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Thursday, June 11, 2009

New Journaling Approach

Transformative Power

for Theme Thursday's Flourish Challenge

I don't know if you have noticed a change in my journal pages, but recently my approach has been much less controlled and I'm working a lot faster. I've become fascinated with the work of Juliana Coles, whose Exreme Visual Journals I first heard of in Sparkleface's inspiring Flickr galleries (here) and ran across again in Lynne Perrella's book, Artists' Journals and Sketchbooks while I was reading and journaling at the pool. I still love to create intricate borders with many layers of elements, but I also like to concentrate on color and energy, as I did on this page, Obedient Wreckage, Dare to Dream, and Letting Go. I'm writing less self-consciously and actually using my pages as an outlet for my feelings and responses to my life. Today's page started with the central image; the face is from the miost recent cover of Rolling Stone, and the flowers came from an English rose catalog. I used a rubber stamp that I got at Michael's so long ago that I'm not sure of the brand. The background and hair were done by layering a little molding paste, inks and acrylic paint, using my fingers, brushes, a crumpled grocery bag, and an old rag. After I glued all the pieces on my background, I went over everything, except the face, with a very watery wash of magenta paint, and then I journaled using my trusty black Pilot pen. All in all, I spent about 2 hours on this page. That might not sound very fast to you, but a journal page often takes me a whole day and then some!

27 comments:

Kim Mailhot said...

Love the looseness...and love that magenta ! I am an instant gratification type of chick so most of my pages are done in about two hours or so except for some with more detailed background. One of my favorite tools is my heat gun to speed drying time.

It was cool to hear how you built the rich background texture and color. I actually cut Lady Gaga's picture off the Rolling Stone mag too and she is in my files ready to use - that hair and those lips scream journal page !
Loving your need for speed, Lady !

Sandy said...

Wow this is absolutely stunning journal page. So shining reds. Love them.

Taluula said...

I have noticed a looser and more fluid approach which looks beautiful. To someone who has to be content with digital it was so pleasing to hear how you built up this collage. Keep 'em coming Alberta, they're gorgeous.

Dianne Adams said...

I love the bold, bright colors and I really like the flourish you used.

KnutzEls said...

It is a lovely card. Stick to the lossiness :-)

vintage wil said...

Ohh its gorgeous! beautiful colors!!

Ozstuff said...

I can honestly call this breathtaking - because it took my breath away (and sent me searching for my sunglasses). The colour is incredible and the page exquisitely beautiful. A standing ovation from me!

indybev said...

Talk about COLOR! This one leapt off my screen when your blog opened. This must be the new Alberta, says I to myself! Great sense of freedom here, Alberta.

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Yes I've noticed. This is wonderful. Must go home and work with this color. Also like what you said about writing "less self-consciously. It takes a while doesn't it.
xo

K said...

beautiful colors! great piece!

Maria-Thérèse ~ www.afiori.com said...

Beauuutiful!

José said...

I love this new style. But also the 'old' style.

Willy said...

Another wonderful page!

Sarah said...

This page is so full of energy and interest! Nicely done!!

Eila A said...

This is wild! I love your way of expression and your lively colours!

Sue said...

I think it's absolutely brilliant. I'm definitely coming back to have a longer look through your blog x

Terri Kahrs said...

Loved that you used the RS cover of Lady Gaga! It just begged to be in a collage, and you've used it masterfully! Hugs, Terri xoxo

Nettie Edwards said...

Beautiful work! I Love the looseness and the fluidity of the marks Alberta. The colour, as always, is breathtaking x

Nicola said...

Hi there,I just wanted to let you know that there is an award for you on my blog.

I really enjoy checking out your work it's so colourful and vibrant, lovely!!! I'm just starting out in mixed media so sites like yours are really helpful in pointing me in the right direction. So thank you!!!
Take care Nicola x

lisa_crofts said...

Thanks for sharing your process it helps to know how much work went into creating a masterpiece like this.

Anonymous said...

I love the vibrant reds on this page...I'll have to check out Juliana Coles.

Courtney Putnam said...

I love the expressiveness in this piece. I find it so interesting to experiment with working pace and energy and color -- and just see what happens!

Courtney

Luisa Migon said...

Fantastic, fantastic, fantastic!!!!

You can't imagine how I LOVE your pieces of art!!!!

TFS!!! :O)

Hermine said...

fantastic!

Hermine said...

fantastic!

*jean* said...

ooo yeah, this totally says alberta...beautiful!!

pamela rosenberg said...

I usually just look at your art work but today I really read your post. I love it that you shared the steps and products. I am anxious to give this kind of thing a try - after I finish my Amusing Muse inspired studio finished. I did buy my paint today and plan on posting my progress. I will give you a nod.