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Monday, June 1, 2009

The Obsession Continues

Only Love

for Mixed Media Monday and Creative Therapy

This is really one of my favorite journal pages because of its evolution. (The scan, however, isn't very good because of the glare on it. I'm not sure what caused that to happen, unless it's because of the many layers of media on this page. For some reason, it shows up better on my Flickr page, if you have time to look here). I started this page while lying in the sun at the pool. Well, actually, I used a prepainted page, but I started layering at the pool. I added various papers, some handmade, and pages from an antique book. Then I doodled using a black Pilot pen, which smeared terribly because of the heat, I think, and I journaled about how I began painting again after a trip with Mr. Al, to the Bennett Street Art Gallery last year. I won't bore you with the details because I've told you about it here before, but you can read more about it on Creative Therapy's challenge this week in "Comments," if you'd like to. That night last year was the rebirth of my thwarted art career. So, back to the process. The face I used is courtesy of CollagePlay With Crowabout. (You may recognize my cousin Zoe in her art fairy costume here). Once I got home, I added a few more details, some layers of distressing ink, and even some candle wax to age the papers more. I think the wax may be what caused the glare, but I like what it did to my borders, and I'm a firebug at heart anyway. Finally, I added buttons from my collection and a butterfly, for good measure.

Even though, journaling at the pool is a challenge in itself, I'm pretty sure I'll keep doing it because it's just one more place I can continue my obsession with my art journal. And challenges almost always lead to interesting results, or, at the very least you learn something new, even if it's what NOT to do, right?

22 comments:

My Creative House said...

Wonderful and fun journal page, love the words.

Willy said...

Wonderful page and great colours!

Sandy said...

Wow wow wow unbelievable page.
I´ve missing the right words. Great.

Nettie Edwards said...

This is lovely work, as ever! Really like the atmosphere created by the colours and textures. You've got me thinking about working by my pond...

Anonymous said...

its gorgeous, love the text!

Kim Mailhot said...

I love this one, Alberta ! Love the figure, the colors, the layers and especially the text and how it makes the piece !

From one journal obsessed artist to another - we are rockin' in the free world, baby !;)

Hope you have a great week with lots of pool time fun !
Hugs !

Terri Kahrs said...

Journaling at the pool . . . mmmmmm . . . how relaxing!!! And the result is marvelous! Love the vintage color and all of the texture. Fabulous piece, Alberta! Hugs, Terri xoxox

Rosie said...

You really struck a chord with me there in that last paragraph... there I was doing lesson#4 of the Layer Love class, thinking I'd be clever, paint on canvas and make myself a moonscape and it all went wrong!! That'll teach me to "see" something before I get it onto canvas!
I love your journal page and it gave me a reality-check today, just when I needed one!
Hugs
Rosie xoxo

PS - I asked to join in with Crowabout, but haven't heard back... is she okay?

indybev said...

Of all your wonderful art, Alberta, I think I love the journal pages best. You find the greatest quotes and espouse the best nuggets of wisdom, and they are always a feast of color. I'm an Alberta groupie!

Katherine said...

Wonderful journal page Kathy! I want my studio to be a swimming pool!

~*~Patty Szymkowicz said...

wonderful and so inspiring, I could not agree more with the words you've chosen :)

Cathy Spivey Mendola said...

Oh Goodness Gracious Girl!
I have missed soooo much after being gone for just a week.
Your art journal pages keep getting better and better. I'm loving them all! This one is FABULOUS! The fact that you did it by the pool is even better. I took sketch pads and pencils to the beach and did NOTHING! I took the week off and did a lot of reading and playing with grandkids.
I saw your first Bali piece before I left and loved it, BUT your second Bali piece is FANTASTIC! Love the fact that she is painted blue. And Zoe is just gorgeous!
Are you done with school and can totally concentrate on art for the summer? Can't wait to see what you accomplish.
have a great week!
xoxo cathy

QueenBe said...

I can see why this is your favorite journal page. I love journals... so fun to make. Yours must be awesome if this is an indication!

Lori Saul said...

Beautiful journal page brimming with glorious detail and wise words. Enjoyed you post as well!

Anonymous said...

I just went over to Creative Therapy, for the 2nd time today. I'd been led there earlier by a post on Seth Apter's blog and was very inspired by his story. And now I'm double-inspired by yours! Just last night, as I walked home through the park, I was thinking that I MUST make myself up a nice little toteable carryall and get outside and make art on the go. I've been in such a massive rut for so long, I'm desperate for a way to break through it. Your story went straight to my heart! And it was a also a nice confirmation of my art-on-the-go inspiration.

Lynn Stevens said...

Your work always brightens my day and puts a smile on my face TFS

Nan said...

Very beautiful colors and your design is so good! I enjoy doing art on the go too and carry a mini case with me when doing appointments.

Kaz said...

this is fantastic, I love the red with the vintage colours, great combination!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this page is STUNNING, Alberta! Diane

Taluula said...

Oh this is amazing and jaw droppingly good. What a great and inspired piece.

*jean* said...

lovely pages! if you try adjusting the dpi when you scan sometimes they turn out better.....i usually scan one time at 150, one time at 600, one time at 50, then see how it turns out....because of the many kinds of printing in some of our images, you need to adjust that when you scan....

*jean*

Anonymous said...

Wonderful page, Alberta! Diane