The ART of Travel Journaling!

"It's got to be fun."

That's how Diana Hollingsworth Gessler opened her workshop on the Art of Illustrated Travel Journaling recently in Melbourne Beach.

As one who has fallen victim of nervous stomach, fear of gawkers and white-page-paralysis, I was in her hands, she had me: hook, line and paintbrush.

To combine my love of painting, writing and travel all in the act of travel journaling?  It would

be heaven indeed...and Diana held the keys to the kingdom!

* Make it easy (draw only one side of a building), *Use spot color washes (we aren't

painting a masterpiece, * Winnow the supplies down to fit in your purse or tote (otherwise

you will not be spontaneous), * Find shade and sit (eliminates at least 2 of my valid

excuses), *Think cartoons and caricatures (the old KISS trick) and

*Ask your subject to sign the journal (oh, such fun to make new friends)...

these were just a few of her tips, tried and true.

Diana then walked us through

a couple of simple pages (altho we managed to make them rather complex).

Here's my title page:

Doesn't it look like I am already having fun?

We learned also how to edit the verbage, add color with borders, sneak facts

from signage and meet restaurant owners for local color.

Diana knows of what she speaks.  As an author/illustrator of numerous books:

she has more than a few travel journals under her belt.  But, so cool, she

brought and shared her personal journals with us which dated back about 20 + years ...not hard to

see her own progression in style and presentation.

I'm charged up and ready to give this a whirl.

I'm also excited to have had the opportunity to spend a day with Diana and the other eager students; we had a lot of laughs, a great lunch (while painting of course) and we all look forward

to adding some new pages to our journals.

Meanwhile, do get to know Diana's work:

www.dianagessler.com

Yes, I've added to my collection of books...and you will want to also!

Thanks Diana for reminding us that (We) "are here for the joy & delight

of your soul."

My soul was recharged!