Lesson 1: Doodling Illustration

 Lesson 1: Doodling Illustration 

What is Doodling illustration?

Doodling illustration is a form of drawing characterized by spontaneous and often unconscious sketches or designs. It's usually done absentmindedly, allowing the hand to create whatever comes to mind without a specific plan or goal in mind. These drawings can range from simple shapes and patterns to more intricate and detailed designs. They're often seen as a way to relax, brainstorm, or express creativity freely.

The act of drawing, sketching, or scribbling without having an end purpose or outcome in mind is known as the art of doodling. Actually, doodling can be categorized as a form of process art, meaning that the process of doodling holds greater significance than the final output.

There are four types of techniques in making a doodling illustration: 

1. Zentangle 

2. Zendoodling

3. Stendoodling

4. Mandalas 

Each style or type has its own specific characteristics and forms and all are equally beautiful! Let's take a look at each one and see what they are all about and what makes them unique.

Zentangle

defines Zentangle as "a method that anyone can use to create beautiful images from repetitive patterns, and even though it is a set of steps, the end result is a creative expression that transcends its own rules. It's an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns."

Zentangles are based on:

1. Focus - each stroke is created with intent (even if the final result is a mystery)

2. No Eraser - work your mistakes into your design

3. Foundations (or limits) from the use of 'strings'

4. Abstract - no up or down, non-representative 

5. Ceremony - sort of like a Japanese Tea ceremony for the mind!

The process of creating a Zentangle, also known as "tangling," is a type of meditative art in which the artist focuses on creating each individual line rather than creating a particular image. Zentangles are constructed in black and white, should not look like "something," and are definitely NOT a mindless drawing activity, but rather are created with purpose and intent. If your Zentangle looks like something, it's no longer a Zentangle, but rather Zentangle Inspired Art (Z.I.A.) or a Zendoodle.

Zendoodling

Although Zendoodling and Zentangling have many similarities, such as focus, design, and repeated tangle patterns, Zendoodling allows for more creative freedom. It can be colored, done on any size paper, take the form of a word, letter, or animal, and even have a top and bottom. Consider a Zendoodle, also known as Zentangle Inspired Art (Z.I.A.), as an artwork created using the same or comparable tangle patterns. With Zendoodling, you could add tangles to a portrait or even a three-dimensional object. For example, you could draw an outline of a leaf and then fill it with tangle patterns. Similar to Zentangling, Zendoodling has recurring, meditative patterns without any limitations on shape, size, or color

Stendoodling

Stendoodling uses stencils to create an image outline, patterns within the design and even the individual doodle patterns!  

To create a Stendoodle:

• Use a stencil or mask to create a shape (eg: a feather), 
• Then use another stencil to create sections within that shape (eg: sun rays) and finally, 
• Use smaller stencils (and a fine marker) to create patterns within each section.  

Mandalas

A very ancient practice, mandalas (pronounced mon- dah- lah) are Sanskrit for "circle" and are practiced by people of many different cultures and religions, including Christians, Native Americans, Buddhists, and Hindus. Mandalas, which have historically been used in meditation or as a spiritual tool to symbolize one's connection to the universe, are now frequently utilized to encourage mindfulness and relaxation because making one yourself can be a peaceful and mind-focusing experience.

Though most often circles, or circles within squares, Mandalas can be any shape, but MUST be an integrated structure organised around a unifying centre. Mandalas contain repetitive geometric patterns, working from a central point outwards, they are most often coloured and can be very simple or hugely intricate. 

When making a mandala, the artist should keep their intended meaning in mind, such as wholeness, connection, or intentions. When drawing, the artist may feel like using specific words, forms, or patterns; simply let the creativity flow. When you believe the mandala is complete, or when you can no longer concentrate on it, it is finished.

It's common to refer to doodling as "mindless art," but I disagree since that term fails to acknowledge the thought and effort that goes into some of the most incredible doodles that individuals have produced. I'll refer to it as "artful doodling" or "Doodle Art" instead of "doodling" because I feel like that's a little more suitable and, to be honest, less disparaging! In any case, Doodle Art is a low-stress, no-rules art form that is easy to learn and, once started, hard to quit! Doodle art can be created by sketching spirals on a page or adding doodled flowers to a canvas painting. Visit my doodling and artwork if you want to witness the astounding diversity of doodle art.

Why Make Doodle Drawings?

According to studies, doodling actually improves your ability to pay attention to what's going on around you. Thus, even though you may not be paying attention to what others are doing while you scribble during a class or meeting, it is actually assisting your mind in staying focused. Although there may be a scientific basis for doodling, many people make doodling art because they enjoy drawing but don't want to commit too much time to a project. Doodle art is so beautiful because it's easy to do, can be completed anytime you want, and can be as big or elaborate as you like. It's also enjoyable and calming. It can be a fast art style where repeating pieces take as much time to create harmony as they do.

Reference

https://www.sparkletart.com/rsr/2016/08/what-are-the-5-different-styles-of-doodling.html