Journal Page 8.5×11″ Ink and collage ©2023 Lucinda Howe

How do you feel about drawing? As a visual artist, I often start a journal page with a drawing and add words. That seems natural to me.

But sometimes people say “I don’t know where to start because I can’t draw.” If that is a roadblock you, I encourage you to release yourself from any pressure about drawing perfectly. Expand your idea of drawing to include whatever images you can assemble on the page. The magic comes from the physical act of moving your hand and connecting words and images.

I started this page the day after Valentine’s Day to play with the idea of carrying the love throughout the year. I decided to use the simple heart shape that we learned in kindergarten to make a big open heart in the middle of the page. I glued bits of catalog pictures and collage papers for color and texture. By adding a few words about my thoughts along with the date, I have a memory of that week in February.

What’s going on in your journal these days?