More Doodling

Micron pen on watercolor background.

Doodling is my current "go to" journaling when I don't have time to journal. It's a low pressure way to continue to use my art supplies which are always nearby without feeling like I've got to produce something finished or "profound." I also expect the concept of doodling will make it's way into my "regular" art journaling as more time & space allow. Meanwhile I'll continue the low rent "artful reflection" of simply journaling in my mini journal.

Micron pen on watercolor background.

Souffle pen on black gesso background.

Micron pen on watercolor background.

Doodling for No Particular Reason

One of the hardest things for me to do is...nothing. I'm not a sitter. I don't idly pass life away doing nothing. As an exercise in "being" (which also means DOING NOTHING) I've been doodling for no particular reason. Just to doodle.

Flower doodles. Micron pens on a previously painted page (watercolors) in my mini art journal (3-1/2x5). 

Paisley shapes: micron pens in multiple colors. 

Unwinding at the end of the day doing a page of mindless doodles is unexpectedly relaxing. No stress. No need to "produce" something profound or "artistic."  Just doodling for the fun of it.

PEACE+

Mono printing Abstract Art

It's great to use a photograph as a "guide print" underneath a piece of glass or acrylic, but expect the printed image to look much more abstract than the photograph.

This 8x10 size photo of a windmill has simple lines that make it a great choice for a mono print for a group art session on symbols of memory.  The print size turned out to be too small which made the detail blend together once the paper was pressed onto the acrylic. 

Instead of a windmill it created an abstract piece of art. Upside down it gives the feeling of a reflection (or right side up of a cross). The strong symbol works well either way as a background journal page for future reflection. (Image by Maxine)

Glass Plate for Mono Printing

A sheet of glass or acrylic that you'd use for picture framing works equally well as the trendy Gelli Art plate. The benefit with the former is it's much cheaper and it's likely you have an existing piece you could repurpose. The Gelli Art is more portable and easier to clean but the printing quality from both are equal.

A 16"x20" piece of acrylic provides plenty of working space. Here 3 colors of acrylic have been rolled and then imprinted with texture (plastic rubbing plates). 

After the first press spritz the plate with water and press with a fresh sheet of watercolor paper.