Thank you for the shout out, Amy! I, of course, wholeheartedly agree with the message of this post. One of the big reasons to carry a journal, whether text or visual, is to be more present in our world and not let the devices distract us from our environment. I often meet people who don't know what they would write, because they're not used to expressing themselves in words. I urge them to draw, or doodle, even if just for a minute at a time, because so much of thinking processes itself that way, completely outside of words.
It’s so interesting how doodling and sketching accesses different creative parts of the brain. I’m trying to do more and ignore the imposter that frequently shows up (but gets quieter when I practice more!) thanks for your inspiration 🙌
Oh my goodness I love this so much. And you're so good!! I absolutely LOVE the vibes of the taped in watercolor pages. I've got a writing notebook I carry with me everywhere, but haven't yet figured out a more artsy-friendly thing that works for me--this is inspiring me to do it!
Thank you, Sarah! It's been so fun. You are such a good artist...your journal with art would be DELIGHTFUL! Monsters and trees and so many things. Do it and then show me (she demanded, haha :)
Haha, oh my goodness, the little kid with fine motor skill issues who still has a hard time thinking she can art just felt something heal inside her ;) You are the best! And keep sharing these watercolors and noteobok pages too!
I have been keeping a journal since I was nine years old... when I have moved or on special "Big" birthdays... I drag them out and re-read them. I am 53 years old now and am very thankful that I have kept most of them. It is an interesting view looking back. Seeing how far I have come in some aspects and in other ways how I am still the same. LOL I highly recommend keeping your journals. Recently I am encouraging my drawing creative side inspired by Kelsey Ervick she the one that brought me to Substack and this amazing community that inspires me when I take the time to read. Enjoyed your post keep up the great writing and sketching! You are very talented!
You are reminding me VERY MUCH of Austin Kleon with this post, and I mean that as a compliment! Love your sketches and paintings - esp the one of the English countryside with stone wall. Gorgeous colors! I haven’t broken out the watercolors, but I this morning finished YOU HAVE MORE TIME THAN YOU THINK - Laura Vandercamp - I think you introduced me to her - and she mentioned keeping a journal/ sketchbook around for those moments waiting in line, etc. Now you are advising this too… I think the universe is telling me something. Will do, boss! Have a great trip.
Thank you for the shout out, Amy! I, of course, wholeheartedly agree with the message of this post. One of the big reasons to carry a journal, whether text or visual, is to be more present in our world and not let the devices distract us from our environment. I often meet people who don't know what they would write, because they're not used to expressing themselves in words. I urge them to draw, or doodle, even if just for a minute at a time, because so much of thinking processes itself that way, completely outside of words.
It’s so interesting how doodling and sketching accesses different creative parts of the brain. I’m trying to do more and ignore the imposter that frequently shows up (but gets quieter when I practice more!) thanks for your inspiration 🙌
I'm glad to hear that. I'm doing a workshop on the subject this Sunday, and would be happy to comp you a seat if you're interested. ☺️
oh man, did I miss this??? was traveling out west…I would LOVE to participate in a workshop and will pay more attention to my messages here :)
Next time!
Oh my goodness I love this so much. And you're so good!! I absolutely LOVE the vibes of the taped in watercolor pages. I've got a writing notebook I carry with me everywhere, but haven't yet figured out a more artsy-friendly thing that works for me--this is inspiring me to do it!
Thank you, Sarah! It's been so fun. You are such a good artist...your journal with art would be DELIGHTFUL! Monsters and trees and so many things. Do it and then show me (she demanded, haha :)
Haha, oh my goodness, the little kid with fine motor skill issues who still has a hard time thinking she can art just felt something heal inside her ;) You are the best! And keep sharing these watercolors and noteobok pages too!
I have been keeping a journal since I was nine years old... when I have moved or on special "Big" birthdays... I drag them out and re-read them. I am 53 years old now and am very thankful that I have kept most of them. It is an interesting view looking back. Seeing how far I have come in some aspects and in other ways how I am still the same. LOL I highly recommend keeping your journals. Recently I am encouraging my drawing creative side inspired by Kelsey Ervick she the one that brought me to Substack and this amazing community that inspires me when I take the time to read. Enjoyed your post keep up the great writing and sketching! You are very talented!
I love to hear this, Connie! Kelsey is a big inspiration for me, too 💖
You have given me ideas and hope. I love to doodle . Going out for a trip to Spain. Will try. Thank you.
Can't wait to hear how it goes. Happy doodling (I love Spain!)
I love the prepping with taped-in watercolor (or other paper). So inviting!
It have been very fun :)
I love this and couldn’t agree more - it’s so joyful getting off your phone and keeping a sketch journal 😊
Thank you, Nikki...I'm trying to keep following my own knowing and advice :)
You are reminding me VERY MUCH of Austin Kleon with this post, and I mean that as a compliment! Love your sketches and paintings - esp the one of the English countryside with stone wall. Gorgeous colors! I haven’t broken out the watercolors, but I this morning finished YOU HAVE MORE TIME THAN YOU THINK - Laura Vandercamp - I think you introduced me to her - and she mentioned keeping a journal/ sketchbook around for those moments waiting in line, etc. Now you are advising this too… I think the universe is telling me something. Will do, boss! Have a great trip.
Oh man we almost overlapped in Scotland and London! I love your drawings and notes!
Kelcey, you have been a HUGE inspiration! I hope you enjoy your big trip!
Ha - and you have followed through!!! I’m in Idaho now. With my sketchbook and paints…will get off phone now :)