How scary is it to you to just begin doodling onto a piece you admire and have 'finished'?
What if I told you is healthy and wise to do this from time to time?
I believe it is. As an instructor I always look for ways to push my students ever so slightly out of their comfort zone (or sometimes, way out of their comfort zone...but more on that a different time).
Doodling straight onto the watercolor, around or on an already exisiting piece, demands several thoughts at once. You thinking about composition, you make your marks with more meaning and intent, but at the same time you're doodling!
What is doodling?
doo·dle
verb (used with object), verb (used without object), doo·dled, doo·dling.1.to draw or scribble idly: He doodled during the whole lecture.2.to waste (time) in aimless or foolish activity.3.Dialect . to deceive; cheat.noun4.a design, figure, or the like, made by idle scribbling.5.Archaic. a foolish or silly person.
So let's focus on the art part. In all seriousness, it's to not think, yet to just do idly. When you doodle on a piece that you've already invested in you're using both your right brain and your left. A great exercise!
I encourage you to find a piece, one that MATTERS to you, one you've INVESTED in, and do some doodling upon it. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece, just something you ENJOY.
Look up Zentangles if you haven't before, they're great inspiration. ;)
What does it do for the art?
It's great for the mind and practice, but what does it really do for the art? How is this a tip for drawing?
Doodles are loose, highly creative, and usually detailed. They can add a great layer of interest and some of the best ideas, ones that can compliment your subject, will come through. It will keep the viewer's eyes moving and interested. I find some of my best backgrounds come when I don't plan them.
I'm interested in seeing what you've done. Please post in the comments below and share your work!
