I watched this YouTube video from artist Cathy Johnson a few weeks ago. It explains how to quickly make your own no-sew, inexpensive, yet high-quality watercolor journal using a sheet of watercolor paper (but you could use any paper you like). I finally had a chance to go ahead and make it yesterday. This top image is the “cover” of my new journal, which will give me 32 pieces of 5 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ watercolor paper for my art journaling delight! Can’t beat it for the price of about $4/sheet at Blick (for Arches 140# cold-press).
I did this ^^ painting in my store-bought art journal (which isn’t “real” watercolor paper) the night before last as kind of a warm-up to the top one. I kind of think this one is better, with more empty space and no water-soluble crayons in the background. A little cleaner, I guess. Hub likes the busier one best. Which do you like better? Or maybe you prefer neither one. hehe.
Looking forward to doing some plein air paintings this fall…..really gotta get my tree painting on. If anyone can recommend any books/videos on painting watercolor trees, they’d be most appreciated.
Eek! I almost forgot Draw A Bird Day is tomorrow! Better get flapping on that…..Happy Labor Day Monday, and peace to all.