The Sketchbook

Sally's-inspiration-2-for-etsy

I keep a separate place, a blog I call Karen’s sketchbook. On that blog I have a list of favorite sketchbooks I love to visit for inspiration.

THE RIDING LESSONYou'll find a list of some wonderful sketchbooks tucked in corners of blogland.

Lake Huron Journal 3

Notes in a JournalA sketchbook is such a precious thing to an artist. A book of secret places within an artist’s heart. A view of the world that is so personal and allows one to visit and play with their creative muse. A melody of visual word images playing with an artist’s heartstrings like some grand orchestra.

Notes in a JournalI had a recent request for a specific journal page. A 5 x 7 page taken from my original watercolor painting in a hand-painted journal. I believe Sally will use it on an easel or pop it into a frame.

Inspiration

As I created the page for her, she gave me a wonderful idea. Why not add some journal pages to my little shop? So here are some journal page prints, which are then hand painted and signed by me.

Journal Pages


I have taken my watercolor journal pages and created 5 x 7 prints. I have added text and printed them on fine art paper using archival inks. Then I hand-paint each one using watercolor paints and gold leaf paints, creating a one of a kind piece. You can frame it, use it with your own creations, or place it on an easel.

These Journal Pages are in my shop now.
Blue and White China
blue and white china basket with bible copy

Sally's Inspiration
sally's-inspiration-journal-page-for-etsy

Sally's Inspiration without text
Sally's image
Or custom text with your favorite quote or words

Notes in a JournalAt the moment I am working on a version of this journal page to create into a hand-painted print.

Notes in a Journal

Notes in a journalTo me seeing someone’s sketchbook or sketch blog is as sweet as the sound of beautiful music. I feel as I watch and let their artistic talent shine, they are playing a familiar song.

Notes in a JournalThe Song for this post is Karen’s Theme. This music takes me down that same dreamy path.
Blondie's Journal said...

Karen,

You know how I feel about your watercolors and I am so happy to see you branch out in your shop. I am not sure what you mean by journal pages & how they would be used. Hope this isn't a "duh" question!

xoxo
Janie

Unknown said...

I am glad that you asked that question. I need to add some more description.

Journal pages are artwork that I took from journals that I hand-painted. I create prints from my original work and then hand-paint them to pop in a frame, or put on an easel.

Janie, thank you...you showed me I need to add some more information in the description.

Peggy Montano & Paintings said...

Karen,

My Journal came today! I was eager to open it. My husband was interested also to see what came in that special envelope.

The journal is so beautiful and I will treasure it,and open it a different pages to display and enjoy.
thanks,
Peggy

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

All your sketches are so beautiful Karen. I like your idea to make prints from your journal sketches and also include a quote with it.

I saw the sweet journal that Rue won in your give away. Just gorgeous!

LiLi M. said...

Your art is stunning. I could dream over that path; what is behind that gate? I love your work! I will check your other blog some other time, as it is already midnight over here and I shouldn't be sitting behind the computer at all but prepare things for tomorrow, like setting the breakfast table etc. Have a nice day!

Casey said...

Hello there my dear friend,

I was so surprised by your post today. I didn't expect it!! I'm so glad to see you decided to run with the journal pages. The one you sent me will be framed and given a special place of honor and love in my home. I already see another other I must have!! I'll be heading to your beautiful little shop next. Thank you Karen for your kind words. I am not used to any kind of attention!! You are my inspiration and joy each day I read your blog.

Sending you hugs.....Sally

Anonymous said...

You are so creative Karen. You truly have a wonderful gift. Thank you for your sweet comments on my blog :>) I hope you have a wonderful and blessed evening ♥

Deanna said...

What a pleasure it is to look at your creations. I look at every brush stroke and ask myself, "How does she do that?"...LOL! You are so gifted and I enjoy visiting as much as I can.

Deanna :D

Unknown said...

Your paintings are so lovely! What a talented artist you are. Thanks for sharing the beautiful photos. :)

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

What a beautiful blog you have!! Your sketches are incredible. I'm so glad you found me over at Pat's. I was actually bopping around Spring Lake on Saturday...I was checking out a consignment store there. Spring Lake is really beautiful.

And by the way...The beach bike in my avatar is a 1957 Raleigh and I loovvveee her. :-)

Carol Schockling Lawecki said...

Karen, Your work is lovely! I would not have found you if you didn't visit my blog first and I'm so glad you did. Your paintings are so uplifting. I've enjoyed going through your blog, but I still have more to see. If you would like to paint my variegated tatted star, I could send it to you. That would be awesome to see. If you would like the star, maybe we could do an exchange between us, a small painting for the star. What do you think? Have a great day!

Vee said...

What a nice suggestion from your friend...

Rhondi said...

Good morning Karen
Your journal pages are beautiful. I still haven't found a frame for the wonderful print I got from you. Maybe if it warms up I'll go out this afternoon and see what I can find.
Hugs, Rhondi

Paula said...

What a beautiful post full of beautiful artwork and inspiration. I just love visiting your blog and getting my regular dose of creative motivation. Now I'm off to your shop to see more of your lovely things.

Have a wonderful Tuesday,
Paula

xashee's corner said...

i LOVE your watercolors! You do such GREAT work! Thank you so much for sharing your sketchbook journey! :) LOVE visiting you! Have a WONDERFUL day!

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

I do so love mine!! It was a special gift and is setting next to my bed. Where I can see it when I awake in the Mornings....m..

Kathleen Grace said...

Hi Karen, just stopping by to check in and see what fabulous art you have been working on lately:>) Your journal pages are so beautiful! Hope this finds you well and happy. I miss getting here more often!

Anonymous said...

Karen, your journal pages are so lovely, and I'm sure everyone else will love them, too.

Rue must be thrilled with that gorgeous journal you did which she won.

Take care, and thank you for always giving so much of your heart to all of us.

Anonymous said...

Hello Karen,

These are beautiful!


~ Gabriela ~

Anonymous said...

Karen, a beautiful post today as always. Your sketch art is awesome. Art is such a personal accomplishment and you have every right to be very proud of yourself. I am loving the idea of your sketches with words. Perfectly lovely.

Hugs...Jeanne

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