Starting your mixed media art journal can be intimidating, especially for beginners. My approach is simple: grab your materials and start making random marks. These initial scribbles activate your creativity and get you moving.

Supplies used in this video:

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Stillman & Birn Beta Series Wirebound Sketchbook, 9” x 12”, 270 gsm
ArtGraf Artists Water Soluble Tailor’s Chalk
Silicone Paint Shapers
Continuous Spray Bottles
Speedball Deluxe Soft Rubber Brayer, 2-Inch
Dr. Ph. Martin’s Spectralite Private Collection Liquid Acrylics Bottles, 1.0 oz, Set of 12 (Set 2)
Catalyst Wedge
Medical Exam Table Paper (Large Rolls)
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Titan Buff
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Transparent Red Iron Oxide
Golden Fluid Acrylics – VanDyke Brown
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Hansa Yellow
Golden Fluid Acrylics – Primary Magenta
Derwent Watersoluble Graphitone Pencils
Water Brush
Stabilo Woody 3&1(set)
Faber-Castell Oil Pastels

Getting Started with Mixed Media Art Journaling

Starting your art journal can be intimidating, especially for beginners. My approach is simple: grab your materials and start making random marks. These initial scribbles activate your creativity and get you moving. Remember, these marks may not be visible in your final piece, but they’re essential for breaking the ice.

Materials and Techniques

For this session, I used a variety of mixed media materials, including tailor’s chalk, acrylic inks, a brayer, and a silicone paint shaper. Here’s a breakdown of how I used these tools:

1. Tailor’s Chalk: This is excellent for making initial marks. It smears beautifully when wet, creating a textured background.

2. Acrylic Inks: I used blue and white inks, spreading them with a brayer to create a dynamic mix of colors.

3. Medical Exam Paper: Great for blotting excess ink and adding interesting textures to your work.

Playing with Colors and Layers

One of the joys of mixed media art journaling is the freedom to experiment with colors and layers. Here’s how I approached it:

– Initial Layer: I started with some blue and white acrylic ink, spreading it with a brayer and adding water to blend.

– Adding Colors: I introduced greens, yellows, and a stunning transparent red oxide. Don’t worry about precision; just have fun and see where the colors take you.

Blotting and Shading: Using medical exam paper to blot excess ink and a graphite pencil to add shading can create depth and separation in your artwork.

Finding Inspiration and Direction

As I continued, the colors and textures started to remind me of a specific memory: a moody sky over a tulip field in Holland. This gave me the idea to create a scene inspired by that memory.

– Creating a Ground Layer: I used Van Dyke brown over the green and yellow ink to calm down the brightness and create a base for my tulips.

– Building the Scene: I added various marks with titanium white and yellow paint, using a mix of brush and silicone paint shaper techniques to build the scene.

Final Touches

To finish, I added some final details and textures:

– Graphite Shading: This helped create separation between the flowers and the sky.

– Oil Pastels: These added a final layer of texture and color. Remember, oil pastels should be the last layer as you can’t paint over them with acrylics.

Tell me about it!

I’d love to know how you use (or plan to use) your art journal. Tell me about it in the comments below.

Join the Fun!

If you enjoyed this session on mixed media art journaling for beginners, consider subscribing to my email list. You’ll get updates on upcoming workshops where we’ll explore more techniques like these. The link to subscribe is below.

Thank you for joining me today. I had so much fun creating and sharing this with you. See you next time!