Whether you call yourself an artist or not, you might find that you enjoy doodling. Do you ever wonder why you doodle? What is it about doodling that is so compelling? Why should you do it?
An example of doodling used in visual art. You can see other examples on my website.
The critical component of this piece that I created for my grandson, Kai’s bedroom, is doodling. The colour blue adds interest and context. This image is available in my Canadian online shop, Painterly Cindy and More, Art of Where, Montreal.
Back to why doodling is good for you.
It involves making marks and anyone can make marks on paper. It’s fun. It can be meditative. It is easy to do. It is simply the use of line and shape. Doodles can be created from memory or randomly. Doodling allows you to experiment with shape, design, repetition, texture and patterning. It is a good warm-up for other artistic pursuits, whether they are writing, painting or other art forms. Through doodling, you can experience what you’ve seen in the world, and translate those images onto paper. Simple shapes can be conveyed in innovative ways. The marks you make can be abstract, interpretive, representational or accurate. Doodling is capable of stretching your creative muscle.
You can doodle using pens, markers, Sharpies, pencil, watercolour, acrylic paint, acrylic markers, and Posca markers. A fine-tipped pen will allow you to create delicate details while acrylic paint will give you a more textured feel.
Suggestion: Keep your doodles. You never know when they might come in handy.
Suggestion 2: Draw a simple flower using doodles.
Draw it again, (similar shape and everything) this time adding a wash of watercolour e.g., one colour only. Which do you like better and why?
Suggestion 3: Doodle using only black marker. Then try doodling with a variety of colours (e.g., using fine-tip markers). Which do you prefer?
What tools do you usually doodle with? Write on my Facebook page and let me know. Share a picture, too, if you want.