Art Journaling for Beginners

Last Updated on February 17, 2023 by Tracey McGrath

Art journaling is a great way to create a daily art practice.  You can use your art journal as a creative outlet and as a way to tune into your emotions.  You can use watercolors, acrylic paint, ink, pencil, pastel, and/or collage in your art journal.  I recommend using only materials found around the home to keep it as simple as possible.

Start with Blank Canvas or Paper

You will need some supplies before starting your art journal. These include a blank piece of paper or canvas or an art journal like this mixed media journal from Strathmore. A pen or pencil set, watercolor paints, brushes, and other tools. If you do not own any supplies, you can buy them at any craft store.  I love Blick Art for my art supplies.  Remember to keep it simple though.  So a pen and paper are all you need to get started! 

Choose a Time

Choose a time of day that you can consistently add to your art journal.  This is especially important if you’re just getting started.  I recommend setting aside at least 5 minutes for your art journaling.  Remember to start small but get started!  If you need help creating habits check out my article on Creating Healthier Habits.     

Choose a Theme

Choosing a theme for your art journal is helpful if you’re a beginner.  So you’re not faced with the blank page and that dreaded thought of “I don’t know what to draw”.   Suggested themes could be animals or landscapes.  Or you could choose to draw mandalas. Check out my article on Mandalas with Meaning for some examples. Or you could add beautiful doodles like ZenTangles inside different shapes. 

You could choose to draw your self-portrait each day.  You could look in magazines for images to recreate.  Whatever you choose I recommend sticking with one theme for about a week.  This gives you the opportunity to work within that theme.  And this also relieves some pressure to come up with something to draw.

Draw, Paint, Collage or Use Other Mediums

You can choose any type of media you like to work with.  I recommend keeping it simple.  Begin with a piece of white paper and a pen or pencil.  I like using a spiral-bound journal so that it’s easy to fold the pages back.  Paper that is slightly heavier is better for adding watercolors if you choose to use them.   Keeping it as simple and easily cleaned up as it can set you up to return to this practice again and again. 

Journal Art Ideas

• Draw with ink and add watercolors
• Paint with watercolors and add ink
• Cut out images from magazines to create new images
• Draw repeating patterns
• Find a photo and draw it upside down
• Draw what you see out your window
• Draw an image of your body and color it with emotions
• Mandalas
• Paint your favorite quotes  

Add text, photos, quotes, etc.

There are so many different ways to use art journals. You can write down thoughts as you go or add them after you’re done with your drawings or paintings.  You could add an inspiring quote.  Or make the quote itself the art.  Try to note any thoughts or feelings that come up while you’re drawing. You could even create a poem to complement your artwork.      

Take it with you

Art journals are a great way to pass the time.  You can find a few minutes to doodle while in the waiting room or at the airport.  Art journals are also a wonderful way to document a vacation!

Keep it Safe

Journaling with art is a creative outlet for many people.  I like using art journaling to explore ideas, feelings, memories, and experiences.  A lot of emotions can come up as you create. If it feels good to you to share your artwork with others then please do. But make sure you feel safe doing so. Your art journal is a safe place where you can create and express yourself. Keep it protected in a way that allows you to create without fear or judgment.

Let’s Connect!

If you’d like support creating a mindful art practice, then book a session with me here! Or check out my digital course, Becoming Blissful with Mindful Art, for a complete system created to help you have more mindful moments!

Frequently Asked Questions about Art Journaling for Beginners

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Please note that I’ve linked to these products purely because I recommend them and they are from companies I trust. There is no additional cost to you.