Creative wanderlust Unlock your artistic potential through mixed-media art journaling techniques

"You have all the power to discover your true artistic voice right now," promises art instructor Avery in her encouraging debut guide to collecting sketches, writings, paintings, collages, and other forms of self-expression in a journal. She suggests that readers can buy a journal or make their own using ribbon to tie paper into an old hardcover that has had its pages removed. Outlining what to consider when creating multimedia pieces, Avery notes that it's difficult to cover oil-based paints with other mediums, and recommends saving them for last. Less-experienced artists will appreciate Avery's tips on such basics as composition and color theory (hues adjacent on a color wheel create harmony while those farther apart contrast). The projects include exhortations for readers to riff on the work of their favorite artist using acrylic paint and pastels, paint a portrait of themselves on top of a printed selfie, and create a five-layer collage in which each layer corresponds with a particular emotion. The affirming tone buoys the open-ended projects, which will help budding artists stretch their creative muscles. This inventive manual has much to offer. (Aug.)