Art Journaling I and II

Art Journaling I

Instructor: Robin Adair
Mondays 1:00-4:00pm
10 weeks: January 20 to March 31 (no class February 17)
Location: Online
$387.50 (supplies not included)
Prerequisite: None

This ten-week course will explore a range of techniques and exercises for developing a personal art book using images and language. This course is for anyone and everyone who has the desire to tap into new creative channels without the pressure of producing a finished masterpiece. You do not have to be a visual artist or creative writer to benefit from this course. You will be shown a variety of ways to kick start the creative process including automatic writing exercises, ink and watercolour techniques, gel transfers, reflective writing, collage and recycled poetry.

Syllabus:

  • A brief history of art journaling practices over the last century
  • Automatic writing
  • Gel transfer technique and collage poem
  • Journal construction and day in a life: writing the quotidian
  • Journal construction (continued) and eraser poem
  • Memory mapping and brush and ink
  • Building a palimpsest page
  • Constructing a personal narrative
  • Independent work

Art Journaling II

Instructor: Robin Adair
Mondays 1:00-4:00pm
10 weeks: January 20 to March 31 (no class February 17)
Location: Online
$387.50 (supplies not included)
Prerequisite: Art Journaling I

In this course, students will investigate a range of conceptualizations and practical methods for developing a personal art book using images and language. This course is for those who have had experience with a journaling method, or for those who wish to apply their existing art practice to the discipline of journaling and bookmaking. The majority of class time will be spent workshopping and experimenting with a variety of techniques, including collage, gel transfers, glazing, and mixed-media, as well as automatic and reflective writing, recycled poetry, and various other experiments with image and text. Throughout the course, students will have ample opportunities to investigate with materials and explore their own personal trajectories as artists.

Syllabus:

  • A brief history of art journaling practices over the last century
  • Introduction to automatic writing
  • The Altered Book
  • Glazing techniques
  • Collage poem
  • Gel transfer technique
  • The Dadaist approach to image and text
  • Book construction: designing covers and layout
  • Book construction: building a personal narrative
  • Book construction: memory mapping
  • Independent work

Supplies for Art Journaling I and II

  • 8.5 x 11 journal, your choice of style
  • Writing tool(s) of your choice
  • 8 oz Golden GAC 100
  • Small bottle of Elmer’s white glue
  • Set of acrylic paints in tubes
  • Set of acrylic brushes, assorted sizes
  • Small bottle of water-proof India ink
  • Bamboo brush
  • Package of rice paper
  • Quill nib pens, assorted sized nibs
  • 12 inch metal ruler
  • Small self-healing cutting mat
  • Utility knife
  • 9" x 11" pad of bristol board

Note: From week to week you may be asked to bring various items (photos, printed images, or recycled objects) to use as raw material in art projects, or as prompts for writing exercises. 

For a brief list of frequently used suppliers, please see Where can I purchase supplies? on our FAQ page.