This morning was the third of four classes in the adult art journaling series. This is the first series of its kind in the new studio space and to say it’s been phenomenal would be an understatement. There has been a heavy emphasis on peace and play, which are two things people’s heads and hearts seem to be needing right now.

Today’s class was centered around texture and layers. I discussed with the group how layers and texture create visual and tactile interest and how that interest is such a welcome addition to an art journal page. We talked about how the addition of layers and textures draws the viewer in—people want to touch the substrate and inquire how you achieved the texture, they want to learn more about the story you are creating with the layers. Layering different mediums helps tell a visual story without using words. Layers can carry someone’s eye across an art journal page, or they can be a place for the eye to rest. Layers can ground other elements and can be an anchoring point for certain elements on the page.

We also talked about how humans are multi-faceted, layered beings and it’s our layers and depth that make us interesting. But, sometimes we’re uncomfortable with the depth, so we try to cover it up. The same can be said for art journal pages; sometimes layers are added to cover up pieces of our story that we don’t want to be seen.

Everyone had fun playing with modeling paste today. We practiced spreading the paste onto a cardboard substrate to get familiar with the weight and texture of it and then we tried our hand at adding marks with assorted tools including our palette knives, bubble wrap, popsicle sticks, corrugated cardboard, and toilet paper tubes.

Once everyone felt a certain level of comfort with the modeling paste, I encouraged them to create a page in their art journals using modeling paste as one of the elements. There were so many unique artistic visions for this project and I absolutely loved all of the outcomes!

This one was an artistic depiction of a scene the artist saw on the way to class. It’s a construction site where they were demolishing a number of old homes, homes that were full of character and charm. To make way for what? We don’t know yet… I love the way the modeling paste was used to create the entire scene—from the buildings to the fencing. And then color and texture was built up on top of the modeling paste base by adding watercolors, chalk pastels, marker, and collage.

This one was a whimsical take on the project. I’m in love withe the collaged desserts and the “Treat Yo Self” banner—pairs perfectly with the modeling paste sprinkles. This artist added her paint color directly to the paste and applied her colored paste to the page using a clay sculpting tool.

These next two pages were symbolic.  The artist added elements that reminded her of her two children to each page. One page was dedicated to her daughter, with modeling paste hearts and the other page was dedicated to her son with modeling paste waves. I love the mixed media elements of these pages. Such a thoughtful application of the prompt.

This last page incorporated the concept of using modeling paste to hide certain elements on the page or pieces of the story that we either want to keep private or simply don’t want as a visual component of the final layout. The collage tells a story that is only known to the artist. In order to find out more, you need to make an inquiry. What lies underneath? How is it a part of the story? Creating art journal pages with symbolic story lines is one of my favorite things to do and I am so happy that this artist intuitively picked up on her ability to utilize those tools in her artwork as well. Intuitive art is an extremely powerful tool for processing emotions, working through challenges, and developing different parts of our voice—creative and otherwise.

What a privilege it is to have a front row seat to the creative process of these incredible women! I’m going to be so sad when this series ends next week—four weeks just isn’t long enough. But, I am already planning the content for the next series, which will take place starting in January! I hope you’ll join us in the studio.