Maintaining an art journal offers parents and children an enjoyable and gratifying way to record life memories and milestones – Mini P.

As the new academic year begins in June, maintaining an art journal offers parents and children an enjoyable and gratifying way to record memories and milestones of the new school year. An art journal combines visuals and writing and motivates children to express their thoughts and emotions. You don’t have to be a great artist to maintain an art journal; you can doodle, draw, paint or even scribble. There are no restrictions on what you write or draw. The rules are all your own. Essentially an art journal is a glorified diary.

Art journaling enthusiasts insist that it’s a therapeutic and creative activity which allows free expression of ideas and emotions. “Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life,” said the celebrated Spanish artist Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) highlighting the mind-refreshing effect of art. Increasingly, psychologists and counselors are encouraging children and young people to maintain visual journals to reduce stress and anxiety.

Therapeutic benefits apart, art journaling stimulates the brain. “Painting embraces all the ten functions of the eye; that is to say, darkness, light, body and colour, shape and location, distance and closeness, motion and rest,” said Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519).

GETTING STARTED

 Buy a scrapbook/journal/plain paper and art supplies such as colour pencils, paints, markers etc

 Begin by creating a background — you can make a mess on the page with paint; trace your hand and then create designs within; start doodling along the edges

 You could also create collages in your journal. Collect pictures, newspaper cuttings and/or printed words, and use them creatively in collages.

 Write a quote that inspires you and then create an art design around it.

 Write a line about something you are thankful for and then create visuals around it.

 What did you see today? Paint it. Remember, your art does not have to be perfect, it just has to be your best effort.

 Write your thoughts in the form of a poem, diary note, or even a random collection of words.

 Highlight new ideas, dreams or yearly goals.

 Make a list of childhood friends and draw/paint associated emotions.