4 Week Art Class: Visual Journal, Sketchbook Art Lesson Weeks 9-12

This 4-week art-focused, self-paced class introduces students to visual journals, also called altered books or junk journals. Students will take a used hardback book and create works of art on the pages. Through this class, they will learn how to create a packaging tape image transfer, bubble paint print,  Mod Podge image transfer, and create a page with randomly selected materials and styles following my roll-a-design guide. 

Students can submit their visual journal pages for assessment and response. I ask that students complete one visual journal page a week as it aligns with the lesson for that week. If students complete one page a week they will complete this course in a four-week period. If students have a question or need feedback I will respond within 24 hours during the week and within 48 hours on the weekend. 

This art class is ideal for middle and high-school-age students. When I taught high school art this was often my students' favorite project. It's a space for students to learn and experiment with new art materials and techniques while expressing themselves creatively. This art project is all about personal taste, style, and aesthetic. It's perfect for students wanting to test out a range of art styles and materials. 

4 lessons are included in this pack over the course of 4 weeks. The lessons focus on creating a packaging tape image transfer, creating and using bubble paint prints, creating a Mod Podge image transfer, and creating a random design through my roll-a-design guide. 

Students will follow along with the instruction overview and demo video to learn the techniques they will be using that week. Following the step-by-step guide they will create a unique work of art in their visual journal. They can check their work to ensure they cover all techniques by going through the class checklist.

Students will see how I used the material or technique introduced in my personal visual journal that week. Students can work at their own pace during the week to complete their visual journal page. If a student chooses to share their finished page I will send a video message back with comments about their work of art. 

Visual journaling offers a space for students to express themselves. This is incredibly important, especially for developing tweens and teens. Problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity are pushed in every assignment. I hope students continue to work in their visual journals long after this course. 

Although this course references the weeks as weeks 9 to 12 in my visual journal class sequencing, these classes can be taken out of order. I recommend starting with my intro to visual journaling class (either the one-week or the four-week self paced introduction course) before starting this class if visual journaling is new to your child.