AnnHeaderWoods by Forever605Pixels.JPG (33907 bytes)  Ann Bell
2711 Main #114
Houston, TX
77002

281-330-3827  
www.AnnBell.net

    AnnBellApril11BarfieldPhotography.JPG (17668 bytes)

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Visual Journaling for Joy and Play

TBA,  10 AM - 2:30 PM

Visual Journaling is a powerful technique we can use to communicate with our deep inner consciousness.

Carl Jung said "The soul speaks in images."

You do not need to be an artist to practice visual journaling, although many artists use it as a rich resource.

Your visual journal is a visual diary. It is meant for your own eyes...although you may choose to share parts of it.

This class will explore visual journaling as a tool for bringing more JOY into your life. When you get home, you can use the powerful technique to explore other life issues. You will find it VERY helpful in resolving problems, finding answers, making plans and more.


This journal is intended for your eyes, but if  your joys and the things that inspire you might also inspire others, feel free to share it.

You can color pages with paint and pattern to set a mood. Add pictures or photos that "speak" to you.
Since this is for your eyes only, you can use images from magazines or newspapers or books...or your own photos (without concern over copyright). If you plan to show it publicly in any context, please be careful to repect copyrights and don't use copyrighted images without permission.
You may paint over parts you don't want to include...tear them up...reassemble them.
You may write on them...

The idea is to find and nourish the joy within your deepest heart...your soul...your subconscious...and to find ways to bring more joy into your life through the images you include in your Joy Journal.

Using a Joy Journal can help to cultivate a playful spirit and to strengthen the role of joy and play in your life.
Through your  own lightened mood, you will spread joy around you.

I'll show you many examples.

I'll share some basic techniques. All of the techniques also work for making original works of art, although your journal is not designed to be a shared work of art. Beauty is not necessary for a visual journal, although you may make it beautiful if you choose.

Then you will work in your journal.

You can use your Joy Journal to explore ways to make yourself happy.

(If you have personal issues that are preventing you from experiencing as much joy as you want,
you can also use the journaling techniques you will learn in this class to set goals or find alternate paths,
to resolve problems and more.)
You can even use your visual journal to choose a vacation spot or design your garden...or the life you WANT.
The choice of how to use this tool is yours.I'm introducing you to the techniques and the power.

In THIS class, we will FOCUS on JOY.

Join me for a day of creative play. I will demonstrate at the beginning. I'll answer questions & provide help as needed. You'll paint, experiment & learn.

Workshop: For all levels from beginner to advanced. No previous art experience is required

Instructor: ANN BELL                281-330-3827

Where: Ann’s Studio at 2711 Main St. in Midtown Houston

  • Small class…5 student maximum.

Step-by-step demonstration & explanation and hands-on exercises will get you started.

I'll demonstrate:

  • ways to color your pages

  • gluing techniques

  • lettering

  • hiding parts of images by painting over

  • making pockets to hold secret wishes & messages

Then you'll paint and work in your own journal.

I'll be there to give you as much help as you want and to answer questions.

I'll share my knowledge, my wondrous, light-filled studio, the music that inspires me, my supplies, and my tools.

I'll have lots of magazines with pictures. You may want to bring some of your favorite magazines if you have special interests.

I make this so simple that you will have boatloads of fun.

You can choose to create samples of the various techniques in your journal
OR simply work in your journal using as many or as few of the techniques as you like.

  • If you choose to bring a lunch, you may put it in my small refrigerator.
  • Only $75. for the day, including access to my supplies.
  • If you paint with acrylics, you can bring your favorite colors, palette & brushes.
  • Or you can simply use mine.
  • In either case, you may use any of my supplies that you want to use.
  • You don't need to buy anything before the class. Just register and come.

I'll provide a simple notebook to each student to use as a journal. OR you can bring your own.
This class is suitable for everyone who wants to experience the power of visual journaling,
whether they have ever made art before or not. The simple techniques I teach transfer easily to art-making.
If you are an experienced artist, you will incorporate your own techniques into your journal.

Classes are suitable for beginners because I demonstrate and explain simple steps.

Classes are suitable for more advanced painters

  • Because I share all of my supplies. Some may be new to you.
  • Because working in a new environment interrupts old patterns.
  • Because you will find your own way of interpreting what you learn.
  • Because your soul will thank you for a new dose of artistic inspiration.

Regardless of your level of art experience,
I hope you will treat yourself to a class with me in my glorious light-filled studio. 
If you are curious about Visual Journaling,
this might be the class for you.

To reserve your space, call Ann Bell at   281-330-3827.

For only $75, including supplies, you'll have a day of fun and learn to a powerful new tool encouraging joy and a playful spirit (and for self exploration).

You can use Paypal to register and pay online by clicking this Register button and checking out through Paypal.

I am PayPal verified.  Official PayPal Seal

My studio is small and class size is limited. If your plans change, and you want me to move your registration to a different class, please notify me by phone at least 24 hours in advance of the class to release your reserved space to another student.

If you simply do not show up, you will have "used" your reservation.

Houston artist Ann Bell is a painter whose tranquil landscapes encourage a closer connection with nature. Bell has a wealth of tools and techniques available to filter though her own experience and vision, enabling her to create memorably unique paintings. She has been a full-time professional artist for over 30 years, showing and selling her paintings through galleries, juried shows, festivals, and her own studio. Her work can be found in private collections throughout the United States and worldwide. She is the author of the forthcoming book 101 Ways to Increase Your Creativity, Reduce Your Stress & Have More Fun.

Or email artist@AnnBell                                                              Tell a friend about this class!

Disclaimer:
This class is focused on JOY. No negatives are welcome.
After the class, as you continue visual journaling, you will discover that it can be helful in ANY area.

Additionally, If you are psychologically frail,
DO NOT deal with strong negative emotions in your visual journaling
unless you have a strong emotional support system... And never in a public situation. Always in a space where you feel protected and have privacy. Begin EASY and be GENTLE with yourself.
If you have tough issues you want to resolve with visual journaling,
allow them to emerge slowly. DON'T force them.
                                       

AnnBellFlyingHeartTexture_72full.JPG (85071 bytes)           AnnBell_JournalMyHeartFlys.JPG (595905 bytes)
Does this image speak to your heart?

Imagine the power of images you consciously select, draw for your self, or select from your own existing art!

This page from one of my journals may have been the seed from which the painting on the left grey. Ideas flow when the mind is free to wander. A Joy Journal is more meaningful than a simple sketchbook, which most artists regard as a working tool. A joy journal is a toy.

As I am fond of saying:
"The best art comes from creative play."   ~Ann Bell

                     

Houston artist Ann Bell is a painter whose tranquil landscapes encourage a closer connection with nature. Bell has a wealth of tools and techniques available to filter though her own experience and vision, enabling her to create memorably unique paintings. She has been a full-time professional artist for over 30 years, showing and selling her paintings through galleries, juried shows, festivals, and her own studio. Her work can be found in private collections throughout the United States and worldwide. 

“You'll enjoy playing with new materials, knowing that help is as close as your side. Ask & I'll tell or show you.
But I won't paint on your painting. You'll leave with a piece created totally by you.
The day in my creative studio will be an experience you'll treasure. And I'll share my secrets AND my stash.
I hope you'll join me for this FUN class.”  ~Ann Bell
 

If this date doesn’t fit your schedule, or if it has passed when you find this information, please contact me for the next class date.

Or email artist@AnnBell

                               

        

All images are copyrighted by the artist, Ann Schentrup Bell ©2003-2009.  For purchase or licensing information, please contact Ann Bell at 281-330-3827 or contact. Please do not copy or   use these images without permission. This site is updated regularly. If you notice an error or a link that doesn't work, please send me a message. Thanks.