If you find that taking on your inner critic feels overwhelming to do on your own, a therapist's support can create a safe space for these investigations.
I hope you find time and space for creativity just for your own joy this week.
Happy Creating!
Copyright Betsy Bangley 2024. All Rights Reserved.
