One really excellent visual journal writing exercise that can take you in any direction you choose, is the self portrait. The idea is to create your own image. There are several ways you can do this. I feel the more ways you explore the more likely you are to grow as an artist and the more you will learn about yourself.

Several years ago I used this idea in my own visual journal, except I only ever sketched my hand. Each day I spent just a short time noting the lines and shapes of my left hand. Over the time I did this exercise not only did my drawing improve, but I sensed a greater appreciation for what makes up my hands. I extended this exercise by painting an image of my hand on days when I had more time. I also used crayon and pastels.

Try this exercise yourself. You might want to use your face for your self portrait, but don’t be limited by your usual understanding of the word self portrait. You might like to focus on a part of your face, or your hands, feet or other aspect of yourself. These are all good choices because a lot of our self expression is reflected in these body parts. Experiment with different mediums, too. There’s photography, collage, fibre crafts, sculpture, whatever. This exercise is only limited by your imagination. You might like to make this a daily exercise or weekly. It depends what time you expect to have.

I hope you find this visual journal prompt useful. Please leave any comments in the section below.

Heather
Photo is my own

Post from: Blisstree

Self Portraits