Tag Archives: Hands

A Fake Journal for 2026 – Days 1 & 2

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Between 2012 and 2021 I kept a fake jounal in April for International Fake Journal Month. Never heard of it? I’m not surprised. But I have resources for you that will explain the concept way better than I could even attempt. Please check out Roz Stendahl’s Official International Fake Journal Blog for the intricacies involved.

I have a separate blog, Skylark Karma, where I have documented all ten years of my previous fake journals. Each done by a different character using a different art medium. Please check them out if you’re intrigued by the idea.

This year I decided on the spur of the moment to participate. The evening of March 31st, I was reading two of Roz Stendahl’s most current blog posts, Finishing Projects and a Little Bit about International Fake Journal Month, and IFJM: Sometimes Projects Creep Up On You.

My 2026 IFJM project definitely crept up on me.

I pulled out a spare notebook and a lovely new pen, deciding to draw something I would always have with me — my left hand. All characters, their names and their actions– all are fake. But there are current events recounted by my character and these are true to the date written.

I wion’t stretch this out too long. Instead of posting one page a day for a month I will post two each day which will carry us just over two weeks, finishing on Monday, July 20th. No big explanations either, just enjoy my quick line drawings and reading my character’s daily reflections in her scrawly penmanship.

#IFJM2026

Moleskine Fan… Not.

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I’m baffled why I keep buying landscape sketchbooks as I’m not a fan. I must have either needed a bit of retail therapy or like a magpie I was drawn to the bright Moleskine brand and packaging.

The extreme horizontal format is great for capturing broad sweeping vistas but that’s not my preferred drawing and painting subject. Oh I do a few, but when I do, I tend to choose one of my larger sketchbooks.

This must have been one of the older Moleskine watercolor sketchbooks with inferior paper because many of my earlier pages were plagued with watercolors which bled through to the other side. I can put up with a lot of issues including buckling but bleeds are a deal breaker for me. I need to remember this experience and commit to never buying another.

But… once I start a book, no matter how uncomfortable I feel, I also feel compelled to finish it. I want to number it, shelve it, and pick another. So began my quest.

The model’s arm position worked well with this format.

The text block balances the sketch and fills the white space.

I’m pretty pleased with myself that I managed to draw her in the near darkness.

A few more sketches and then, magically, I had reached the last page. I quickly drew a modified contour selfie, added splashy watercolor, and a new favorite quote…

Done!

Three Favorites

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There are times when inspiration just isn’t to be found and you’re at a loss for an interesting subject. I know this intimately and I believe every artist goes through this at one time or another.

The essential question is how to escape the vortex. My tried and true models are always available to draw… I have three. My feet (slippered, socks, or bare), my hand (or hands), and my face (either a mirrored self portrait, from a photo, or from my imagination). Any one of these can spark an illustration and memories.

March was a month of reflection… but at least I wasn’t at a loss for a model.