Morning Pages & Mixed Media - My New Morning Routine

I decided to re-commit to writing morning pages (juliacameronli...) again, but this time I'm adding abstract mixed media paintings on top to partially or completely obscure my words after they have been written. It has been incredibly fun and I'm looking forward to my morning pages every day now instead of just trying to check them off my to do list. I'm a firm believer that if you're going to do something, you might as well have as much fun as possible while you do it. This tweaked version of morning pages is the perfect addition to my morning routine!
Do you do morning pages? If so, do you do them by the book or have you modified them to fit your lifestyle/time constraints? Has the practice of morning pages made your life better? Let me know in the comments!
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Comments, questions, and shares are always welcome and appreciated - Thank you for watching!
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[@clearfitness1954]

Looks like a great meditation With your morning cup of coffee

[@jackieschomburgart]

It really is! ❤️

[@susanmarcoux7005]

Love, love, love it! ❤️ Thank you 😊 🙏 💓 ☺️ 💖 😘

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thank you, Susan - I’m so glad! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ConnyLehmann]

Dear Jackie, I love what idea you given to me with this video. Thank you so much

[@jackieschomburgart]

I’m so glad to hear it, Conny! Thank you! ❤️

[@lorimackert9141]

Thank you so much for inspiring me after more than a year of reprieve. This particular video has me excited to re read The Artists Way and I love love love doing painting OVER the morning pages. I love it!

[@jackieschomburgart]

I'm so glad! Let me know how it goes after you try it!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@beckycollett917]

"Once Ive Made it once, I dont make it again!!!! OMY it is true with me. Any piece of work I have created is an original. My soul ful intutition gives me my guidance with what is next.🙂😉🥰

[@jackieschomburgart]

Trying to make it a second time feels torturous lol

[@blueislandgirl_]

Oh yes, what a great idea. I feel the same way about morning pages!

[@blueislandgirl_]

Are you still doing this?

[@jackieschomburgart]

Right?! ❤️❤️❤️

[@angelinamichelle8474]

I had been putting off journalling for fear of someone reading them. I can now journal to my hearts content then get to enjoy painting on it. Thx so much Jackie!

[@jackieschomburgart]

Wonderful! Yes, write freely and then paint over it! ❤️❤️❤️

[@cailinsuiledonn]

What a great idea, 👍

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@cynthiathomas262]

i had forgotten about morning pages until i warched your video. thanks for the reminder. i think i'll try this but probably not everyday.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Everyday definitely takes a chunk of time. I’m so excited about it right now that it’s been a joy so far. ❤️

[@PaulWalesArt]

Yay! More Jackie! Mid-way through I thought, "I have so many questions.." And of course you answered all of them. Glad you found this as a routine, and the idea of painting over the brain dump is perfect. Beautifully edited as always. ♥♥♥

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha! We’re your questions related to my redefining the morning pages guidelines for my own paint-ability? 😂❤️

[@michellespohrer6395]

Love this, Jackie. Thanks for sharing your process. I could not relate to The Artist's Way, in part, because of the morning pages. As an artist, I didn't want to write 3 pages, but during the 100 day project last year, about 30 days in, I decided I wasn't going to paint or collage a piece every day (my original intent), but decided that I would do some art every day. If I didn't have the creative energy to work on a new piece or finish one, I just did mark making. Some days I just let the brush fly (in my case, usually watercolor). This often lead to new ideas for paintings, but sometimes I just file the collage fodder later and use it later. I have continued this practice and it works for me.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Sounds like a lovely practice! I agree that doing something (anything!) creative is a worthy goal in itself. If I only have to commit to a small task, it feels doable and I won’t drag my feet and overthink it. Plus, more often than not, once I start, I will want to continue to create more. Beginning is the biggest hurdle for me. ❤️

[@treezydcm]

I love watching your videos, I always get inspired Jackie. I cannot do anything in the morning, as I leave for work super early. If I finish work at a decent time in the evening, I just do some small art collage or mixed-media painting on watercolor paper. I find that keeping a routine and devoting time to art actually improves my art. If I feel uninspired I get an image I love from Pinterest and I use it as a warmup exercise. I've noticed, as you say, that when things don't come from me, I struggle, even if they are simple or I love the originals. I think because there is a disconnection. At the same time, these warmups allow me to loosen up, explore techniques and supplies, and, most importantly what is me and what is not me. At the back of these warmups I do criticise myself :O, like whether I like the result or not, whether I struggled or not, which things were difficult, aha moments. Other times I just do small pieces of my own art, they come from me and are like my babies. Either way, I think keeping an art routine is great. My speech of the day :P

[@jackieschomburgart]

Yes! I completely agree that keeping a routine - whatever you can muster up - is extremely helpful. First thing in the morning is difficult - especially when I was working away from home. I was lucky enough to have a 40 minute train ride and would bring my journal and crayons with me (and yes, I would show up to my corporate job with crayon colors on my hands from drawing 😂). No matter what time of day, I think there is great value in having a frequent warm up routine (and I’m learning too that I need to show myself grace when I miss days without tossing my whole routine out the window!) Keep showing up - it will pay off! ❤️

[@treezydcm]

@@jackieschomburgart ,,,💞

[@ace49722]

love this idea so much. i have a lot of things i compulsively want to get out of my system but that it's bad to allow anyone to read, and this will give me that space an no one will ever see them if i cover them in paint. i am concerned that maybe writing about upsetting things will get my brain in a place where it's hard to paint, but maybe painting through those feelings could be theraputic and give me a chance to convert that energy into something. gonna try this, see how it goes. thanks for the inspiration. i'll start today - i'm having bad feelings but i want to work, so i'll write them all out and then i have to paint because i don't want anyone to see them! even if it's just black paint over them. i'll try something. thank you.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Oh, I hope this turns out to be a great way to help you process through your thoughts and feelings ❤️❤️❤️ I really do feel that writing things down frees my brain. And yes, definitely make sure you have enough time to add paint so you’re not left feeling that your words are unprotected. If you try it, please let me know how it goes! I’m rooting for you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@joanicker7216]

Thank you for this regarding morning pages. I was reading Artists Way. It was so demanding but your idea is great. So back to painting this painter goes!

[@jackieschomburgart]

Oh I’m so glad you’re going to give it another try - this time with more paint! ❤️❤️❤️ Let me know how it goes!!

[@carynpercell8979]

Thank you!! Love this and have looked into ordering the book!

[@jackieschomburgart]

You are so welcome! I hope you enjoy it if you decide to try it out! ❤️

[@judithchiasson8554]

creative and appropriate upgrade to morning pages! 😊

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks Judith - making these tweaks has really made it all feel shiny and new again ❤️

[@laurelarnold4198]

I did morning pages for a year. When I did the writing alone it didn't help me very much. I was dealing with some difficult experiences and memories and dumping them on a page didn't provide the ability to release them in the way I had hoped. I took a break from them for a year and tried a different more directed journaling practice. It was helpful. In year three I added the painting and collaging and gelli printing over a variation on morning pages and found that helps me to reprocess the tough stuff and more fully express and celebrate the positive. And, as you said, I can do that work without the thought that someone will read it one day.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks for sharing your journalling evolution - I’m so glad you found a practice to maximize your benefit! ❤️❤️❤️

[@shannasisak]

I developed my own routine very similar to this, last year. I write in a totally illegible script in a moleskine art journal. Then I paint over it! I have a sketchbook full of that. I haven't been doing that exact process lately, but I still journal (in a regular journal) every morning in my illegible crazy writing. I should start another one where I paint over the words, I miss it. Doing the write+paint process for awhile really allowed me to grow as an artist!

[@jackieschomburgart]

Ooooh, yes - I’ve done the illegible script on a big canvas and found it to be immensely cathartic (I was in a foul mood at the time and the large size of the canvas really allowed me to rage-write)! Such an interesting idea to do it in a journal - I really love this. Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@juliamarsh9536]

Once again thank you for share, You are so very generous, and entertaining. I was part of a 6 week workshop "the Artists Way" and started keeping morning pages of and on,. I found it challenge initially to just write without thought but it brought up wome interesting things, some of which have been very personal. I have collaged over some of them and burnt others for fear of them being read. I prefer collaging to burning...lol. I have looked back at some of the collages since watching your video and quite like what i dd though ive no idea where the collage ideas came from or what was written under them. I must dig that book out again, if i havent passed it on :)

[@jackieschomburgart]

It’s such an interesting process (writing morning pages), isn’t it? I hope you find this a fun way to feel safe enough to get everything out of your head onto paper AND have the bonus fun of covering over it for creativity’s sake and privacy ❤️❤️❤️

[@cindycreateforlife]

Love The Artist’s Way and yet, I don’t look at it often enough, I always go off the rails of any discipline! I adore the pages you did and the chat, I feel inspired! Yay!💕🇨🇦

[@jackieschomburgart]

Lol I get that. I’m terrible with moderation, but I can usually do something everyday or not at all. 😂😂😂

[@ValerieFisk]

Hi. I have just come across your channel being an art journal convert. I hadn't heard of morning pages but I think by spending extra time after spilling your thoughts onto paper is even more beneficial because it gives them 'digestion' time. Then you add beauty over them too. All positive 🤗

[@jlhyndman]

Very inspiring! I really enjoy doing art in the morning when I get the time but I’m loving this idea of painting over journaling. I would love to see more of this type of video. ❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks, Jennifer - I appreciate your input! ❤️

[@amherst88]

A stroke of genius Jackie (how many times have I said I *always* benefit from watching your videos) -- somehow this should get back to Julia Cameron as an ultra-meaningful adaptation of the Morning Pages for Painters (to your artist-friend's point about 'shouldn't we as painters just paint every day,' having studied the relationship between human beings and language for many years I would suggest she has no idea how much she -- and her painting -- is affected by what is going on in her head and it shows up in the form of language -- my understanding (and experience) of the pages is to get what is going on in your head out of the way so deeper things can emerge and that would certainly affect how and what one is painting). You, however, have synthesized them -- I think Julia Cameron would (and maybe will) be proud ❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thank you, Teri! ❤️❤️❤️ I agree that getting the words down on paper (and therefore out of my way) is very helpful for me personally. I was sitting here wondering how you found the witness writing in the process art workshop to be from a words/language/creativity standpoint (which I would love to hear more about if you’re up for discussing it sometime) and it just occurred to me that this morning pages practice is almost the reverse process 😂😂😂 For morning pages I write first and then paint. For the workshops I paint/create and then write. Seems so obvious now that I think about it 😂

[@amherst88]

@@jackieschomburgart That's an interesting observation about the paint/write and write/paint processes being mirrored -- they also seem different though in that in the workshops the writing part is an important element and in the morning pages the intention is for it to disappear and be 'subsumed' by the painting. There's definitely a very tangible tension between the two for me and that was present in my experience of the writing element of the workshop -- I suppose I experience art-making and language-making as two completely different (and in many ways adversarial) activities (with poetic language being a kind of strange middle ground between them) and I've come to understand language itself as a much more problematic aspect of what we do than people generally acknowledge so it was definitely alien to me to have the two functions in the same space -- I can attest to the benefits though and I'm sure there are elements at play that I have no understanding of whatsoever.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Apologies for the delayed response - I thought I had responded to this long ago. I love the thought of poetic language as a midpoint between visual art and language ❤️

[@bethhaendiges8579]

Thanks for sharing this. It's a great idea. I've never been able to do morning pages. Because I'm not able to get over that someone won't read them. This is a great idea!

[@jackieschomburgart]

It really freed me up to write exactly what was on my mind without over thinking it. I hope you find this to be the case too! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ingridcoke1360]

I absolutely agree with you. Journaling was a daily spiritual practice and there were times that I didn't have much or anything to write. I was introduced to art journaling some time ago and did it after meditation as a morning practice. It was so enjoyable as it got my creative juices going in a fun way. As an artist, I can be so critical and serious about my work at times. This new practice allowed me to PLAY and experiment void of judgement from my inner critique. It gave me "me time" that became delightful therapy. No matter what I was feeling prior, doing the practice left me feeling lighter. My routine got disrupted and that left a HUGE void for a while. It was ok only earlier this week that I began journaling again, so seeing your video just now is the Divine Wink inspiring me to stay the course. Love the term "brain dump".😂😂 Thank you for sharing.🙏🏽🥰💖✨💐 Long live morning pages!🎉🎉🎉

[@jackieschomburgart]

I love the “devine wink”, Ingrid! Yes, there is so much room for play - and that’s what artists do best when we’re doing what we love ❤️❤️❤️

[@RoseWildsmith]

I do this with my freewriting too! I sometimes just put gesso over the top of the writing to knock back the text but keep the visual texture of the writing there. It makes me feel less inhibited with what I write too as you don’t worry about people picking up and reading what you’ve written.

[@jackieschomburgart]

100%, Rose! I didn’t expect it to feel any more free and uninhibited, but it already has provided me with a deeper level of insight and honesty, knowing that my words will be safe behind the painted layers ❤️

[@freshspiritworks4535]

Hi, Jackie! What a great idea - considering the one rule is not to go back and read what you wrote - this is perfect. I'm starting a new book! I write mine in composition notebooks and have been doing them for about 5 or 6 years. I love them. I'm starting a new book. Good thinking!! Linda

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks, Linda! I usually keep EVERYTHING I write, so this is a big departure for me! But I love knowing that the art on top is that much more precious to me because of what’s written underneath. ❤️

[@laurienix4121]

I love your "Morning Pages" and I try to be at my table every day for at least 30 minutes. Maybe I only cut out colors and images for collage, but being present is all that's needed. I also have painted over my journal writings to help me be more authentic and honest with myself. If I skip days at the table I find I'm a bit lost as it's spiritually rewarding and keeps me centered mentally with much going on in my life. On a totally different note; I have noticed your pan and I'm guessing parchment paper for your paint palette but is it wet underneath? My inquiry mind.....

[@jackieschomburgart]

Yes, it’s noticeable when I skip art making for a day or two - I’m also usually cranky when that happens so I try to create everyday for my family’s sake too 😬😉😂 I’m so glad you’ve found a creative routine that works well for you - it makes life so much sweeter ❤️ My palette is parchment paper on top of wet paper towels ☺️

[@reblord5544]

I’ve always struggled with writing morning pages or any journaling because I’m afraid of leaving evidence of my thoughts. Never mind why, but this is the perfect solution to my dilemma! Thanks!

[@jackieschomburgart]

I’m so glad this will give you a way to get your thoughts down on paper *and* to transform them into something beautiful (and private!) ❤️

[@heathervaughn6508]

I LOVE this idea! I've always resisted morning pages and journaling in general. Not entirely sure why, but I think the thought of others eventually reading them w/o context worries me. This serves the purpose and adds some personal mark making (if it even shows) etc. Thanks for the suggestion Jackie.

[@jackieschomburgart]

You’re welcome, Heather - I used to love the legacy part of journalling my morning pages, but recently it has felt more and more restrictive. There is so much freedom in knowing there will be layers of paint on top! ☺️❤️

[@bridgettwonder5386]

Such a great idea! Sounds like something I might actually do. Haven’t read Artist’s Way in years. Will have to search through our library for it. Or just follow Jackie!!!❤

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thanks, Bridgett! ❤️❤️❤️

[@perlagaffney4776]

Hello Jackie. I’m fairly new to your channel and loving what I am finding here. ❤ I will answer your questions. I lovedJulia Cameron’s book, The Artists Way, and read it many years ago. I did do the morning pages, for a few years, which were huge foolscap size! Man, did I have a lot to reflect on. Those journals reside in a drawer and I’m hoping they may one day become part of my art work. As a full time busy human, I have always found it difficult to find the time and motivation to restart this practice. But oh how your video has motivated me!!! I have had trouble starting in my studio, so many other priorities and necessities get in the way. Well, not today. I am going to have a little morning stretch and head on down to find a new journal, to begin my day in. Thank you so much 💛🫂. ps, can I ask what paints you use as they dry so fast and seem to layer with other mark making tools so well. Love your work, your style and inspiration. 🙏😊

[@jackieschomburgart]

Thank you, Perla! I’m so glad you were inspired! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jackieschomburgart]

Oh, I almost forgot - I use Nova Color paints (you have to purchase directly from the company, they are not available in art stores) and I was mixing them with Liquitex gesso ☺️

[@jackielubeck]

Since 2002 I write every night, never missing a page… this year I just stopped on some random day. It’s not creative writing (as I am a playwright so no need) but rather a LIST of what happened each day, a list that morphed into all kinds of writing over the years. Where are you located. I am org from NY but now in Amsterdam.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Oh wow! So much history in your journals! ❤️ I’m in the Chicago suburbs :) Have you heard of Boom Chicago? It’s an improv comedy group in Amsterdam (or at least it used to be) 🤗

[@jackielubeck]

Oh oh, my sister is in Elgin...I was just watching your pastel print piece, I used to work in an art store and collected all the Rembrant soft pastels, schlepped them everywhere and I still have them, new, fabulous and unused. The ones I used up were a second set... a set for using.

[@DazzlingStar07]

This!!!! I love morning pages but i get lazy to do them at times. I love painting like this but my anxiety keeps telling me i have other important things than to just sit paint & be selfish... Do you have a online group that you hang out with like zoom or something? I'd love to be a part of it.

[@jackieschomburgart]

❤️❤️❤️ It can feel selfish to take care of yourself - especially when we are not used to giving ourselves permission to take care of ourselves. I’m actively learning this now (and by actively, I mean that I realized two years ago that I deserve to prioritize myself on the same list as the other people I prioritize - my kids and family, etc. It is often still a challenge for me to choose to prioritize time for myself, but I’m seeing the benefits and I’m trending up). No matter what you choose to do, I encourage you to add yourself to your list of priorities - you’re not the only priority, but you are worthy of being on the list. ❤️ I will be offering a another 5-week zoom workshop called Brave Art & Wellness this spring. You can find out more here: www.jackieschomburg.com/workshops I’d love to see you there! I don’t have any other online communities just yet but I have some ideas swimming around in my head about the near future, so stay tuned! ❤️

[@puresunrays80]

For me, other people's 'rules' I see as ideas or suggestions. They are not fixed in stone. Art for me is all about no rules. The whole rule book went out the window and its very freeing. Ultimately its about what works for you. And from this video, by adapting the 'rule' of 3 pages of writing down to 2 pages and adding your art on top is far more valuable and beneficial to you than if you had stuck to just writing 3 pages.

[@jackieschomburgart]

Agreed! ❤️❤️❤️

[@susanstern6303]

Yeah. Veery interesting cuz I’m not a journal keeper. Just wondering why for efficiency, why don’t you refrain from collage which takes more time

[@jackieschomburgart]

Hi Susan! I can certainly choose to avoid collage if I’m not feeling like it on a given day, but the collage is a lot of the fun of creating for me right now :) It doesn’t take any longer for me to add paper, but even if it did, I get to choose how much time I spend making these pages and so far I’ve chosen to add collage each time ☺️ All that to say, never leave out the parts of your creative process that bring you the most joy - even if it means spreading the work over multiple days. The joy is your superpower and your fuel ❤️

[@CathSheard]

How are the morning pages going for you? I tried her book years ago but it didn’t work for me … I might have another try 🙂

[@jackieschomburgart]

When I do the morning pages, life is SO much better. I have less stress, I’m lighter on my feet, I sleep better. However, I haven’t been prioritizing them lately, so I’m not a good example of doing it right now 😆😆😆 But I HIGHLY recommend trying it for a month and see what happens. ❤️

[@JanetLaird]

How are you enjoying the routine 6 months later?

[@jackieschomburgart]

Haha! Well, I imagine I would like it very much had I kept up with it as a daily practice, but sadly I have gotten very far away from my morning pages over the last few months 😭 I hop to get my act together again soon now that the kids are back in school. In fact, thanks for the reminder - I think I’ll go do this right now! 🥰🥰🥰