Art journaling is a becoming a popular way to keep creative and practice self-care. We recently asked Dynasty Artist Tracy Weinzapfel for some insight about her approach to art journaling and she was lovely enough to share her knowledge here. Keep reading to learn more about how to start your own journaling journey and how to enter our very special contest!
Artist Tracy Weinzapfel |
All photos here appear courtesy of the artist.
How long have you being making art?
"I have been making some sort of art since I could hold a crayon. I was content to be coloring all day. I wanted to pursue Art or Architectures but earned a Bachelor's Degree in Building Construction Management from Michigan State. My parents encouraged me to get a degree to fall back on and then pursue my passion which I am glad they did!"
What led you to art journaling and what do you get out of it?
"I have done all sorts of art mediums including canvas, wine barrels, wood, paper and more. I worked for DecoArt and got lots of fun experience in many different mediums. I took some much needed time off to step back in my life a couple of years ago to regroup. Life has presented some stumbles and I needed that time to focus on my family and home life. During that time I picked back up my art journal as a means to just express myself and formed a morning meditation of sorts to focus and rest my mind from life. I discovered how important that time was and started to share the art from that time and in my journals. The response was amazing and I realized I needed to express this creative side of myself again. It is a safe place to share my ups and downs and find the good in every day…even/especially during the tough times."
Examples of Tracy's journaling |
What are your favorite tools/supplies for art journaling?
"My favorite tools are all about keeping it simple and portable. I carry an art journal at all times and like to have one that is travel sized so I can even pull it out in the car or in doctor's waiting rooms. I love basic portable watercolors along with my Dynasty brushes. One final favorite tool are basic black Sharpies. I like to share that basic tools will work and finding the right tool for the job makes the job a ton easier!"
Any advice for someone who wants to try art journaling? What do they need to know?
"I share my Five Keys to Art Journaling here where I give all the basics to get started. You do not need to know how to draw or paint so do not let that stop you. I teach many shortcuts for those who "cannot draw a stick figure" (which always makes me laugh because how often do you want to draw a stick figure?) If you love colorful things, like to be creative, or want to delve into putting yourself and your emotions in a journal than art journaling is a great place to start. The great thing about art journals is they are great starting places to practice and learn what inspires you. I am inspired by nature and flowers so that has been a tool for me to learn about local plants and succulents. You are not locked into that art journal and can take your art to larger mediums like wine barrels, furniture, clothing and more!"
Other news from Tracy:
"I have an awesome 2 hour LIVE workshop on Facebook on February 29th called Leap into Art Journaling. This is a two hour workshop in a Private Facebook Group where I will breakdown an art journal page from start to finish! It is a great opportunity and only requires a few basic tools that you probably already have! Plus it comes with a free template/pattern for those who are not ready to diving into drawing. I am going to hold your hand and break it down into bite sized pieces for you to complete an art journal page. It can be viewed LIVE with active chat/participation and/or can be viewed later so you do not need to be there. It is only $19 and you can get your seat here.
I also have a membership group called Your Artful Journey: www. yourartfuljourney.com. This is for members only where monthly you get:
- Monthly Art Classes
- Monthly Art Challenges and Prompts
- Monthly FB LIVES "Wine with Wein" - exclusive access to Tracy for Q & A
- Private Facebook Community
- ...and so much love and support! We can't wait to see you inside!
To get on the waitlist: https://www. yourartfuljourney.com/waitlist . You will be notified of all events including free ones coming your way.
For more information please join me on Facebook: https://www. facebook.com/ tracyweinzapfelstudios Every Wednesday I am on Facebook LIVE from my Studio at 5:30 pm (PST). I have different topics every week to inspire you to be creative in all you do!"
Now for our very special contest! One lucky artist will win a seat in Tracy's 2 hour workshop Leap Into Art Journaling *and* a special prize pack of Dynasty brushes!
Here is how to enter (it is a two part process):
1. Leave a blog comment below and...
2. "Like" Tracy's Facebook page Art Journaling with Tracy Weinzapfel
You must complete both entry steps to be entered in the giveaway. The contest will end Thursday, February 27, 2020 at 6:00pm EST. Good luck!
I would love to win some of these brushes
ReplyDeleteThank you for the article about Tracy and Art Journaling. I've been following Tracy for a long time. I've learned alot and especially the latest with art journaling. I try to do every one that she offers and am doing them without a pattern...although a pattern is helpful. Doing without has given me more confidence that I can actually "draw" a little bit and no stick figures are included. LOL. This journey has also given me the courage to explore watercolor which is very different from the acrylic painting that I do as a One Stroke artist. I keep hearing about these Dynasty brushes that everyone loves so I'm excited about the possibility to try them out! I already "Like" Tracy's Facebook page. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYour profile name is coming up as Unknown, which means we don't know who you are--could you please message Dynasty Brush on Facebook to confirm your entry? Thank you!
Deleteposted below
DeleteThank you so much, Mary Louise--I didn't want you to miss out!
DeleteThank you for this article. I need to develop the habit of daily art.
DeleteI love their brushes, and I’m a founding member so glad you are sharing art agai
ReplyDeleteThe above "unknown entry" is from Mary Louise Scott
ReplyDeleteWhat a great feature. I love following Tracy and her work she is awesome. Thank you so much for the chance to win. I also do like her FB page! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI have been following Tracy for years and love her art journaling! She has inspired me and so many! I would love to try your brushes! Thank you for this opportunity!
ReplyDeleteTracy is a Rockstar I always look forward to her classes and her Facebook lives! She always says how much she loves Dynasty Brushes. Thanks for the giveaway and a shot at winning.
ReplyDeleteI liked Tracy’s FB page long ago. She makes art journaling easy and fun.
ReplyDeleteI have followed Tracy for years and always find her classes fun and informative. Excited to try some new brushes.
ReplyDeletelost touch when you stopped doing the live thing nice to see you still doing your thing.
ReplyDeleteI have been following Dynasty and Tracy for a number of years and enjoying both. Thanks for supporting Tracy and her classes. We all benefit from your working relationship.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Tracy. Shel will love you as much as I do. Dynasty brushes rock!!!
DeleteYou have won the Giveaway, Art Joy of Sharing with Peg and Shel! Please email your mailing address to [email protected]
DeleteI am just learning art journaling and Tracy sure makes it fun! Thank you for supporting her dreams. can't wait to do the workshop>
ReplyDeleteLove Tracy’s enthusiasm. Looking forward to the class on Saturday!
ReplyDeleteOne of my goals for retirement was to paint. It took eight years and meeting Tracy to achieve that goal. Thank you Tracy for inspiring me every day.
ReplyDeleteI've been following Tracy's FB page for a while now. She's one of my favorite artists! Thanks for the chance at winning a spot in her class and those much coveted Dynasty brushes!
ReplyDeleteFantastic interview, way to go Tracy & thanks to Dynasty brush! I actually learned of Dynasty brushes for the first time from Tracy in 2016 and love them!!!
ReplyDeleteLove me Tracy and the brushes are a nice bonus! Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI've been following Tracy for years. She is such an inspiring teacher. Love Dynasty brushes & looking forward to trying the new watercolor brushes.
ReplyDelete