This is the second post in my series about the joy of spending time with the Lord while Bible Journaling. In Part 1 I talked about getting basic supplies and the why of illustrating your Bible. Now, if you have your supplies you’re ready to begin.
I start with prayer asking the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and open my heart to His leading. What is it He wants me to hear? Then as I read and meditate I wait for inspiration to come. Once I have an idea to bring a passage to life, I use my pen and just draw right in my Bible. I’ve read that many people sketch on paper first and then transfer ideas and or draw in their Bibles with pencil. I just go for it, as I’m trying to let go of those ‘perfectionist’ tendencies. Next you can add color. I also underline the passage I’m illustrating. At the bottom of the page I put the date. On this Matthew Scripture about the Sower, I used pen, colored pencil, watercolor pencil, gelato stick and then embellished with some little yellow enameled dots in the center of the big red flower.
A cool thing I started doing was to take the first page of a new Book in the Bible and write the name along the margin with a few words that sum up the Book. For example I put PSALMS: Poetry to the Lord and I did Genesis: The Creation Story. You get the idea.
Most of the time I ink first then I use color over the ink if I want it bolder. The last thing I do is use my gelato sticks to soften the background. Gelato sticks are my favorite way to make a page pop with color and look finished. They are like an oil pastel; soft and creamy. They blend so nicely (with a tissue), especially if you are using the pastel array of colors. In this Creation Story I’ve used pen, watercolor pencils and gelato sticks. After a while you will find your sense of style and then you don’t have to spend time with so many decisions. You just create.
At this point, you are really free to praise God while you are working and can meditate on the words you are bringing to life through illustration. It is such a joyful and peaceful place to be!
The Isaiah illustration at the right came as inspiration from a Sunday sermon. The picture is done mostly using a gelato stick, blending colors to give the illusion of the eagle in flight. I couldn’t draw a bird so I sketched only the head and top of the wing span! I let the color do the rest. Another cool thing about the pastel gelato stick is that you can go right over Scripture and still read it just fine.
Using words, squiggles, dots, dashes and loops is another way to decorate a page. It is very simple and yet, in this Scripture it highlights the most important command the Lord gave us. To honor Him with our heart, mind, soul and strength. This page was done with a thin black pen and then a broad brush pen for the thicker lines. Words are highlighted with a colored pencil. Very quick and easy!
So, what are some good Scriptures you might want to illustrate to practice? Try Genesis (stick figures work great), Psalms 139, Isaiah 55, Romans 11, Galatians 5 or John 14.
From time to time I will post more of my Bible Journal ideas along with my thoughts. I’d love to hear your ideas! I’m still a novice at this, but have found it brings me a step closer to the Lord as I create.
Dan and Katie Retired! 