Creative Journaling for Artists, Laura Menzies

Creative Journaling for Artists (rec)

Mixed Media / Personal Development

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Course details

In this course you will be encouraged to explore creative play in your art journals, allowing you to capture your personal curiosities and interests to develop your visual language and bring clarity to your practice.

Creative Journaling for Artists, Laura Menzies

Join artist Laura Menzies, in this four part series, as she shares her tips and tricks to help you kick start your own art journaling practice. Laura will talk about how she used a combination of painting, sketching, colour notes, collage and text to document inspiration whilst travelling recently in India.

Creative play through drawing, painting and colour exercises will help you to strengthen your connection to yourself and written prompts will help you to generate new ideas and perspectives. You will be looking at other artists and how they use art journaling in their art practices alongside completing exercises that will be the foundation for your own exploration. Over the duration of the course you will be working with acrylic paints, inks, collage, stencils and other gathered found materials and handmade tools.

Why can a creative journal be such a valuable tool for an artist?

The scribbles, notes and creative discoveries that you make in a sketchbook/journal can help to bring clarity to your art process, as you identify common themes and recurring motifs that you are drawn to. Reflecting on these will give you an insight into how your style has developed over time and will help to feed and develop other works of art. It is a safe, personal space for you that doesn’t have to be polished or finished. 

By the end of this course, you will have gained new skills that will help boost your confidence and guide your art practice when you are feeling stuck or prior to starting a bigger project. 

To get the most out of this course, you are encouraged to watch, take notes, and then work through the tasks that Laura will set you in between the sessions. You will then have the chance to share these completed tasks in the Facebook Alumni Group with your fellow students. 

Course Structure

Part 1 – Introductory Session

Setting the Scene: Laura will share her insights into why creative journaling is an important process to strengthen the connection to oneself.  Laura will introduce the materials and media that you will be using and exploring in the course. Hear her tips and rituals around preparing for the creative process.  

Part 2 – Ways In

Ways In:  This session will be about loosening up and experimentation. Start to build your own toolbox of go to exercises that will help you build confidence within your art practice. Expect to dive into some drawing exercises, discover colour palettes that reflect your personal style, explore mark making and collage.  

Part 3 – Exploration of Place

Exploration of Place:  Explore the items that you have gathered from a special place. Incorporate them into your creative journals through processes such as printing and stencilling. See how these items can inspire the shapes that you draw or be used themselves, to make the tools and brushes that you work with.

Part 4 – Building and Reflection

Building and Reflection:  Laura will spend this session demonstrating building up layers and combining the techniques learnt in previous sessions.  Incorporate writing into your practice and spend some time looking back, reflecting and connecting the threads.  To round up the course, Laura will talk about taking the leap from page to canvas.

What will I learn?

  • Ways to connect back to yourself and spark your creativity
  • Enjoy the freedom to explore, play and loosen up without judgement
  • How to work with acrylic, inks, collage and other mixed media in a sketchbook
  • How to gather inspiration and new ideas easily
  • How to work with found tools and materials
  • Tips on taking the leap from a page to a canvas

Who would this course suit?

No specials skills are needed, just being open to where the course may take you.  The course would suit those who are just starting on their creative journey and would benefit from a safe space to explore materials or ideas, and those who would like to explore the possibilities of starting a sketchbook practice.

There is no need for a designated studio space for this course. The exercises can be completed in various locations, whilst traveling or at home with limited materials.

Creative Journaling for Artists (rec)

Mixed Media / Personal Development

Purchase

Taught by

Laura
Menzies

View Laura’s Work

My teaching focuses on sharing my ideas, enthusiasm and techniques, in a playful and experimental way. My aim is that participants will come together to learn and explore and to start to develop their own visual language, which they can use as a springboard for their own studio work.

What to Bring

A list of materials will be available to see in your account upon purchasing the course.

You will need access to the internet and ideally a PC, laptop or a tablet with audio.

What our students say

Just happiness and a good tutor of course.

It was a great privilege to be allowed to share in Laura’s very personal journals and she was an inspiring and very generous tutor. Thank you so much Laura.

I just loved the way Laura made it seem so easy and uncomplicated.

I found the whole thought process that your journal is your private space and you don’t have to share so refreshing. Just a fantastic structure which I hope is going to enable me to re-establish my working practice. Thank you so much, very much appreciated.

The course removes the pressure to produce something ‘perfect’ – and then be dissatisfied with it! By journaling one can capture brief moments, thoughts, feelings, images which have somehow made an impact. I find by reflecting on them later this leads to a better formed idea of a finished piece – which of course then has a much more personal impact.

FAQs

Art Courses

Do I need any previous art experience?

Not always. We offer courses for all levels, including complete beginners, intermediate students and more experienced artists. You can look for the experience level listed on the individual course page to find the most suitable option for you. If you need any guidance on what course might suit you best, contact on our friendly team on 01736 797180 and they will be able to help.

Online Art Courses

How do I log in to my online account?

To log in to your account, please follow these steps:

  1. Go to our website: www.schoolofpainting.co.uk
  2. Click on the ‘Log in’ button (usually found near the top right of the page)
  3. Enter the email address and you used when booking
  4. Click “Log in” to access your account

Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your bookings, outstanding payments, online courses and any relevant account information.

If you’ve forgotten your password, simply click ‘Forgot password?’ on the login page and follow the instructions to reset it.

If you have any trouble accessing your account, please email us and we’ll be happy to help.

Can I learn painting online from home?

Yes. Our online painting courses allow you to learn from professional artists wherever you are. You can pause demonstrations, revisit lessons and work through practical exercises in your own time.

Are online art courses suitable for beginners?

Many of our online art courses are suitable for beginners. Course descriptions explain the recommended level, materials and experience so that you can choose a course that feels manageable and relevant to your interests.

How do online art courses work?

Once you have purchased an online course, you can access it through your account and work through the video tuition and supporting resources at a time that suits you. Access periods vary from 60 – 180 days, just check the individual course page before booking.

For live webinars, once you book a place, we will share a link with you in advance so you can join us at the relevant start time – this is typically via Zoom. A recording of the webinar will be shared with you after the webinar so you can re-watch in your own time.

Do you offer online art courses?

Yes. We have more than 90 online art courses covering painting, drawing, colour, landscape, abstraction, mixed media and other creative subjects. The courses are taught by practising artists and can be followed from home at your own pace.

How do I choose the right art course?

Start by considering how you would like to work. You may want to learn a particular medium, improve a skill such as drawing or colour mixing, explore a subject such as landscape or still life, or develop a more personal approach. Each course page explains the content, materials, level and teaching approach to help you decide. Our friendly, helpful team are always available to help further.

Please call us on 01736 797180 to discuss your options or email [email protected].

Who teaches your art courses?

Our courses are led by practising artists – including Jill Eisele, Alice Mumford, Iona Sanders and Neil Canning – all with extensive knowledge of their chosen subjects and materials. Each tutor brings their own artistic experience, working methods and approach to teaching, giving students the opportunity to experience a wide range of ideas and techniques.

In Person Courses

How large are your art classes?

Our studio courses are taught in small groups of around 10 to 12 people, allowing tutors to provide individual guidance alongside group demonstrations and discussions.

What is included in an art course?

Course fees include professional tuition from a practising artist and use of the School’s studio facilities. Materials and equipment are all included in our in person courses, workshops and life drawing sessions – so you can just turn up and get started. Teas and coffees are also provided throughout the day.

Can I attend an art course on my own?

Absolutely. Many students come to St Ives School of Painting independently. Courses offer a welcoming and sociable environment, with plenty of opportunities to meet other people who share an interest in making and learning.

How do I get my work home?

Tutors have special techniques for transporting oil paintings and for our 3 day courses we will give you a plastic folder with a handle. These are also available to purchase for £3.50 or do bring a portfolio.

Please note: For the course Bigger, Bolder, Braver with Boo Mallinson, we will provide a large A1 size plastic folder for your work but please consider how you will be able to transport the larger canvases home safely before signing up for the course as we will not be able to store large paintings in the studio. On this course you will be painting on a 50cms x 50cms and a 1m x 1m canvas alongside smaller pieces.

For international students we are happy to arrange transportation of your work back home, postal costs will be borne by you.

What do I need to bring?

You don’t need to bring anything with you unless we specify beforehand. All materials, aprons and tools are provided, however some people do like to bring along their favourite set of brushes or sketchbooks.

What do I do for lunch?

Courses allow an hour’s break for lunch and there are numerous places nearby or you are welcome to bring a packed lunch into the studio.

What times do courses run?

Most of our courses start at 10am and end at 4.30pm on the first day. Subsequent days we start at 9.30am ending at 4pm.

Short workshops start at 10am in the Summer and 9.30am/ 1.30pm during September festival


Can I bring my dog?

The studios are busy places with lots of equipment and not suitable for bringing a pet dog. We can accommodate assistance dogs with prior notice so we can make suitable adjustments. If you wish to bring an assistance dog please call 01736 797180 or email [email protected]

Choosing an Art Course

Do you run life drawing classes in St Ives?

Yes. We hold regular life drawing sessions in St Ives, including Thursday evening and Saturday morning classes. These welcoming, tutored sessions are open to a range of experience levels and provide an opportunity to practise drawing from a life model. Our life drawing sessions are held just a 5 minute walk from our studios at The Island Centre.

Do you offer art courses for adults?

Yes. We run art classes and courses for adults throughout the year, from accessible introductory workshops to more intensive courses for people looking to deepen their creative practice.

What types of painting can I learn?

Our courses cover a wide range of approaches, including oil painting, acrylic painting, watercolour, gouache, landscape painting, still life, portraiture and abstraction. We also offer courses exploring colour, composition, mark-making and creative confidence.

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