Making an Illustrated Journal - Part Three

For my third sketchbook combining artistic studies with old journal entries (see Part One for more background), I created monochrome paintings alongside my writing, inspired by monochrome studies I've done in art class and finished quickly for an energetic, sketch-like feel. 

"Bedroom in Yellow" (acrylic on paper, 30 x 40 cm)

Working swiftly with a single color has helped me to focus more on brushwork, texture, and shading, learning how to think beyond color and detail when capturing a subject.

At first, I sometimes mixed the single color with white paint for the highlights, but eventually I became more thoughtful about my brush strokes, leaving spots untouched by paint for the highlights.

I also began choosing everyday objects as models to further simplify the paintings. Often I'm drawn to subjects that have an element of storytelling, but this time, I wanted to challenge myself to find beauty in the mundane, unconnected to a story. I wanted to foster fascination in the stuff around me, and it worked!