Have you ever tried keeping an art journal? I didn’t until I joined a Zoom session with Jessie Nilo from GodLovesArt.com. She talked about using your journal to create art in three ways: from your imagination, from real life, and by copying an artist you admire. She suggested doing one of each every week. I kind of made my own schedule, though—depending on how long each piece took me!
Art from My Imagination
When I draw from my imagination, I usually keep it light and playful. Sometimes I grab some chalk pastels and just create colorful abstract shapes—whatever comes to mind. But imagination doesn’t have to mean abstract. Since I’ve painted animals so many times, I’ve started challenging myself to take a reference photo and put the animal in a totally new pose.
Art From Real Life
Drawing from real life has been really fun, too. I’ve sketched things like a Fabergé egg, a sparkly necklace, and even a peacock-shaped decoration. At work, I help out in a middle school art class, and the teacher lets me draw during class time. So, I started sketching the students!
They’re not professional models, of course, and it’s hard for anyone to sit still for long. But a few of the portraits actually came out looking like them! I’d show the students the portraits as I worked on them, and once I finished, I’d offer the drawing to them. Most of them smiled and happily took it—some even showed their friends. A few said no thanks, and that’s totally fine too.
Copying Artists
Claude Monet is my favorite artist of all time. I’ve tried copying his paintings, and while mine don’t look quite like his (let’s be real!), I’ve still learned a lot. There’s a YouTube channel called Hey Painting where the artist recreates work in the style of the masters—Monet included. I’ll usually watch the video a couple of times and then paint along. I’ve ended up with some really pretty acrylic pieces, and each one taught me something new.
My Art Journal Setup
Now, I’ll be honest—my “art journal” isn’t just one journal. It’s more of a collection of sketchbooks, loose sheets of paper, computer paper, and actual art journals I’ve filled over the past few months. It’s a little chaotic, but it works!
I still do all three kinds of art regularly: real-life drawing (especially in the classroom), imagination (usually with a twist), and artist studies. I really believe it’s helping me grow as an artist.
So, what about you? Does this sound like something you’d like to try? I’d love to hear what inspires your art!
Sources and References:
God Loves Art. God Loves Art, https://godlovesart.com/. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.
Hey Painting. Monet Painting Tutorial — Step by Step Acrylic Monet Style, YouTube, 11 Apr. 2022, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCD6huvTHok&t=3s. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.