According to Wikipedia, a doodle is defined as "a drawing made while a person's attention is otherwise occupied." Webster's dictionary defines doodling as "an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch" or "to scribble, sketch, or make designs on paper often while thinking about something else". The word first appeared in the early part of the 17th century and meant "fool" or "simpleton". Leonardo da Vinci is known to have filled the margins of his sketchbooks with doodles and he certainly was no fool or simpleton. Not agreeing with these definitions, doodles or doodling to me satisfies a creative urge like no other. It is a way of drawing beautiful images, maybe birthed in the unconscious mind, but brought to fruition with lots of thought and attention to detail. Intuitive impulses do play a part in the expressive process, but doodling can also involve very complicated and repetitive patterns, as in Zentangle, that require a great deal of concentration and attention to detail. Many believe, as I do, that doodling is a stress relieving activity that has a calming effect. As one becomes completely engrossed in the process, all cares are lifted from thought and all attention is on the drawing. And the satisfaction in the completed design is very fulfilling.
The wonderful thing is that everyone can doodle. There is no special training or artistic talent necessary. Just let your intuitive mind and your pen or pencil lead the way. For examples or more information, just log on to Pinterest or check out the numerous YouTube videos. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere. One just needs to look around. Try it for yourself.
The wonderful thing is that everyone can doodle. There is no special training or artistic talent necessary. Just let your intuitive mind and your pen or pencil lead the way. For examples or more information, just log on to Pinterest or check out the numerous YouTube videos. Inspiration can come from almost anywhere. One just needs to look around. Try it for yourself.
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