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Read more about the article Unplug and Recover Now Art Journal Page
Tea time

Unplug and Recover Now Art Journal Page

I love this quote; to me it means disconnect from everything and rest and then you will be able to start again refreshed. [br][br] I often tell my students that an art journal is a great place to try out ideas and even get new ones. That was the case with this page. Having made the page I thought it would work better as a gif which could show the before and after of being unplugged. My concept of a cat being plugged in by its tail could probably use some work but it was a fun idea so I went with it.

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Read more about the article Progress not Perfection Art Journal Page

Progress not Perfection Art Journal Page

This post is about week 1 of my upcoming course "Art Journal Quotes" which will take place in Flint library, North Wales. The page is made around the quote: "Progress not Perfection". I think this is an important thing to keep in mind especially for people recovering from mental illness or dealing with it on a regular basis. It is also very relevant to artists who can often feel their work isn't good enough.

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Read more about the article Trying Out New Styles – Manga Love
Reuse wrapping paper

Trying Out New Styles – Manga Love

Sometimes it happens ... you can run out of enthusiasm for your usual way of creating. Then it's time to shake things up. Why not try a different style? I am doing this currently with a book I have by *** on Manga and have reimagined some of his art, picking up some Manga tips in the process.

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Read more about the article 3 Funky Easter Card Designs – Bunnies Card Ideas
Pink and pondering 'chocolate or chicks ?'

3 Funky Easter Card Designs – Bunnies Card Ideas

Easter is fast approaching and thoughts are turning to chocolate ...... and the Easter bunnies on this year's card designs are turning to eggs, chocolate or hatching ones.[br][br]Easter is a great time of year to be art journaling with plenty of inspiration for characters and colour. There’s bunnies, lambs, chicks of all sorts of birds and not to mention all the weird and wonderful ways you could combine them to create unique/unusual characters on your journal pages. What about an Easter dinosaur? Of course children’s characters are great in pastel Easter colours and dinosaurs are great children’s characters. Do you have a child who would enjoy creating an Easter dinosaur with you?

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Read more about the article It’s Too Expensive!
Mixed media on A2 acrylic paper

It’s Too Expensive!

Sometimes it really IS too expensive ... but there are also other times when something's value is higher even than its price point. Let me try to explain my thinking ....[br][br]

Value and Cost are not Always Equal

A great example is Amazon Prime shopping. Although I know the prices are inflated I find the reduced stress of not having to navigate busy shops to maybe find what I’m looking for is often worth it. Sometimes cost might be far too high for the value you might place on an item for example, for me designer shoes cost the earth but do not have as much value as arch supports. Another example is the cost of a good holiday. If it rejuvenates you and helps you cope better with your day to day then its value is probably higher than its cost to you. Travel insurance is another good case in point.

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Read more about the article Why You Should Buy Art …
Ink and acrylic on 20" x 30" canvas

Why You Should Buy Art …

Years ago I lived in Africa with my family for a few years. My dad loved the country and the wildlife with a special interest in the birds, having always been a keen birdwatcher. As a result we spent a fait amount of time visiting nature reserves. A peculiar feature of business there was that artists would sell their crafts and art at the side of the road. This is how my dad acquired a few nice pieces depicting birds and the landscape that still remind him of the things he loved about the area to this day.[br][br]

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Read more about the article The Colours Won’t Work
Yellow cast

The Colours Won’t Work

Just 'picture' this ... you see a painting/print that you just love BUT it is in bright oranges, reds and yellows. You think and think about where you could hang it but all your rooms are in blues and greens. You decide you couldn't live with something stamding out so much on your wall but it is with a wistful sigh that you leave the painting on the shelf. Of course you might decide to buy it on a card or product if that option is available but it might not be.

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