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Monday, September 21, 2009

Theory of Evolution

Even as a teenager, I was never one to keep a diary, but, since I started journaling about a year ago, I've gotten more comfortable expressing my feelings with words. Perhaps the "art" part of art journaling helped. Now, journal pages are my security blanket, my comfort zone, the mashed potatoes of my art. So, I've been playing around with putting my journal pages on canvas. I love journal pages, the freedom to not be perfect, to experiment, and to tell a story. Sometimes, though, the words are hard to share, but the beauty of an art journal page is that you can reveal as much or as little as you want to reveal. You can paint over your words, write them upside down, in code, backwards, or you can just use someone else's words: a song, a poem, a prayer. Since today is International Peace Day, I created a journal on canvas called "Meditation For Healing."

canvas journal detail


My painting started life as an arch that I created following Belinda Schneider's tutorial at Bel's Nook. I realized early in the incarnation of my arch that it would devolop into a different species entirely.


canvas journal


By Friday it had morphed into a watercolor sketch, and, by Saturday, it had grown details, like the blue crescents, which I photocopied from a Chinese checker tin. On Sunday, I spent the day putting it all together on a 12" X 12" canvas that I distressed with gesso and black acrylic paint. I added metal elements, an old earring, some scrapbook paper, journaling, and the evolution of this little mixed media painting was complete.

Prayer for Healing



For Roo's Day of Peace Party Mixed Media Monday and Creative Therapy. Rhonda is having a Peace Day party on her blog, so please take the time to join a the celebration at Roo's Treehouse and then light a candle, sing a song, or say a prayer for peace across the world.

23 comments:

Willy said...

Your canvas journal is amazing, Alberta!

Taluula said...

Oh wow Miss Alberta, this like all of your work, is superb. Bravo my friend.

Sandy said...

Wow your canvas is stunning.
Absolutely colorful and great. Love them.

Sharon Barfoot said...

This is exciting. What a wonderful gift.

Nettie Edwards said...

Stunning work Alberta. I love the journaling on the side. I am following your journey with great interest as I tip my toe in and out of journaling x

vintage wil said...

Ohh this is gorgeous!!!!!

indybev said...

Oh wow, Alberta,--a gothic arch within a square within a circle within a square, artfully arranged into a great art piece! I so enjoy my visits here!

Janet said...

You are just amazing!!! Your blog should be called Amazing Muses! I love this journal artwork. Luscious bright colors against the black background....LOVE it!

Lori Saul said...

I love seeing the "growth process" of this wonderful art- beautiful journal work!

Hermine said...

This is gorgeous

Sherry said...

What a beautiful blog home you have Alberta! And I'm loving your journal work and this piece you have done about Peace is beautiful...gorgeous rich colour!

I'm new to art journaling...I've kept written journals over the years but am planning to delve into my creative self and work with texture and depth to find meaning.

Wishing you a Peaceful day today and every day.

Michele said...

I like this one a lot, the images and what it stands for. How did you manage to write so nicely on the sides of the canvas? Every time I try to do that, it looks like a four year old wrote it. :) Beautiful work!

Just A Girl said...

Hi Alberta,

Your art journal is absolutely beautiful with such gorgeous colors.

Happy Peace day!

xoxo Cori

Pamela Sweet said...

It's great to meet you here in the cyberworld, Alberta! Your Meditation for Healing is gorgeous! I must spend more time here. :) I long to start art journaling but need some guidance, I think. I love how you are not afraid to use color.

I see that you have used art in your curriculum for special needs students. I wrote an article about art therapy and special needs students and have to say I was in awe at what art, and the teachers who taught it, were able to bring out in the students. Thank you.

Happy Peace Day to you!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful art! And I wish you well on Peace Day.

Diane said...

Beautiful! Diane

LivArtNow said...

Wow, what a brilliant canvas!! love the wonderful colours and your composition!!

Linda

Yvonne said...

wow, its very beautiful.

Ozstuff said...

Alberta, your blog is such a joy. Your canvas journal piece is beyond superb. You are obviously a born teacher and your workaday doesn't end when you go home because you share your thoughts with your friends and we learn from them and for that I thank you most sincerely!

Barbara Hagerty said...

Scrumptious color! I love the evolution of this piece! Only you could create something that is at the same time energizing, and calming! Not to mention, really, really beautiful!!

Staci Danford said...

What an incredible adventure your work always turns into.. The colors and deep felt creative spirit always come through (even on a computer screen)..
Love it.
Staci

Fran Meneley said...

Hi Alberta - Thanks for stopping by my blog and your leaving me such a nice and lengthy comment! I love having a blog, but I don't always know who's out there and how, and if, my art ever touches any one. So glad to hear that it was an inspiration to you. That's what it's all about connecting and inspiring each other. Love your little painting and good for you for taking the day off! As women, and especially teachers, we need to fill the well and really, deeply card for ourselves. I will always love my journal and like you find a true home there. But moving to the canvas has been fun. Keep sharing! xo fran

Cathy Spivey Mendola said...

This is an amazing piece! I just love your work.
xoxo
cathy