As I continue to experiment with various mixed media materials, I also am experimenting with methods and prompts to think reflectively. The background for the "Mood Map" is a grid made from artist masking tape on white gesso and then each block colored with Neocolor II Water Soluble crayons. After the 2-3 colors were laid down and blended with a clean, wet brush, I added the "mood words" that describe my current perspective on...life. The exercise is meant to raise awareness of the feelings you are experiencing and provide a visual barometer.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqOrx7ECX7UDH6gDRbJEdhYKt1A3zoMK4rPd0DUY-q2bYcBBVAaaRaX5tUGgQ6AfCtI5hMWXTRMHVnEtpS2Te2xL0dS8wmOSE8g8TJpB_GhZ7sKz4yZlLBlN7Cagliyx8UkLAew8hRDLk/s1600/IMG_3032.JPG)
Begin by with white gesso on a journal page spread then use artist tape to mask off a random grid pattern. Color each block with water soluble crayons (or other media). Add a second or third layer. Experiment with combining colors and/or using different brushes/strokes. Allow to dry between colors, but go back with 2nd and 3rd colors to build up the color. During the painting process, think reflectively about your context: where you are; who you are; what your goals are, etc.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1oDyMkuKzlT6O0E9oH4BQLOQB9-CRqP7arp83CBboNeejrh1WX6cDJ-Vyvrynmn-b1L8qZM3BPEz-mo7_P3IRWNtplvBFULqPAp-DwCCunMrmjrPe9Mr9cCAaolACQILb5c9JlOclVM/s1600/IMG_3039.JPG) |
Adding a second layer of water soluble crayon. |
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Masking with tape keeps the edges sharp and creates a mini canvas. |
When you are satisfied with the painting, carefully pull up the tape. Use the blank spaces created on the grid to fill in your feels/mood. It can be a surprising exercise and very revealing to what you are experiencing. Date the page.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuqLb_bwsuZHZ8sMbIxvG4tEIjPu56piKwtoqRMyta-nyzMrh5YNY5JFlRYeQVcRDQHwLwn6SedpgRlIjLSr84jz4sB38kp3yyNRTTrskaSza7MMdBZ3Wx0FDW5meNJRFW9WwvT1KMcKM/s1600/IMG_3049.JPG) |
Artist tape pulls up clean & neat; masking tape isn't as predictable. |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUp3lG3W4F8DfRpfsrIOjU7GZmpobJpZXtCzQeN9tVD-ziZFf_2JABZgdwq6B9wWK7mzo3LWngwkPssmgJzo5nBcK2HljyWIV9Mienile3M7gB44WQDAM1odmKC3gzYIsgNzuRLzrypI/s1600/IMG_3054.JPG) |
I used a list of feeling words to guide my reflection and ID my feelings. |