Eight steps to creating your own Art Journal

To those who have asked me what is Art Journaling and how I do it - here it is:

What is Art Journaling?

Art Journaling is very similar to conventional journaling, where daily events are documented in diaries, except that art journaling is done through painting and art, instead of words.

Why Art Journaling?

- It's relaxing

- A great way to explore creativity without boundaries

- Self-expression, especially for those who have difficulties articulating their thoughts and feelings

- Practice being present

- Foster focus and patience

- Overcome fear and resistance

- Develop empathy of self and others

- FUN!

Art Journaling is for everyone. It's simple and below are the (suggested) steps. Since there are no rules in art journaling, go where your creativity takes you.

What you will need:

Note pad

Drawing block

Pencil

Black Sharpie pen

Watercolor/ poster color

Paintbrushes

Palette

What you don't need:

Good at painting or drawing

Eight Steps:

Find yourself a quiet and comfortable corner with a table. Lay out the table with the items so that you know what to reach for at the various points during the process.
When you are ready, reflect and write down what you are feeling, thinking or anything that comes up for you at the moment, on the notepad. Don't judge or censor. It does not have to be in proper sentences or be grammatically correct. Do not worry whether the words make sense or not.
You may feel certain emotions during the process which suggests that you are on the right track, engaging your heart rather than your mind. You want to connect with your emotions and at the same time de-clutter your mind.
When you feel that you have exhausted the process above or feel you have nothing else to write, take a deep breath. Study what you have written. Is there a theme?
Reflect on the theme and close your eyes. Using the pencil, start drawing lightly on the drawing block. Empty your mind - try not to think about what to draw. Let your hands move around freely. As tempting as it is, do not peek.
When you feel that you are done, open your eyes. Study the lines and shapes you have created. What can you see? You may define the images or patterns you see to make it more vivid. Be open to what you see and most importantly, do not judge your drawings. There are no right and wrong. In my experience, the image I see usually revolves around the theme.
Once you have defined the area or image, it's time to paint the drawing using the watercolours. Use or mix whatever color you feel is right at that time. Again go with the flow and don't worry about what is appearing on the page. Once completed, leave the painting to dry.
Final and important step. After the painting dries, use a black Sharpie pen to outline the images.