Before there is a painting, there is a drawing. Before there is a story, there are jotted down ideas, thoughts and reflections. For an artist, the sketchbook is the skeleton for self-expression of the future. First, there is a sketch, a concept, a composition…notes…ideas of colors and values. By organizing drawings, watercolors and thoughts of life around us, we begin the journey of creativity. This workshop is a perfect way to learn how to organize and detail the beginning of a painting. The journal catches a drawing, a sketch, a thought which becomes a documented narrative done is visuals – watercolors, pen and ink drawings and words. One learns how to aesthetically organize the creative process. Vicky walks you through her journal inspired by travel, landscapes, portraits and culture. The morning concentrates on the structure of the sketchbook/journal – organizing words, sketches, articles and quotes cut out from magazines or books. The afternoon takes the artists outside to do a plein aire sketch and/or watercolor. The workshop ends with putting together the first few pages, launching a living work of art to add to each day.