Art Class: Using Acrylic Paint in Visual Journal, Junk Journals, or Sketchbooks

With this visual journal, also called junk journals, mixed media art class, you will be introduced to seven ways to use acrylic paint in your visual journal. You can focus on using only acrylic paint in your page or exploring a combination of paint and collage. A collage is a work of art created by bringing flat materials together and layering them, such as magazine images, photographs, text, pattern paper, and more. Through your visual journal, you will express yourself creatively while experimenting with art materials.  

This 1-week art-focused class builds on my introduction to visual journals, ideas and inspiration for visual journals, and collaging tips classes. Students will take a used hardback book and create works of art on the pages. Through this class, I will walk students through seven different ways to use acrylic paint including creating a solid background, pressing textures into wet paint, splattering paint, finger painting, dry brush to create texture, creating paint peaks, and gluing down dried paint.  

Once students review the demo video and materials the homework portion of this class is for the student to apply the materials and techniques to their own visual journal. I anticipate it taking the student 1-3 hours to complete their visual journal page depending on how in-depth they go and what materials they are using. If students have any questions or want feedback I will respond within 24 hours during the week and within 48 hours over 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. 

One lesson is included in this pack. The lesson focuses on creating a successful work of art that incorporates acrylic paint. Although students will only create one page, they will walk away with seven techniques they can apply to future works of art.