After getting such a clear but complicated image for 2015, I asked God for a word, a simple word with layered meaning to fit the image I believe He has given me. This is where the waiting comes in. Waiting and watching. Then in the quiet it came, bold and simple: AIM. A noun and a verb, even holding the "i am" in the letters themselves. At that moment my attitude began to change. 

Aim as a verb means to point or direct at a target, to align, line up, have the intention of achieving, work toward, aspire to, set one's sights on, attempt to reach a goal, try. As a noun, Aim is a purpose, intention, objective, design, desire, aspiration, target.

In the space made for the text, I asked. God what He was saying to me through the Scripture that speaks of the archery imagery, Isaiah 49:1-12. I wrote the personalized text there so I can revisit it throughout the year. 

The first thing I do is plan out the basic layout of the page and lightly draw it with pencil, erasing until I happy with the design. Then I go over the lines with a permanent black pen. I erase the pencil lines and the next step is to thicken some of the lines. Here is an example of the word with the letters partially done this way.

Here is what I learned about pens on this project. I used two sets of pens. Each has their strong points and they are both great sets to write, draw, and doodle with. I've started using Copic Fine Nib Inking Pens in the Multiliner set. The widths come in a variety, and the thin lines are wonderful, as well as the flow. It is what I used to do these pages on the untreated paper surface.

I apologize for the low quality of the two photos below showing the difference between the single line and the added width lines.

The next thing I did was to thicken some of the lines below. It really adds interest and emphasis

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After I was done with the basic drawing I brushed a coat of Matte Medium on the entire surface and let it dry. I painted using fluid acrylics. Then I added more pen. When I went to brush another coat of Matte Medium onto the surface, the ink from the Copic Marker smeared. I was surprised. I went back to using my old faithful Faber-Castell Pitt pens, the XS size, and it did not smear. So I've decided to continue to use both. The Copic for the paper surface with the very fine lines and for writing in my journals, and the Pitt pens for all the layers on top of the Matte Medium. I've also been trying the new DecoArt Media fluid acrylics. I don't have all the colors I normally use yet, so I am also using Golden brand which I have used for years. They are quality fine art paints and work together beautifully. I am pleased.

Here are the journal pages for 2015 so far. It's unfolding....

"Make new friends but keep the old.

One is silver and the other gold."