The Value of Doodling
6/05/2009 10:43:00 AM Posted In Doodles , ink drawings , Markers Edit This 10 Comments »
I've talked about being blocked before (what artist hasn't?), and one of the ways I use to get myself going is to doodle. I really try to complete a drawing every day. Some days are much easier than others - both in the matter of time and in coming up with an idea. I joined the Everyday Matters online group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/everydaymatters/ ) in part because there is a list of suggestions of different things to draw each day. It's a wonderful group that was started by Danny Gregory, author of several books, including "Everyday Matters" and "An Illustrated Life". I highly recommend his books, and his website www.dannygregory.com is a great source of inspiration. But even with these helpful prompts, I just can't always put myself where I need to be in order to draw.
So, out of mild desperation, I've given myself permission to let doodling count as a drawing. At first this seemed sort of like cheating on my commitment to myself, but then I realized that the door to the right side of my brain doesn't always open easily without a bit of oil on the hinges. For me, doodling allows me to ignore my inner critic and not worry about the outcome. Since it isn't supposed to look like anything, there is no chance for failure. It has the added advantage of being able to stop at any point - it can't be unfinished .... it just is! The last thing I like about it is that because it's so mindless, it's easy to get lost in it, and voila - the right brain door swings open!
So, out of mild desperation, I've given myself permission to let doodling count as a drawing. At first this seemed sort of like cheating on my commitment to myself, but then I realized that the door to the right side of my brain doesn't always open easily without a bit of oil on the hinges. For me, doodling allows me to ignore my inner critic and not worry about the outcome. Since it isn't supposed to look like anything, there is no chance for failure. It has the added advantage of being able to stop at any point - it can't be unfinished .... it just is! The last thing I like about it is that because it's so mindless, it's easy to get lost in it, and voila - the right brain door swings open!
10 comments:
Even your doodles are works of art. Some day I am going to just try it and hope it works.
Right now I am working on found poetry and it is such fun.
I will be posting a card I am making for my sister either later this evening or tomorrow.
xoxo
You are so sweet! I haven't been brave enough to try found poetry. I can't wait to see what you found! nancy
This little doodle of yours is spectacular...almost like a story within itself...lovely composition! :)
Margaret Ann, Thanks for your comments - I appreciate the encouragement! nancy
yay! i love your doodles!! good for you for giving yourself permission to create in this way. i think it's fabulous.
I like it. I went to the Art Basel exhibition here in Miami (a huge deal) and there was much more nonrepresentational art than otherwise. This is legit - more than a doodle, I think. You also reminded me, in my Moleskine I make a page of doodles - I think it is great warmup which I need sometimes before sketching.
Nancy! I call my doodles zentangles whether they are or not is another story. I LOVE yours!!! Anytime you want to trade doodle/zen atcs let me know! I always travel with a stack of blanks and my pens. Makes waiting in airports and on planes fun! Linda Giese
You are so good at your doodles, you need to do something with them, a show of all your doodles.
That would be so interesting.
Great job and love the choose of colors too. Love, Kathy
I agree that doodling counts as drawing. In fact, it's also kind of a form of meditating. And it keeps your hand agile with the tools for drawing. You learn about colors too - what looks good with what - it's an easy and safe place to experiment.
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