Grid art journaling is a wonderful way to nurture your creativity and reconnect with your artistic side. It offers a perfect balance of structure and freedom, making it an ideal practice for both beginners and experienced artists.
Supplies used in this video:
*The links listed below are Amazon affiliate, or other affiliate links to supplies that I actually use. I may receive a small commission on purchases using these links, but please know that purchasing supplies through these links will not add additional cost to you.
Click Here For The Supply List
Stillman & Birn Beta Series Wirebound Sketchbook, 9″ x 12″, 270 gsm
Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate – 8″ X 10″
Silicone Paint Shapers
EK Tools Confetti Punch
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Payne’s Gray
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Hansa Yellow Opaque
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Primary Magenta
Liquitex Basics Titanium White
Liquitex Basics Black (Mars)
Liquitex Professional Matte Gel Medium
Silicone Candy Mold (dots)
Grid Art Journaling
If you’re looking for a fun and low-pressure way to work in your art journal, grid art journaling might just be the perfect exercise for you. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, this technique can help you unleash your creativity and rediscover the joy of making art. Today, I want to share a step-by-step guide on how to get started with grid art journaling, and why it’s such an incredible practice for any creative soul.
What is Grid Art Journaling?
Grid art journaling involves dividing your journal page into a series of squares or rectangles, creating a grid pattern. Within each section, you can paint, collage, draw, or use any mixed media techniques you enjoy. The beauty of this practice is that it allows for both structured and free-form creativity. Each box becomes a mini-canvas, giving you the freedom to experiment with different colors, shapes, and materials without the pressure of creating a cohesive whole.
Why Try Grid Art Journaling?
1. It’s Fun and Low-Stress: One of the best things about grid art journaling is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. You can’t mess it up, which makes it a perfect activity for those days when you just want to create without overthinking.
2. Enhances Composition Skills: Working within a grid helps improve your composition and spatial awareness. It encourages you to think about balance, contrast, and how different elements interact within a confined space.
3. Versatile and Adaptable: Whether you prefer painting, collage, or drawing, you can incorporate your favorite techniques into grid art journaling. It’s a versatile practice that adapts to your creative preferences.
4. Encourages Experimentation: Each box in the grid is an opportunity to try something new. You can play with color combinations, textures, and shapes, pushing your artistic boundaries in a manageable way.
Getting Started with Grid Art Journaling
Materials Needed:
– An art journal (preferably one that lies flat)
– A template or ruler for creating your grid (get your FREE template here)
– Acrylic paints, markers, or any coloring materials you love
– Painted papers, tissue papers, or any collage materials
– Scissors and a silicone paint shaper or brush
– Matte medium or glue
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Create Your Grid:
Start by creating a grid on your journal page. You can use a template or simply draw it freehand with a ruler. I like to use a template I made from cardstock, which helps me frame out neat squares on both sides of the open journal. Don’t worry about making it perfect; the charm of grid art journaling lies in its imperfections.
2. Lay Down Your Base Colors:
Using fluid acrylic paints, apply a base color to each section of your grid. You can blend colors, use straight colors, or experiment with gradients. The key is to have fun and enjoy the process. Don’t stress about staying within the lines—embrace the fluidity and let your creativity flow.
3. Prepare Your Collage Materials:
While the paint dries, gather your collage materials. These can be painted papers, tissue papers, text papers, or any scraps you have lying around. I love using a mix of colors and textures to add variety to my grids. Cut out shapes from these papers, but don’t overthink it. Irregularities add visual interest and excitement.
4. Start Collaging:
Begin placing your cut-out shapes onto the grid sections. Use matte medium to glue them down. This part is all about intuition—move pieces around until you’re happy with the composition. Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to do this. Trust your instincts and enjoy the process.
5. Add Final Touches:
Once you’ve filled your grid with shapes and colors, you can add final touches like outlining the grid squares with a black liner pen. This step adds a nice frame to each section and can make your overall piece feel more cohesive. You might also want to add text elements or additional paint details to enhance your design.
Tips for a Successful Grid Art Journaling Experience
1. Embrace Imperfection: Don’t aim for perfection. The beauty of grid art journaling lies in its imperfections and the unique character each box brings to the overall piece.
2. Mix Media: Combine different materials and techniques to keep your grid interesting. Painted papers, tissue papers, and various textures can create dynamic compositions.
3. Use Positive and Negative Shapes: Experiment with positive and negative shapes. For example, if you cut out a circle, use both the circle and the leftover paper as design elements.
4. Trust Your Instincts: Let your intuition guide you. If something feels right, go with it. If it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to change it up. Your journal is a safe space for creative exploration.
5. Enjoy the Process: The most important tip is to have fun. Grid art journaling is about enjoying the act of creating, learning about your preferences, and expressing yourself freely.
Final Thoughts
Grid art journaling is a wonderful way to nurture your creativity and reconnect with your artistic side. It offers a perfect balance of structure and freedom, making it an ideal practice for both beginners and experienced artists. So, grab your art journal, gather your supplies, and dive into the delightful world of grid art journaling. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination—enjoy every moment and let your creativity shine!
Happy journaling, and remember, your art should always make you feel good. Period. End of sentence.
Tell me about it!
Has this post inspired you to start a dedicated grid art journal? Tell me about it in the comments below.
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