January Journal Jump #1: Lose Control

There was a sudden whim to do a month-long art journal jump. And I rarely resist whims like this. So suddenly Sunday night I leapt in and began planning. Over the next month, there will be videos and blog posts on different ways of journaling. Big books, little books, bullets, planners and who knows what else. 

This first jump is about letting go of control and working intuitively. Not so easily done, I know. But let's try. It's also about using one studio session and then writing, doodling, drawing, collaging over the week. I'm working along and will post photos here and on Instagram, FaceBook and Twitter as I go. I'm not great at Social Media so we'll see how that goes. 

Let's dive right in.   

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Comments

[Jane]

Fun process...

[jane w]

awesome!

[Wendy @ the Late Start Studio]

I haven't used my watercolours or gouache for such a long time so I am going RIGHT NOW!

[Rachel]

I love this!! I'm so inspired by your no rules approach to making art! I'm trying to just let myself play more. Thanks for making these videos!!

[Emie]

Fun process. I really like your gouache.... Do the W&N re-wet well? Been wanting to use gouache more but the ones I purchased don't reconstitute very well and I hate wasting supplies. Thanks!

[Sharon Walworth]

This carries me back to your wonderful watercolor class at Art is You 2014. Remember me? I'm the one that came into the class saying "watercolor stinks", and left the class saying "that was WONDERFUL!!!" I am going to drag out those dusty supplies and give this a try: things have been spinning out of control lately, so I may as well use the chaos!! (PS: are you going to do AisY this year? Or do you have any other northeastern sites in mind???)

[Susan Sindhu]

I am so excited to jump on your boat and float with you around art journaling lake ... Thanks for sharing your creative wave :-)

[Diana Trout]

Welcome aboard, Mate! ;)

[Diana Trout]

Blow the dust off, Sharon. I hope to be at AisY. Just waiting to hear from Sallianne.

[Diana Trout]

Yes, they do, Emie. If you spray them down and let them sit for 5-10 minutes, then stir them with a brush. They should be good to go. I’m not familiar with other brands though.

[Diana Trout]

Your welcome, Rachel. I glad that the no-rules approach inspires. Sometimes, I’ve found, it blocks people.

[Diana Trout]

You go, girl. Dust those puppies off

[Diana Trout]

Thanks Jane! I’m glad you enjoyed it.

[Diana Trout]

Enjoy!

[Sharon Field]

Really enjoyed watching this process. My biggest downfall is that I think I have to have a plan for everything. I guess I had better learn to LET GO!

[Diana Trout]

Well Sharon, you could try it out and see how it feels. You may be a more structured artist. Either way, hold on to yourself. There are more videos coming up! In the meantime, try everything :)

[Gail Doughty]

Looks a wee bit scary...eek! No plan! But still looks fun, and precisely what I need to do: let go of the need to control.

Thanks!

[Diana Trout]

lol, Gail. Hang on there are more exercises coming in ways that you might prefer. However, I say try it all and see what feels good.

[Julia]

Hi Diana,
Great post, letting go is very hard for me & I thank you for this. I love that you had your eyes closed, how liberating. Look forward to your journal prompts. My goal for 2016 is to let go & have fun & play.

Julia.

[Diana Trout]

Practice letting go. It’s hard, isn’t it? I’m so glad you enjoyed the post Julia. Thanks for commenting.

[Carol C]

Hey, Diana!! I love this process! And your statement about giving yourself over to luck...'and if not luck, gesso!..or collage.' That's my new mantra!

[Diana Trout]

lol, Carol. There’s always a way out of a mess. I’m reminded of the children’s story “going on a bear hunt.