It has become a tradition of mine and other blogger friends to wind down the year with some Top “insert number”- Lists of work , posts and photos, before the year ends. It makes me go back and look at what I have done and accomplished and it also makes me dwell in memories. Too often we forget about the things we did and accomplished throughout the year- often just bashing ourselves for not fulfilling all the wonderful new year’s resolutions from last year. Maybe this makes you wanna do it too – if so – share
In no particular order here my personal faves of my art journal pages and paintings:
1. High Line – Mixed Media Painting
I fell in Love with the background a soon as I had it laid down, causing quite some struggle to let go and go ahead- but that is why I like it the more :) Not my usual color scheme, but one that I am glad I plaid with.
2. Good Bye – Art Journal Spread
I love the grungy yet romantic feeling of this page and I had a good time getting some journaling out in an obscured way.
3. Stay Out of The Drama – Art Journal Spread
I loved playing with different media and my Stampendous Stamps and Stencils and the drama of the red dress…the only drama which you might wanna get into ;)
4. Reality – Art Journaling Spread
Speaking of Red …This one is also one of my favorites, I did a lot of collaging in the background and I just love how this one came together.
5. The Real Weird Magical Person – Art Journaling Spread
I made my own building stencil and layered it and did positive and negative imagery with it – I love the bold black and the almost translucent magical person ;)
6. Girlfriends – Art Journal Spread
This is another page that I really like- I like the journaling in the middle of the spine – and the difference yet similarity of the pages. Also some white space…which I know, is unusual for me.
7. On My Way Home – Art Journal Spread
HA- I guess I really liked my building stencil…which btw is based on the Jersey City Powerhouse. I do love the background and how the building really is prominent in here.
8. Finally Be You – Art Journal Spread
It is kinda scary but kinda cool – and I love the texture and layers.
9. State of Mind – Art Journal Spread
hahaha- I know I am a weirdo, but this one just makes me laugh every time I see it. I guess…the title is fitting ;)
10. 2 Tallest – Mixed Media Painting
This is a bigger painting, so it doesn’t translate well as a photo on a blog. I like the colors and I achieved what I had in mind when I was going for only a small city skyline. I had a good time creating it.
What I learned:
I definitely took more of the things that I explored in my art journal onto a canvas. I also did more hidden or obscured journaling which I find a great exercise in the morning to start the day and also do something creative. I also learned that starting off with playing in the art journal before continuing painting on canvas, freed me up and made me ready to start. A good habit to keep.
My goal for 2016:
My goal for 2015 was working in general on way bigger surfaces- but that didn’t work out too well. I really want to make an effort to do that in 2016 …a bit hard in a small studio space, but I will figure it out. I also just want to paint more …when I looked at my work in 2015 I realized that I did pay less when I actually thought I had, not a big surprise given that I was traveling madly for workshops this year and an art journal is bit more handy to lug around ;) Cross fingers 2016 will be the year of bigger paintings
Hope you had fun joining me in winding down the year. If you did it too- share with me- I would love to see your best of list!
I hope I see you at Creative Jumpstart– starting tomorrow and wish you all a
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2016!!!!!
love&hug
Comments (5)
sally
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Please describe the “white signo pen” and its uses.
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nathalie-kalbach
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It is a white gel pen that works wonderfully on acrylic paint.
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Joi@RR
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Heheheh – well Nat – there is no doubt you are SMART enough – no question there but…. brave enough… when it comes to asking for help – that’s a tough type of bravery! I am not good at that either – at all. OR accepting it graciously!!!
LOVE your journal creations. Your elephant just makes me smile every time I see him!!! And he looks so elegant – like royalty – this time. Must be that yummy dreamweaver paste!!! Your colors are so intriguing too. It’s just a really great project. LOVE IT. j.
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Sue Clarke
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Love the texture and the copper. Not a new supply, but I’ve been using my white Signo pen all week.
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nathalie-kalbach
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Thank you Sue! Oh I love my white Signo Pen too – never goes old :)
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