Refresh Daily Book Review: Art Journal Courage by Dina Wakley

I thought I'd re-share a full art journal spread, It's a Celebration, in conjunction with my book review.

Art Journaling is one of my favorite activities and one of my favorite subjects! So when I see an art journal-focused book, I'm always eager to get my hands on it and see what the author has to share from inside her studio. 

Dina Wakley is one of my favorite art journal artists. I previously read her book, Art Journal Freedom, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love her vibrant colors and her fun, layered approach to art. 

I decided to check out her newest title, Art Journal Courage. Now I know it takes courage to keep an art journal, since it is a personal discovery and journey to create art from the heart. With all that listening and choosing and doing and learning more about ourselves in the process. For me, it's a way of giving myself a place to express how I feel on any given day and to show appreciation for those feelings, thoughts and insights I gain as I create visually. 

I love the range of ideas Dina speaks to, like using your own handwriting, using yourself in your art journal, and layering with stencils as well as drawing, trying new techniques and playing without a plan. 

The first thing I noticed with Dina is her voice. I love how she addresses the fears of what we think we can't do in our journal and her way of showing us that we can do all these things and it's not nearly as challenging and difficult as we might think. She has a no-nonsense approach and yet has a super friendly way of saying it. 

Encouragement is Key in her message. Courage to just try it and see if you like it. 

There are lots of step by step photos in every chapter along with guided text that makes sense and is easy to follow. 

This year I happen to be using stencils a bit more, even making a few of my own. So I was keenly interested in Dina's approach to stenciling and I wasn't disappointed. I love her way of using stencils, such as layering and making super awesome backgrounds. 

She provides some fabulous journaling and art journaling prompts in the form of lists to help get you started so you have something to initiate the whole creative process. 

She shares a complete list and images of her favorite art journaling tools and products and why she loves them so much. I appreciate the Why part since it gives me a clearer understanding of what works for her and whether or not it would work for me. And that's important so you can have an idea of any new products you think you may want to try and not feel overwhelmed in the process. 

Dina takes the Scare out of Drawing, Layering, Altering Photos and Stamping and Stenciling so you can feel confident about trying something new and have FUN in the process. 

Lots of bold, rich color is featured as well as lots of examples of art from her journal to inspire and give you ideas to run with. 

Art Journal Courage is playful, artful, and easy-going in tone yet Dina provides enough juicy content to make it worth your while. 

I know I've got some fab new ideas to run with and can't wait to get started! 

Copyright 2015 by Dawn Herring