My normal journaling Bible is pretty much full of my illustrations. I tend not to decorate both sides of the page which starts restricting the number that will fit in. I also prefer to have the illustration on the same side or spread as the actual verse, which further reduces the options. Making five illustrations for each monthly Bible journaling session has further strained the spaces left.
So, the time had come to think about a new Bible. I came across the concept of an interleaved journaling Bible – a blank page between each page of text. This was exciting as it opened the possibility of larger illustrations. The only version I could find was ESV, but there is a super leather-bound version that ended up on my wish list. Then I found a new NIV journaling Bible – it has thicker paper, introduces a few blank pages, and is specifically geared toward art journaling.
Black Friday saw the Bible art journaling NIV translation discounted, so that was purchased. And then, handily, Christmas came round and I was given the ESV leather-bound Bible by my mum.
Yesterday, I took the opportunity to do my first illustration in the ESV interleaved Bible, working with a new full set of Polychromos colouring pencils. My normal process worked nicely: design on computer, trace and colour. ChatGPT helped with colour choices once again.
Observations
- The paper has pretty good tooth, but it took a little work to smoothly fill spaces with colour
- Don’t forget to put some stiff card under the page when colouring to assist with this
- The previous tip also helps avoid the edges of the page tearing as you colour (an oopsie I have now learnt from)
- As in other Bibles I have used, it is unlikely I will illustrate both sides of the page
- The leather wrap binding will be great as the book expands with the artwork in it.
Pencils used
- Blues: Skyblue 146 / Cobalt blue 143 / Helioblue reddish 151 / Indanthrene blue 247
- Green: Permanent green 266
- Fire: Cadmium yellow 107 / Dark cadmium yellow 108 / Dark cadmium orange 115 / Deep scarlet red 219
- Text: Manganese violet 160 / Warm grey VI 275