The gift of Journalfest

Visual journals are a very important part of my artistic expression. I am often asked, “What is a visual journal? Like a diary?” My answer is, “Well, not exactly. It is more like taking your sketchbook to a whole new level”. For me it is a visual documentation of my life, my dreams and desires. I combine thoughts, feelings, and memories through the written word, but for me it is primarily about the overall visual experience. At times the pages are immensely personal…yet at other times the pages are meant solely for experimenting with new mediums.

Journalfest (Art Retreat) is in 6 weeks, the end of October!!! Artists and instructors, from all over the country, will be teaching visual journaling techniques and bookart forms. If you have never been too an art retreat, this is one you deserve to go to. Consider the new book “Destination Creativity: The Life-Altering Journey of Art Retreat" by Rice Freeman Zachery. On Sale now at Amazon.com

My visual journals have altered my life as an artist, dramatically in fact. It may seem cliché, but for me it is true. My first experience with Journalfest, three years ago, was a highlight in my artist career. Last year, I wasn't anticipating just how much my artistic life was going to be altered but between the classes I participated in (both as an instructor and a "student") and the individuals I meet a shift happened in my soul. A very exciting shift! I strongly encourage all of you to give yourself the gift of an art retreat. Journalfest is an intimately size group of artists/craftsmen that are excited about exploring the art form of Visual Journaling. 

I will be teaching two classes this year at Journalfest, "Learning to See" and "The Savage Mirror". Visit the site for the full lineup of workshops and registration details. JournalFest 2011

Journalfest 2011

I am thrilled to share that I'll be teaching two workshops at Journalfest 2011. This years dates are October 26-30. All workshops will be posted by March 5th. The website is www.teeshamoore.com .

Here is a sneak peek at the descriptions of my two workshops, more info to come as the date approaches:

“The Savage Mirror”

 He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened. ~ Lua Tzu

The savage mirror sees all and will reflect all you wish to reveal or keep hidden. That little wrinkle, aurgh, why do I have a wrinkle there!?! The sweet little wrinkle has a story, as an art journalist isn’t it time to give it a voice and share it’s story, even if it is just between the two of you. Perhaps you have a story that has been kept in your heart that is ready to find a voice, it is part of you and gives you strength. Or perhaps you have a dream that needs to be brought forth, it is there in the mirror, don’t you see it?

Lets spend a day getting to know ourselves, seeing ourselves for who we truly are or where we really want to be. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of having to draw a portrait, we will get around that!! I promise. We come to the mirror to express what is in our hearts, through the use of guided exercises, collage, expressive drawing, painting, and writing. The savage mirror reflects those traits and dreams that the human eye cannot see but are nonetheless obvious when revealed.


“Learning to See”

I cannot begin to tell you how often I hear, “I can’t draw a straight line,” or “I can barely even a draw stick person.” I am convinced that anyone can learn to draw, however first you need to Learn To See. See as an artist does. Once you experience this, drawing skills can quickly be learned.

In this class you will learn useful drawing techniques that will help you see the world around you with a new vision, while learning to loosen up and draw without the crutch of an eraser. Together, we will be drawing found and/or everyday objects that are always in abundance. You will learn the difference between what we know about objects and what we see. After completing the ink drawing, you will learn some basic color theory and how to apply watercolor and colored pencil to your drawing to give it a visual punch.

Once comfortable with your new “vision”, we will explore a variety of pencil and pen techniques for applying value to our drawings, thus increasing the illusion of three-dimensional form. Some of these modeling techniques may include expressive line qualities, value relationships with the use of continuous tone, hatching, and cross-hatching.

If you have never been to Journalfest, I highly recommend giving yourself this 4 day gift!