An Abstract Journal Page

Sometimes we just need to create without a purpose or a title.

Sometimes, it's just nice to be able to play without an end in mind.

That's pretty much what I did here ....

just play and experiment...

do something, and change my mind about doing THAT again

....like it....

then hate it.

Have you been there?!?!

I created this page a while back, but decided to save it. And now I think it's time to share it with you.

So I started with a single kraft-colored page in Finnabair's Mixed Media Spiral Bound Journal.  

First I randomly covered the page with a layer of Heavy White Gesso using an old silicone texture tool.

(Just wait until you see Finnabair's new collection of these brushes.)

Then I added a 3 colors of Golden Heavy Body Acrylic paints, Quinacridone Magenta, Ultramarine Violet and Titan Buff.  I moved them around with a brush. They are a very high-pigmented paint that has a really vibrant color when applied over a white background. 

I used a couple of tools to draw and make marks in the thick paints before they dried.

When dry, I added White Crackle Paste with the Checker Stencil. 

I wrote some words with calligraphy pens using gold and black ink. Then I used the Flourish Stencil and Turquoise paint to add more stenciling. 

Next I sprayed a bit of Gold Mica Powder+Water and let it drip.  

The next layer is stamps. Here I used the Messy Clear Stamp with Sepia Archival Ink, and the Fishnet Clear Stamp with Jet Black Archival Ink. 

Then I added drops of White Bombay Ink in places, and sprayed with a bit of water. In hindsight, I wish I'd not sprayed the water. It spread and thinned the ink. I liked it better before....live and learn.

In looking at it from a distance, I thought it had the beginnings of a clock face...so my next step was to add more black lines to finish that illusion.

The stamping and drops of white ink were cool, but I took a fine black waterproof pen and highlighted lots of them. 

Not all the squares of Crackle, just some. 

And the Fishnet stamp looked even better when it was outlined.

The Gold spray made it really hard to get a picture without a glare, but this is pretty good.

Actually, like my husband said, "it's really a lot brighter in person."

I edged it with some Black Archival Ink and a sponge applicator and some Copper Inka Gold. 

It makes it even darker, so maybe that is a lesson learned, too.

I share the good, the bad, and the ugly.....well, maybe the ugly goes into the trash, but I shared what I might do differently here to bare my soul.

Your Friend in ART,

Linda