A watercolor ground example of Journal Cover

This a copy of a very interesting article I read today on Daniel Smith's catalog page. As you know I have been doing "journal covers" in collage and mixed media. I think this an alternative to that that really has a nice look to it. This example is by Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling. You can see more examples if you google Daniel Smith. Naturally it is partially a sales pitch for watercolor ground. You might alternate this by gluing watercolor paper onto your journal cover and leaving under weights overnight. Then after doing the painting, spray coat it with 4 or 5 coats of clear acrylic spray. Still I have purchased some of this ground and so I plan to experiment with this.


Let your imagination soar!

Enrich your travel experience by creating your own artful travel Journal. Our International travel experts, Cindy Briggs and Theresa Goesling share techniques and materials for their Mixed Media Journals. Follow these Step-by-Step instructions to create your own Journal Cover using Watercolor Ground.


Watercolor Ground on Arches Watercolor Book
Tape over canvas edges. Apply Watercolor Ground direct from the container with a brush in either a uniform or random pattern. Random brushstrokes were used here to create texture.


Watercolor Ground—2 to 3 layers
Paint 2 to 3 layers until you have complete coverage with the Water-color Ground. Allow to cure 24 to 72 hours before applying Watercolor or Acrylics.


Sketch & Paint
You can draw in pencil or go for it and draw in ink. A non-permanent Elegant Writer Pen was used for a wet messy look. A pencil was used to plan the design, then painted wet-in-wet with a limited complementary palette of Lunar Earth, Quinacridone Sienna, Naples Yellow, Cobalt Turquoise, Cobalt Teal and Permanent Brown.


Splatter & Typography
Using a mesh screen, put a some wet China White on top and blow through to create splatter. Typography was planned out on a separate sheet of paper with a stencil before deciding on final placement.

Finishing Touches
You can design your own stamp to identify the region, country and year for your journal. Don’t forget to sign your artwork before varnishing with Golden Archival Varnish. Use 2 coats gloss, then one coat matte for a nice finish.

America’s Best of Watercolor Artists, Theresa Goesling and Cindy Briggs take students to Europe to draw, paint, collage as they journal their travels. With a focus on design, they share their passion for painting and encourage an artful journey of discoveries. Goesling will also be featured in the upcoming Splash 13, for her “Layer it up” approach of transparent and opaque watercolors, The dynamic duo team teach Mixed Media—Creative Travel Journaling and Watermedia workshops at Daniel Smith.


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