Art Journal Courage: Fearless Mixed Media Techniques for Journaling Bravely

by Dina Wakley

Gather Your Art Journal Supplies:

- Journal
- Pens
- Paint
- Courage!
Discover the techniques and courage you need to journal bravely! With Dina's help, you'll begin by working through any fears you have of using your own handwriting. You'll get journaling prompts and techniques to help you develop a handwriting style you'll love and words you'll want to write! Then, you'll move onto drawing: you'll learn not only how to train your hand, but also how to appreciate your own unique drawing ability. As you continue through the eight chapters, you will learn additional mixed-media techniques to help you overcome your fears of new materials, using photos of yourself, creating layers, working without a plan and much more.

Put your worries aside and create fearlessly!

You'll find:

- Eight common journaling fears dispelled
- Twenty techniques to give you art journal courage
- Dozens of colorful art journal pages to inspire your own art

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Crafts, Journaling, Reference, Creative

128 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2014

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lot of skimming through this one - I did make notes on some of the supplies and techniques she used, but her style involves a lot of faces (not what I'm interested in including in my journal) and, apparently, using orange and fuchsia over and over and over.

[Cheryl Turtlemoon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was the first arty book I bought and I found it both educational as well useful. It’s a great introduction to art journaling and explains much about colours and techniques. A must for any art journaler!

[Tully Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I don't think of myself as being afraid to do anything in art journaling, but this book was still great with ideas and techniques that I find myself referring to now and then. Like her first book, she discusses a "fear" then demonstrates how to overcome it with several step-by-step techniques that are just fun. Because she breaks it down so well, it's easier to learn. While her style may not be for everyone, her techniques and ideas are easily adapted. This is one of my favorite books in this genre.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

So if you are new to art journaling or just stuck and need some ideas/prompts then this is the book to go with. I've been searching all over for a good journal prompt and how to art journal type book and this is it! Lots of pictures, lots of detailed instructions...everything is easy enough to modify with the supplies you already have or you can purchase her recommended choices. I can't recommend this book highly enough, I learned so much from it!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not really an art journalist, but I learned some interesting new techniques to try in my sketchbook. Also a list of expensive supplies to acquire. Lol. The author’s open and inspirational spirit definitely shines in this book, and I’ll look for others by her. Although the fear/courage manifesto is a little lost on me, I know that others will probably value it.

[Vivian Wiltshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this book before and then lost interest in this style of art journaling but since the pandemic and lockdown I have taken a second look at all my art supplies including this book and have found a renewed interest. I told a lot of time to really get into the techniques and found I really enjoyed myself. I have always loved Dina Wakley and her style and use a lot of her products in my art room but now I have been really enjoying trying her style more. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars and will keep this book in my art room for further reference!

[Carol Ann Radle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for a beginner in multi media

The directions are concise and the supply lists are very helpful. The examples are beautifully illustrated and explained. I have purchased and read many books on multi media. This one is by far the best and will be my go-to reference. I purchased the kindle version but will be buying the paperback so I can carry it with me.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! It really encourages you to look inwards for inspiration and includes many different writing prompts you can use later in your artwork. The format & layout of the book is also very easy to follow.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like Dina Wakley's style, especially her use of color. This book provides information on how she creates.

For beginners, there is also quite a lot of information on what to journal, where to start.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many great ideas in this book, and so much inspiration. Things I would have never thought of and art supplies I would have never known about, not being trained in any kind of visual arts. An excellent resource all around. :-)

[lorraine mcknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous book, full of practical exercises to help you flex your art muscles. Loved this book, a must have for mixed media newbies.

Fabulous book, full of practical exercises to help you flex your art muscles. Loved this book, a must have for mixed media newbies.

[Kat Kaye Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! I can't WAIT to get started in my new Art Journal.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a fun read, with lots of tips for making art. Not a lot of variety in style, but it works well for the artist/author.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting ideas, good presentation. I wish the step-by-step had accompanying images.

[Julian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and inspiring

This is a great book for someone looking for creative inspiration. Clear directions and beautiful pictures make this a wonderful art tutorial book.

[Alexis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I marked a few pages to review/refresh my knowledge at a later date. Good technique book for a newbie, though. There were a few redundant chapters but all-in-all a solid reference.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a good helpful book and you found out what her favorite colors were.

[Brenda Eichner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luv to journal

Diana shows multiple uses a different methods in her work. Itis really beautiful to see and gives you great inspiration for going forward

[Bryna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked up some new tips for art journaling.

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Organize in the same way as her Art Journal Freedom, this book is more of an intermediate level with additional techniques and more focus on color theory.

[Jacqueline Nyathi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super inspiring!

[debbie-anne Hogarth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of ideas and inspiration.


I just wish that on the teaching pages, there were pictures of the 'final' work...

[Nadia · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Some people hold themselves back. They tell themselves they can't create the art they long to create. They think they can't draw. Or that they don't know how to layer...

Let's stop the self-doubt and negative self-talk and open yourself up to possibility and progress. I want you to be open and willing to make art you don't like...

By facing and acknowledging your fears, you can garner the courage to press on despite them. Practice and devotion will help you conquer those fears and create with courage. When you create with courage, you will create more art and better art than you ever have before."
What Is Art Journal Courage? - pg. 5

I found this book to be Written from a forthright perspective, which made it comprehensive and constructive. In eight chapters, Dina breaks down Writing, Drawing, Layering, Not Planning, New Techniques, and more in order to create the space necessary for the Artist to explore, experiment, and evolve their practice. Each chapter starts with the underlying fear, accompanied by an affirming statement, then various techniques complemented by step-by-step instructions with photos, and ending with an Extra Inspiration image that can be used to take the technique to the next level. This is a significant resource that I'll be utilizing regularly.

[Mimi Harvey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas for journaling!

This book will give you a range of techniques to add to your art. There is a sameness to her work that I find a little too restrictive but as a resource for techniques to "make your own", this book is a keeper!

[Johanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Dina Wakley! This is such and inspirational book. It's a great follow up to Art Journal Freedom. It's hard for me to really talk about the books separately. I borrowed them both at the same time through Kindle Unlimited and don't have them anymore. Her use of color, stencils, and her ideas and examples are just amazing! I learned so much about how to use colors, she is an advocate of learning the rules so you can break the rules. I love that. I am not a traditional art journaler. by that I mean I focus more on collage that doesn't involve paint or spray inks. I also doodle and draw a lot. Even though our styles differ, I learned so much from both of her books. And learned so much from them, that I could integrate into my style, and step out of my comfort zone as well. I don't have a lot of money to spend on books, but I definitely would buy the paperback versions of these books. I look forward to reading more Dina Wakely Art books.

[sd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring with great ideas and resources as well as direction.

Inspiring how to but you will adapt to your style. Wakley is very generous with information and you will be approaching your art practice in a new way.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

9/10

[HadiDee]

I use mostly pen and ink but this inspired me to branch out. There is a fair bit of repetition but I like her writing style and sense of fun.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book with many great projects.