I have taught art for years, and the biggest complaints I hear are “I don’t have any time to create!” or “I’m just not the artistic type; I’m not a creative person!” Well, I believe we are all creative beings; we just need to unlock that part of our brains. Expressing ourselves creatively reduces stress and helps us see the world differently. It’s a way of seeing color, lines, textures and patterns.
I am a busy artist and the mom of two boys, so I know what it’s like to need more time in the day. I decided to come up with a method where people could express themselves creatively, whether they had five minutes or five hours.
A desk diary is used as the basis of an art journal to capture the moments in your days. This allows you to write down your schedule, journal your thoughts, capture glimpses that inspire you and document your life.
In Chapter 1, you’ll learn about all the materials you’ll need, taking into account your personal style.
Chapter 2 is where you’ll set up your journal for the whole year so you’ll always be ready to art journal.
Chapter 3 shows you how to add your own signature style to your journal.
In Chapter 4, you will discover ways to draw, use pen and ink, collage and watercolor. This will give you the skills and techniques you need to complete monthly, weekly and daily prompts.
Chapter 5 has twelve sections, one for each month. In those sections, you will find myriad resources and unlimited inspiration from quotes to prompts to project ideas for each month, week and day.
This book will become your creative bible—a well-spring to return to on a regular basis when you need a little something more. Whether you have never picked up a paintbrush or you are a seasoned artist, this method will lead you on a path to creativity. Everyone has five minutes, so if you have the desire, you have No Excuses!