Step #137: Prepare Paper

So once you've decided to work on a fresh page in your art journal or altered book, how do you start, I mean what, exactly, is your first step after getting out your art supplies?

Yes, I know, pouring a cup of tea. But beyond that. Every page is different, true, but more often than not, I paint gesso as a base, although I might not cover the entire page. I often prepare a bunch of pages at once, separating them with parchment paper so they don't stick to eachother. If the paint gets gooped up, it doesn't matter. I like the starting, the beginning, because there are few decisions, few materials. A bit messy but contained. You can work at the table when the kids are doing art or school work. In small blocks of time, with interruptions. Yet you can progress yet it can be therapeutic and meditative.

Find more in the step-by-step art journaling series.

Comments

[Terri @ Pringle Hill]

I agree, Tammy! Sometimes when I'm in a "don't want to start anything new" frame of mind, I'll gesso pages in preparation or go through magazines. Hugs, Terri xoxo

[emmy jay]

Ditto what Terri said -- I often "gesso ahead" when I'm not ready to commit to a particular project or when I've just finished something more elaborate and don't quite feel ready to leave the art corner.

[gypsy]

Thanks Terri and Emmy Jay for your comments. It's so good for me to have a bunch of paper or books to alter, gessoed pages "ready" for inspiration & color, backgrounds ready for writing. I love being able to do what I'm in the mood for!