November 14, 2005
Page 2
I am a wimp. When I begin a new journal, I start on the second page. There was one journal that I started painting on the first page and I still don't like my results. So page two it is.
I use collage techniques, gouache paints and patience. This painting took lots of patience. I kept messing up and forcing myself to stay with it. I like it now, though I was bummed out about it several times in the course of painting it.
All of this is done in a new Moleskine sketchbook, which has become my journal of choice. It has stiff Bristol Board like paper, a pocket in the back of the book to hold found objects and needed information, and an elastic band to keep it all tidy and neat.
I love to go on internet jaunts. And this one is going to make me get my credit card out...
Pencils.
All of this was after a day of painting in my journal which is addictive in itself. But really if you think about it, it makes sense that I would fall in love with pencils after a day of painting. Here is the blog that started it, Pencil Revolution. As I was reading a post by the seemingly crazy Humdog, I began to think what a good idea it would be to go pencil shopping today.
On
my
day
off, when I usually sew, all-day-long.
I don't like to shop, don't like the thought of going out either.
It is probably a good thing though. Good that I found these pencils online, that is...
Click on the photo to find an online store that sells them.
This whole jaunt started off because I had to see what the folks over at the Moleskinerie were doing. I don't think I like them anymore. They are a bad influence.
Now I am shutting off my computer entirely (if I don't I will venture down here to check email and get lost in distraction). and am going up to my studio to sew all-day-long.
No shopping, no distraction.
someone sent this to me & i thought of you: http://www.kweaverarts.com/
thanks for the compliment! i love your orange fabric & most especially the nina simone portrait & not just because i love nina simone. i have been inspired by your work to try to be more free with mine & i think it's finally happening. i've been really down lately & channelling that into my sewing has interesting results & is also uplifting.
Hi Melly,
Glad to see you back into your journals again! It was a treat to find you on Moleskinerie. Congrats!
Karen
I finally finished my last sketchbook and bought a moleskin. But I've been too chicken to draw in it. My sketchbooks are messy, not beautiful like yours!
Posted by: PaMdora at November 15, 2005 12:02 AMOhhh...I really want a Moleskine now. Peer pressure's so horrible, LOL. No, really, I love keeping journals and artowrk in bound books like this. I've been doing that since jr. high. Not very big on spirals or sketchpads at all.
Posted by: Elle at November 17, 2005 09:50 PMYou say painting it took alot of patience - but I was wondering how long it took - a couple of hours?
And I just wanted to add that I really like the spread
Melanie... you have such great style! I love every piece here. And you have great taste too. Those pencils are stunning. I am so eager to see more of The Man. He is coming along so well.
Posted by: Deborah at November 25, 2005 10:27 PMThese are gorgeous pages. I had just posted to EDM about whether gouache could work on moleskines. Boy have you showed mee how they can! And your writing is a trip--VERY funny, VERY right on.
Posted by: kamuelacrol at March 23, 2006 07:58 PMThat is a beautiful spread. Your textile background shines through. Thanks for the tip on the edm site about painting in a moleskine.
Posted by: melissa at March 23, 2006 07:59 PMHi Melanie;
I really like your journal pages. The colours are very dessert like and I think the pages turned out great! Your idea of starting a new journal on the second page is a good one. Think I'll try that when it's time for a new book.
Posted by: Bonny at March 23, 2006 08:45 PM