how to create devotional art journaling

Hello! I am Deborah Watson Andress, the owner and artist of The Tattered Artist. I am passionate about connecting art and scripture via whimsical paintings and using devotional art to help families strengthen their bonds with one another and God. With these desires in mind, I began journaling with art to create a devotional, and I would love to share my experience with you.

In the Fall of 2020, I was introduced to the concept of connecting art with scripture. The process started as a means of recording scripture for my grandchildren in an effort to create a journal of God’s Word for each one of them. It took over two years, creating one journal entry a day, to complete eight journals. The process helped me to remain consistent with daily devotions and changed my life! Devotional art journaling enabled me to connect with God artistically. It added a new dimension to just reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word. Creating in a devotional art journal allowed me to study scripture through the gift God blessed me with—painting art—and it greatly enriched my walk with Him.

Journaling with art allowed me to spend time with God in my own way.  I began to post words of gratitude and to ask God for what I wanted.  I wrote down all my crazy dreams and I realized that this act, in itself, acknowledged God in my life!  I began to see doors open for me, blessings come my way, and a sense of belonging that was real and true. I began to reflect who I am to God and who he created me to be. “For we are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

Devotional Art Journaling is simply a form of spending time with God.  It’s a form of worship that allows you to connect creativity with scripture.  It’s an ideal environment to nurture and grow into what God has placed in your heart to become.  We all have tattered pieces in our lives; but there is good news, God knows how to weave all those broken pieces together to create a new life, to create joy.

A devotional art journal is a beautiful fusion of creativity and spirituality. It combines the practice of keeping a journal with artistic expression. Here’s what it entails:

1. Journaling: Like a traditional journal, a devotional art journal invites you to record your thoughts, feelings, prayers, and reflections. It’s a safe space to pour out your heart, explore your faith, and document your spiritual journey.
2. Artistic Expression: What sets a devotional art journal apart is the incorporation of visual elements. You use various artistic techniques to illustrate your entries. This can include:
   • Painting: Using watercolors, acrylics, or other paints to create expressive backgrounds or focal points.
   • Drawing: Sketching or doodling to represent emotions, symbols, or scenes.
   • Collage: Assembling torn paper, fabric, or magazine cutouts to add texture and layers.
   • Hand Lettering: Writing out verses, quotes, or prayers in beautiful calligraphy.
   • Mixed Media: Combining different materials (e.g., ink, stamps, stencils) for a rich, multidimensional effect.
3. Themes and Prompts: Devotional art journals often follow themes related to faith, gratitude, hope, or personal growth. You might choose a specific Bible verse, spiritual concept, or life event as your focus. Prompts guide your creative process and encourage deeper reflection.
4. Intentionality: Each page becomes intentional—a canvas for your soul. Whether you’re meditating on Scripture, expressing gratitude, or wrestling with doubts, your art and words intertwine to convey meaning.
5. Personal Connection: Creating in a devotional art journal is a form of worship. It’s not about perfection; it’s about authenticity. Your imperfect brushstrokes, messy handwriting, and raw emotions connect you to the divine. He accepts you just as you are.

There are no rules in devotional art journaling—only freedom to explore, express, and encounter the sacred through your art. It is an opportunity to push past ordinary—what society calls normal behavior—for we are not called to be a part of this world.  We are called to be a light in this world. The practice of devotional art journaling is “like whispering to oneself and listening at the same time.” It’s a form of worshipping Him through the journal—the written scripture and the illustrations of what His words mean. It is one of the most empowering things I have ever experienced.

I hope this has inspired you to expand your worship to include devotional art journaling. I encourage you as you read scripture to just pick up a pencil and see where it takes you. You don’t have to be an artist to feel the connection and benefit from this time spent with God.

Deborah Watson Andress

Last Updated on March 20, 2024