Lately I’ve seen that lots of artists are doing art journals. At first, I was simply curious about the process but had absolutely no interest in starting one of my own.

My opinion gradually shifted, because I began to see the benefits of regular practice in the form of quick sketches based on real life observations. Many of these artists use archival ink to sketch, then use watercolor. I have very little experience in either, but given my New Year’s resolution to finally illustrate my children’s story, I decided that starting an art journal of my own would be a good idea.

I created my first page this evening, using archival ink pens and then watercolors with water brushes. I worked on it quickly, just trying to get the idea down.

Water brushes are new to me, and take some getting used to. And as I’ve said, I’ve done very little with watercolors.

I’m looking forward to seeing my efforts improve as I fill my new journal. Here’s to hoping that, if practice is unable to make perfect, it will at least make better.