Art Journal Techniques

Full Circle in my Art Journal

I used an art journal spread to inspire my Bohemian Patchwork pattern. While creating that pattern, I printed out many color variations before I decided on the final one.

I took one of those color tests and cut it up and glued it in my art journal, coming full circle.

Then I got out my Pitt Artist Pens and went to town with doodles.

Sometimes when I work in my art journal, I create each “layer” separately, and sometimes I work back and forth between them. For this spread, I did the latter.

And here is the finished spread, going from art journal to pattern, and back to art journal again.

This is another spread I made with the color tests from my Bohemian Patchwork pattern.

My Favorite Doodle Patterns

I love to doodle, and most of my art journal spreads are based on them. I’ve found that there are several patterns that I use again and again.

I often draw a curving line and then doodle shapes along its length.

I love how this doodle looks like curling ribbons.

Here are some more linear doodles.

I also like to play with checkerboard patterns.

I love drawing diamonds with curved sides.

And here is a pattern made with ogees (yes, I had to look that up)

Your turn: grab your journal or a piece of paper and create some doodles.

Torn & Cut Paper Collage

I decided to create a collage in my art journal using torn paper along with cut paper to create contrast.

Gathering cut & torn images from magazines.

I gathered some images from magazines, tearing some and cutting some with scissors.

Because I created this stage quickly and without much conscious thought I didn’t get any step-by-step photos. I do like how the orange color in the middle contrast with the blue and green of the rest of the composition.

And what’s a spread in my art journal that doesn’t include some doodles?

I used wavy lines in my doodles to mirror the irregular edges of the torn paper.

Completed cut and torn paper collage in my art journal

And then I used a smooth line to draw the circles to mirror the smooth edges of the cut paper.

Supplies used in this journal spread (These are affiliate links. This means that if you click on the link and buy certain items, I will receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) to help keep the lights on in the studio.)

Using Stencils in my Art Journal

I wanted to use some stencils in my art journal, but also not be messy. So traced the stencil shapes with a pen and filled them in with dots or lines. To finish the spreads, I added washi tape and magazine cut-outs.