Spring Art Journalling at Home

Combining visual art, writing, and crafting (and optional bookbinding), this series of virtual classes will have you exploring the beauty of the season and some new skills all guided by artist and writer Julie Galante

Every week you will experiment with a different creative techniques and then apply that to a bigger DIY project that investigates the world around you. You'll fill a sketchbook up with writing, images and more that are all prompted by different creative assignments. Some of these fun activities can be completed from the comfort of your own home, or you can head out into your local area and unearth treasures outside.

In small groups over five live online session, you will watch demonstrations and take part in hands-on activities. In between the online classes, there will be some at home work for you to complete and an optional facebook group to keep you connected.

You will then be encouraged to dive deeper into whatever direction interests you the most. Whether that is a series of written reflections, sketches, collages, photographs, mixed-media pieces or a totally unique combination.

This virtual experience also offers an additional learning opportunity where you can learn bookbinding from pre-recorded classes. These videos will look at ways you can combine your journalling elements into a series of art books that marry form and content.

Beginner-friendly.
  If you already have some art supplies on hand, use those! Below is a recommended list of things you may like to have to hand, but don’t feel like you need to go out and buy everything on the list.

• Sketchbooks in any size you’d like - I find an A5 one is good for carrying around, and an A4 or larger one is nice for home/studio work.
• Several large (around A2) sheets of heavyweight drawing paper or mixed-media paper such as Daler Rowney Smooth Heavyweight Cartridge Pad.
• Several sheets of tracing paper and/or acetate.
• Several sheets of newsprint or another thin paper (printer paper will do).
• Magazines, newspapers, and other papers that can be used for collage.
• A small set of watercolours or another wet medium such as gouache, drawing ink, or acrylic ink.
• A couple of tubes of acrylic paint.
• Drawing materials of your choice, such as coloured pencils or pastels.
• Pens and/or pencils for writing and sketching.
• Paint pens (Posca or similar).
• Scissors.
• Glue stick.

Optional items

• A printer.
• Acrylic matte medium or Mod Podge.
• A brayer or small paint roller.
• Any additional art supplies you happen to have on hand that you’d like to incorporate!

Bookbinding materials for the pre-recorded class

• Greyboard.
• A4 or A3 pad of cartridge paper (130-170gsm) such as this one.
• Ruler.
• Glue stick.
• Uhu glue.
• Awl.
• Bonefolder.
• Straight bookbinding needle.
• Waxed linen thread or embroidery thread waxed yourself with beeswax.

After the first session, the next session is: 12th April, 26th April, 3rd May, 24th May (starting at 6pm)