Turning Pain Into Art

You may have heard me say this a dozen times already, but art journaling is one of the things that is getting me through 2020. I journal with my classes, and I journal at home.

This particular journal I'm sharing with you is my home journal. The journal itself is an old writing journal from 24 years ago. I decided to transform that old pain - and the stress of 2020 - into art.
Almost all of the the art in this book is oil pastel (the art journaling we do in our Thursday classes can include painting, collage and/or oil pastels.)

There is something about oil pastels that really help you to work through things. Emotional things - especially anger and stress. Oil pastels are very tactile. You color with them, smudge them around...it's more physical than painting.
I recommend everyone keep an art journal - whether or not you're an artist. If you don't have oil pastels, try coloring with crayons or markers. If you don't have a journal, color on paper. If you have a journal - even an old one with writing - like the one in the video - make some art it it! Journals are great because you can close the cover when your done. Closing the cover is like sealing the energy: you worked out what you worked out, and you're done with it. 
Also, you are more free to experiment when you're working on paper. People tend to be less precious with their work when it's on paper.

Give a try and let me know how it goes!
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If you want to art journal with me, you can find the schedule right here, or join my free virtual art community at www.PaintThroughIt.com 
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