Art Journal Prompt: Where did you go?

For this art journal prompt in the summer series challenge I decided to list everywhere I went over the weekend. To learn more about the summer challenges you can read my blog post: "Summertime Challenge for you" or see all my posts on art journaling for other inspiration.

Share with me

Now like most of the challenges there really aren't rules, there is no reason for you to do the prompt the way I do or the art the way I do but it should offer you a starting point for creativity. In fact, I love seeing different interpretations. If you blog or post the page someplace, I would love for you to share it at the end of the post. The link party will stay open all summer long.

Beginnings of the journal page as posted on my instagram feed

Prompt: Where did you go?

When I started this prompt I thought I would list everywhere I went this summer, but I quickly just focused on the last weekend. Obviously, you can answer the question however you want. For my page I listed the name of the towns, the state and I am starting to also add the names of the restaurants I visited. Since Michigan is famous for cherries, I am adding cherries around the edges and may add some other illustrative symbols or just some decorative doodles and embellishments.

 

Art Supplies

You will notice I have a new art journal that is not my planner pad. I actually bought a sturdy watercolor sketch book from Michael's and I am really glad I did because the firm pages really stand up better to gesso, paint and medium.

My new favorite paint pens: Sanford Sharpie Extra-Fine Pastel Paint Pen, Assorted Colors

Paint Pens

I also wanted to share with you some great new products I have found that I now consider indispensable. While I was at Michael's I saw this colorful sharpie paint pen set in pastel shades. The colors didn't really work with last week's prompt (Who is important to you?) but I love the way they look on my other art journal pages. After you press down a few times on the new nib the color flows beautifully and you get really rich colors. Later, I found out you can get them for a heck of a lot cheaper on Amazon.

Art Journal in progress shown with Pink Peacock Pencil Case

 Collage Elements

For the first layer, I thought it would be fun to use a tourist map. Maps work well in collage because they are free and full of visual interest. For this project I used the map from the where I went (which was Traverse City in Northern Michigan which is cool artsy and wonderful and deserves its own blog post, so watch for it!) I added a layer of clear gesso on top just to make sure my pens worked on the glossy surface of the map.

My Art Journal Pages

I consider the spread here still a work in progress but I didn't want to wait until they were "finished" to share this inspirational journal prompt with you. I have a long car trip coming up this weekend so I will finish it up then and start on a prompt for next week... any ideas?

A great way to document your travels with a visual diary...no sketching required!

 

Other art journal blog posts you might like:

• Art Journal Prompt: Who is important to you?

• Art Journal Pages: Video Demonstration

• Summertime Challenge for you!