Creative Wildfire: An Introduction to Art Journaling - Basics and Beyond

by L.K. Ludwig

Art journaling is a vital activity for artists who need a place to experiment, draw, paint, document ideas, and continue an interior dialog. This lush, visual book is a must-have volume for both beginning and experienced art journalers. Each chapter presents crucial, basic information for how to get started, and is layered with in-depth sidebars and activities covering advanced techniques, approaches to working, as well as interviews with well-known journaling artists. The book comes with a beautiful blank journal in a take-along size (made from paper upcycled from the printing process), ready to catch your daily inspirations.

Genres: Art, Crafts, Nonfiction, Journaling, Reference

128 pages, Flexibound

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one had some interesting ideas I hadn't seen anywhere else for dealing with sticky pages. I would've liked this more if not for the whole "creative wildfire" metaphor throughout the book. Ugh. But I did really like this quote from the author: "To make time for art, you have to believe that it's possible to make time for art."

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Creative Wildfire: An Introduction to Art Journaling - Basics and Beyond, LK Ludwig describes different ways of covering surfaces of art journal pages (including using paint and gesso, stencils, paper as collage); adding images (among the techniques discussed: image transfer, drawing onto images and printmaking); creating meaningful content (where to get inspiration, layout and composition); and keeping the creative flame burning. There are also tips on book structure and embellishments, as well as an introduction to the basics of making and binding your own journal or book.

The book is a pretty good guide for art journaling beginners although if you like detailed instructions, be warned that this isn't a step-by-step how-to book. If you're an experienced art journaler, the techniques here will probably not be new to you but the book is filled with inspiring artworks of varying styles. My favorite bits were the interviews with other artists and the sneak peeks into their thoughts and their works. Many of them are well-known and popular art journalers so the book is a useful insight into their inspiration and works.

[Virginia Pulver · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for those who wish to create beautiful, meaningful journals. The techniques are outlined well and the images are inspiring. It is a keeper.

[Yi1ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dated, but the ideas are still relevant

[liberal sprinkles · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Creative Wildfire: An Introduction to Art Journaling - Basics and Beyond, LK Ludwig describes different ways of covering surfaces of art journal pages (including using paint and gesso, stencils, paper as collage); adding images (among the techniques discussed: image transfer, drawing onto images and printmaking); creating meaningful content (where to get inspiration, layout and composition); and keeping the creative flame burning. There are also tips on book structure and embellishments, as well as an introduction to the basics of making and binding your own journal or book.

The book is a pretty good guide for art journaling beginners although if you like detailed instructions, be warned that this isn't a step-by-step how-to book. If you're an experienced art journaler, the techniques here will probably not be new to you but the book is filled with inspiring artworks of varying styles. My favorite bits were the interviews with other artists and the sneak peeks into their thoughts and their works. Many of them are well-known and popular art journalers so the book is a useful insight into their inspiration and works.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book covers everything about art journaling: supplies, sparking inspiration, book binding, page surface techniques, creating imagery, what to write, etc. Sprinkled throughout are interviews of noted art journalists, giving additional ideas and inspiration. The pictures are rich, the techniques layered--sometimes a bit complex, but good for inspiration nevertheless. I enjoyed thumbing through this one!

[Am Y · Rating 2 out of 5]

The low production values were a put-off - the book was chock full of editorial mistakes: spelling, unfinished sentences, repeated captions, etc. Other than that the variety of art showcased was quite ok, and visually it was a pleasure to go through. Not much was said about the journaling process itself though, other than the painfully obvious.

[Rikelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the best books I have read on art journaling. It has a little bit of everything. It has neat art techniques, ideas for journaling and interviews with those who journal regularly, it also has great tidbits on how to not only start your creative wildfire but keep it burning as well.

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book got from the library,want my own copy! Great interesting ideas for art journals ,ATC's,lots of ways to use these ideas! Will write better review when I get my own copy , I did not have enough time to go through all of it! :(

[Booksnpieces · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful book if your art journaling is in a rut.Full of useful ideas and inspiration to get those journaling juices flowing again. Just don't read before going to sleep otherwise you might find your head full of ideas which makes it very difficult to get to sleep !

[Lindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent source book for all artists and writers combining both genre into personal life experience.

[Jo]

Nicely planned and organized with plenty of beautiful art. Great intro book for art journaling.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

enjoying this one very much

[Gina Lento · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good art journaling book....

[Melissa Shmish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book even more the second read; never ceases to inspire.