These two art journal pages have been made in the same way: drawing simple lines and shapes and then coloring them with colored pencils. This is a fun exercise especially for those who like abstract art and want to show it in their art journals, and for those who are into coloring but want to create more personal images.
A) Draw a Coloring Page!
With a thin-tipped drawing pen, create lines and shapes:
1. Draw a wavy line across the page.
2. Draw another wavy line in the opposite direction.
3. Add 1-2 angular lines on the top. The example above has only one long angular line.
4. Add some circles and squares in an area where you want to turn the focus.
B) Color Freely!
Choose your color scheme and add layers of color.
Add even more layers …
C) Add Journaling!
With a drawing pen, add your thoughts on the page. You can erase lighter areas for the journaling.
My page is about my latest visit to an art museum. They are such inspiring places!
Get more coloring instructions: Buy Coloring Freely!
Great Post. Coloring pages are the latest “new idea” and I think they are great. Your drawings are so cool that I’ve always thought it would be fun to have some elementary drawings of yours to color and compare how differently they can be colored. BUT, now that I’ve taken your class, I see that I can make my own and have such a fun time with copies of my own work, then color them at different times to see how they change. This post is all about that wonderful exercise – so rewarding and relaxing. A thousand times better than watching TV or playing Solitaire cards. Thanks again for such a fantastic class and todays post!!!!!!
Thank you, Mary! I believe that for many, coloring their own drawings is much more satisfying than coloring someone else’s designs!
Love how you simplify your process into understandable steps for those who are overwhelmed at first. This was one of the things I so enjoyed and appreciated about your classes and articles. And I continue to be awed by the self-discovery as I let things flow (lines and colors) into spontaneous new patterns and pictures that emerge.
Thanks, Valerie! Great to hear that you have continued drawing!
These are beautiful and easy for those of us who don’t have strong drawing skills. Thank you for sharing. I’m going to do this for sure!
Thank you, Susan! The skills will grow once you start drawing the lines!
I love your art and your creative world. I did once but I didn’t like it. I will try again, but let me say this, I enjoy, it is so enjoyable to watch you on doing them, and also it is so enjoyable to try them.. you almost make me to try again and again… But of course the technical details and also equipments can make difference too… Anyway, Thank you so much, your art makes me happy. Love, nia
Thanks, Nia! When you create something that you don’t like, look for areas that you like the most. Those can be really small, 1 by 1 inch, or even smaller! The continue adding layers by enhancing those areas. Many people think that they should improve the worst areas and leave the best as they are, but if you are a beginner, enhancing the best areas works better. You will get inspired and you will end up with more balanced composition. Try this!
wonderful post I love how you simplify things by steps love your art work and your approach love all of your videos and loved the class
Thanks so much, Joanne!
I started one right now. I was guided by when you said -choose your colors because it seemed to help when I have a limited number.
Marie, yes, limiting colors often makes more appealing end result. It can also give extra focus for what we are creating!
love it! It’s beautiful!
Thank you, Nilli!
I love your art and I love your mind Paivi!! And I TOTALLY loved your class!! I would like to take it again next year if you are offering it again and if you take repeat students. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much, Deb!
I would LOVE to take your class but unfortunately the Canadian dollar is in a slump right now. Converts to $120. If things improve I’ll be signing up for sure.
Nina, to be honest, I think Inspirational Drawing has a lot of value and it is not highly priced considering the content. Any art class that I have seen with the ability to ask advice from the teacher is priced well higher. I wanted to make this comment generally about the price, I do understand that we all have budget limitations that take place when we are purchasing services.
While taking this class, Paivi would answer my comments about my work with specific constructive criticism – which always helped me make changes that improved what I had. I was amazed at what she could offer me personally in true artistic suggestions. That was a surprising part of taking her class – her ability to communicate to me concerning my art and helping me see ways to improve without ever decreasing my enthusiasm or fun in art.
Wow, what a great idea! So simple but pretty and creative. 🙂
Thank you, kiitos!
Paivi, thank you so much for this wonderful post. I sat right down to try it-this instruction helps because you have shown it in steps, a bit at a time. Then, it seemed easy. I want to comment that I took your Inspirational Drawing course recently, and the value is tremendous! State-of-the-art handouts beautifully-done and a variety of exercises that we could not only accomplish, but enjoy for years to come. If the course cost three times as much, it would be a bargain. You are right: this course has a ton of value, and we get to experience what you have to say-that is priceless, I feel. Thank you!
Thanks so much, Sandy!
Thanks for the inspiration! 🙂 I followed the steps and made my own version, you can see it here: http://deblijebloem.nl/2015/09/10/abstract
Oh, beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
Janine your colors are so vibrant — a beautiful job. Paivi thanks for another great tutorial. I’m going to do this one tonight while I watch/listen to television.
Thanks, Gloria!
If there is anyone out there still undecided about this course I can only say – TAKE the STEP! Paivi is a great teacher, and the course is evolutionary. You can read books and follow people’s blogs and that might help some learning, but that whole step of moving into a non-critical attitude and creative space needs support and that it what you get. It’s liberating, challenging and exciting..and importantly it’s about personal growth as well. Like Deb I will probably do it again next year if it runs. Go for it!
Thanks so much, Sue!!!
I loved this! Here is mine: https://twitter.com/bethwodzinski/status/649775908924993536/photo/1
I am going to do several more. Thanks!
Looks wonderful! So happy that you enjoyed the exercise!
Kiitos, Päivi! Vähän jälkijunassa tulee tämä kiitos, hidas hämäläinen kun olen. Sinun ohjeesi ja esimerkkisi ja ideasi ovat todella mukavia ja innostavia. Olet hyvä opettaja!