Debbie herself is a great journaller and I really enjoy the way she expresses herself on paper. A few of her pages recently have really caught my imagination and brought home what journalling is really about.
So, here is my journalling fairy. I allowed myself ONE look at the YouTube video and then no more, because I wanted her to be my MY fairy and not a copy of somebody else's. I want to believe I can get to grips with journalling so that was my prompt and I put it in lovely big sparkly (optimistic) letters - BELIEVE! Believe you can and you will.... Maybe!? Still working on the believing bit then :oD
Okay, so let's not talk her about the hair.... oh dear...! Hair is hard...! More work needed on the hair. I've put that on my list.. Good long swishy pencil strokes though. Definitely progress there.
As is my way, I threw myself in at the deep end and I worked straight on the paper in my journal. I put my paints well out of the way too. NO painting over things, no altering things, no rubbing out, no measuring, no stressing... Just draw, colour, let go... (and there, I think, is my prompt for my next page)
I do love the texture and the sparkle though.... Loving the Dina Wakley daisy stencil too. I just KNEW that was a MUST HAVE item
It's not perfect; I know that. I think that might be kind of the point though. (I'm actually fighting the urge to give you a LONG list of what's wrong with it here....just so YOU know I know, if you see what I mean. Oh so critical! (Taking deep breaths and contemplating a small brandy now as I realise I've got to press the "publish" button in a minute (she said, blinking furiously and wondering if there's a brown paper bag handy, to breath into....))
I tried to work using lots of loose lines (which is why she's got lots of extra long eyelashes - I got carried away with my flicking :oD. I'm getting used to the fact it's MY journal and I can do whatever I want with it, so I'd say that's a lesson most definitely LEARNED. I don't have to believe in anyone or anything else. I just have to believe in ME. Keep you posted on that one ;oD
Lx
I can't believe you are criticising yourself!!! She is gorgeous, her face, eyes, hair and wings are fabulous - you really need to slap and shut up your inner critic!! Loving the sparkle on the wings - you should be proud!!
ReplyDeleteps thanks for the mention xx
You're very welcome Debs. Thanks for the YouTube link (and your kind words). Both have spurred me on. Lx
DeleteWOWser missus, she's pretty gorgeous for all those things you say (in your head) are wrong with her!!! Loving those long eyelashes and the colour of her hair .... wonder if I could get mine that colour! I'm very impressed with her eyes and think you've cracked it better than the vid original!
ReplyDeleteKathyk
You are too kind. Thanks so much. Lx
DeleteOh Lauren she is truly and wonderfully magical! As Debs says give your inner critic a slap and ignore her. Everything about your page and thoughts are the true spirit of journaling. Your colouring is superb and your drawing very accomplished. I love the hair, the eyes, the everything. Believe is a very good prompt. We want lots more of you journaling ( said in my best teacher voice!). Loving the stencil and the effect of the GBGG. Hugs Cherry xxx
ReplyDeleteExcellent teacher voice Cherry. I believe I can hear your foot tapping from here :oD Thanks so much for your encouragement. Lx
ReplyDeleteHi Lauren . . . hopped over after Kathy K emailed me about your fantastic work. I must say I'm dead impressed. I think you've done a superb job. What? Me? Totally too intimidated to try it out! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Sarn xxx
Hi Sarn. Thanks so much for popping over to spur me on. Much appreciated. Look out, I'm coming over to your blog to give you a talking to :oD
ReplyDeleteLx
Oh don't get me wrong Lauren . . . I LOVE journaling . . . but I don't think I can face faces at the moment!!!! They are VERY difficult! You nailed it.
Deletexxx
Lauren Hatwell.....Mrs......this is quite simply AMAZING! The inner you has been screaming to get out and flutter the wings! Beautifully conditioned hair and a perfect pout......and that's just you.xxxx
Delete... Thanks lovely. And there I thought you were talking about my doggies :oD
DeleteShe is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Clare - a start at least :o)
DeleteFantastic drawing. I can't see any faults at all. She is beautiful :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Louise. Lx
DeleteShe's just lovely - and the textures in the page are wonderful, love the shimmer too. I believe (yes, that word) that art journalling should be exactly what you want it to be - so if you enjoy "footling with colour and placement" then why shouldn't you?! Every journal should be as unique as the person working in it. Having said that, I think it's also a place for experimenting and playing (not for perfection!!) - so huge congrats for stepping so beautifully outside your comfort zone.
ReplyDeleteAlison xx
Thanks Alison. That's good advice. Lx
DeleteShe is absolutely beautiful Lauren and her hair is perfect, lovely colours and sparkle - you should be really proud of yourself.
ReplyDeleteYou are completely right you know, it's your journal and you can do just what you like.
Pauline
x
Thanks Pauline. That might have to be my mantra for the next few weeks :oD Lx
DeleteLauren you are definitely too hard on yourself ! Your pages are AMAZING ! There's nothing wrong with the hair it looks fantastic and the movement you've created across the page coupled with the texture it's just gorgeous ! Sue C x
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Sue. Lx
DeleteWOW...WOW well what more can I say Lauren !! This is just fabulous and so beautifully drawn and coloured. The face is just beautiful.
Deletex catherine
Thanks Catherine..... How kind you are!
ReplyDeleteLx
Lauren, she is amazingly drawn and colored. I WISH! Faces are the hardest, and her eyes and face are so delicate and beautiful. Most of us have to get our satisfaction from coloring up someone elses art as in digis and rubber stamps. Absolutely beautiful...............
ReplyDeleteHugs
Sue
Hahaha...you have a new blog stalker! Thanks for the email follow button ;-)
ReplyDeleteYour fairy is just stunning Lauren...wow at those lashes!
Lovely to see you today dearie, I'm going back for more tomorrow!
Alison xxx
Great to see you too. It was really lovely to catch up, and to meet some of the PaperArtsy gang in person. What a great bunch you all are! Have a great time today. I must say I'm wishing I was coming along too. It was such fun yesterday.
DeleteThanks for dropping by :oD
Lx
Lauren, this is just lovely! I can't believe that you hadn't drawn for years! I love how you drew her eyes and those amazing lashes! I am a great believer in the idea that we can all draw and that we just have to let go and not be overly critical - then it's fun. Confidence really comes with practice. It was so nice to meet you at Ally Pally and put a face to the Mechanical Mouse Organ. I meant to say to you how much I loved Bagpuss and those little mice that could make just about anything! Your pumpkin was great too. Do you make ones that turn into magical coaches, or do you leave that to your beautiful fairy? xx
ReplyDeleteThank Julie Ann. You are right, of course, and I'll try to remember that. I did enjoy it and that's what it's all about at the end of the day. I'm going to keep going and hopefully I'll soon be jotting down ideas and sketches without blinking :oD It was lovely to meet you too yesterday. Wouldn't it be lovely if I could make magical pumpkins. Alas, mine was only papier mache :o) Lx
Delete