Visual Journal Four Week Self Paced Class, Mixed Media Art Course: Weeks 5-8

This 4-week art-focused 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. This course builds on my first four week visual journal course that introduces students to visual journals. Through this course students build on their understanding of visual journals by learning how to create a magazine ombre, ways to use acrylic paint, how to use India ink, and ways to use bleeding tissue paper.  

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 starting your visual journal, getting ideas and inspiration, collaging tips, and tips to incorporate text. 

THIS VISUAL JOURNAL COURSE INCLUDES:
WEEK ONE: MAGAZINE OMBRE (5th week of my ongoing visual journal course)
Students will learn how to create a color fade, or ombre, using magazine images or other flat materials. The following is included in this lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Magazine fade guide with examples
-13-minute demo video
- Page checklist

Required materials for this assignment include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue

WEEK TWO: USING ACRYLIC PAINT (week six of my ongoing course)
Students will learn seven different ways they can use acrylic paint in their visual journals. Although they may only use one technique in their journal this week, they leave with the knowledge of six other ways to apply the material. The following is included in the second lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-Acrylic paint guide with examples
-18-minute demo video
- Page checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
Recommend materials include (depending on what inspiration the student chooses to focus on):
-Acrylic paint in a range of colors
-Paint brushes
-Water cup 

WEEK THREE: INDIA INK (week seven in my ongoing course)
Students will learn 6 ways to use the versatile material, India ink. Students may only use one of the techniques this week, but they will leave with the knowledge on how to apply the other 5 in future visual journal pages. The following is included in the third art lesson:
-Instruction sheet
-India ink guide with examples
-18-minute demo video
-Visual journal page checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
-India ink (a small jar is all you need!)
-Paintbrushes
-Water cup

WEEK FOUR: HOW TO USE BLEEDING TISSUE PAPER (week 8 in my ongoing course)
Students will learn 7 ways to use bleeding tissue paper. Students may only use one of the techniques this week, but they will leave with the knowledge on how to apply the other 6 in future visual journal pages. The following is included in the lesson pack:
-Instruction sheet
-Bleeding tissue paper guide with examples
-20-minute demo video
-Project checklist

Required materials include:
-A used, hardback book
-Magazines that can be cut up
-Scissors
-Glue
-Bleeding tissue paper (also called art tissue paper, standard tissue paper won’t bleed)
-Water cup

Every week students will receive the lesson materials on Monday. They 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. On Friday I will touch base with students to check their progress. 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.