Art Journaling & the Inner Self: Painting Through Your Feelings

Jade Scarlett

Some things are just too big, too tangled, or too tender for words—and that’s exactly where art journaling comes in. It’s a gentle, creative practice that lets you process what you’re feeling without needing to explain, justify, or even fully understand it yet. The page doesn’t ask questions. It just listens.

In this workshop, we’ll trade the pen for watercolors, markers, colored pencils, fineliners, crayons, or whatever art supply you prefer, using color, texture, and mark-making as another language for the things sitting quietly inside us. The only requirement will just be a willingness to be honest on the page, one messy, imperfect layer at a time.

You’ll learn simple techniques for turning a feeling, a memory, or a chaotic day into a visual journal entry—layering color to hold a mood, using line and texture to give shape to emotion, and building pages that aren’t about “good art,” but about true expression. It’s part creative practice, part quiet self-care, and part permission slip to feel what you feel.

Bring your emotions, whatever state they’re in, and some art supplies. We’ll bring instructions for a few easy and effective techniques and plenty of gentle guidance. No experience needed—just a curious heart and hands willing to make a beautiful mess.

“Creating art is a form of meditation and spiritual dialogue. Within the subconscious, there is a rich world of images; a wealth of connections and memories, built layer upon layer, much like my art works. As a spiritual and reflective person, I am compelled to search through these images for meaning and significance. As an artist, I seek to refine this information and create personal work with substance and beauty, work that translates the rich landscape of my dreams, the imagery of my inner worlds, and the breathtaking nature around me.” —Jade Scarlet

Note: You are welcome to bring whatever art supplies you have or prefer to use for this workshop. We are providing the link below to art supply resources as a guide to what art supplies would work best for the techniques that Jade will be covering in the workshop. No particular art supplies are required of participants.

Resources for art supplies

Jade Scarlett calls herself a “Creativity Possibilitarian,” which is a made-up term that perfectly describes what her life is all about―making living a creative life possible for everyone. She has been an organizer and promoter of classes for major retailers, museums, and public institutions — including Michael’s, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the New York Public Library. She is skilled at designing curricula and projects that build confidence in beginners while keeping experienced students engaged. Jade is also known for an upbeat, patient teaching style, strong organization, and ease at adapting to new audiences and venues. jadescarlett.com