Beauty in the Unexpected: How Reversing the Routine Elevates Your Art

A Grid Journaling Tutorial

Creating art in my grid journal is such a gratifying process, especially when it involves combining various techniques and materials to develop depth and texture.

Recently, I explored the dynamic interplay of black gesso with contrasting colors, which really pushed me to shift the typical sequence I follow in my art-making process. Typically, I lay down lighter colors first, but this time, I decided to start with a bold, dark base. The result was dramatic and striking as it allowed the vibrant hues to pop in contrast, offering a playful challenge to my usual workflow. This kind of experimentation not only refreshes my perspective but also brings an element of surprise to the artwork itself!

Another highlight of this grid journal spread was incorporating light molding paste. I mixed it with one of my favorite yellows and the texture created was phenomenal! It stood out prominently against the dark background and added physical depth that catches the eye and invites touch. Using a wooden skewer, I carved through the paste to reveal the underlying layers, adding a tactical element that’s both visual and engaging.

Each step in this process, from the initial loose scribbles with a Posca marker to the final detailed marks with a white charcoal pencil, builds upon the last. This layering technique is crucial for achieving complexity in each piece.

Switching up the order of applications or introducing new materials like molding paste has never failed to rejuvenate my creative spirit. Each choice and each stroke builds upon the previous ones, yet it’s the willingness to cover up and overwrite earlier layers that truly allows the new artwork to emerge. Embracing the unpredictability of this process is part of what makes art journaling so thrilling—it's a continuous journey of discovery, where each page turns into a fresh adventure.

Need some help drawing your boxes in your grid journal? I created a template for that!

Download it for Free