Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Doodle Art as Therapy or Just Neat Warm-Ups for Art-Toonists

Today's Art-Toon Doodle Experiment was inspired by the book, "Doodle Interpretation: A Beginner's Guide," by Michael Watts. These "doodle therapy exercises" are among several suggested therapy doodles at the back of this short, but fun, instruction book.


Instructions from: "Doodle Interpretation"

Top Row: Page 115: "Flowing Hearts: These should flow in smooth, continuous curved strokes. As you draw, focus some awareness on a person (or animal) who fills your heart with love."

Second Row: Page 116: "The Infinity Chain:Choose a size for this doodle that feels good, and then, with smoothly flowing movement, airm to keep the upper and lower loops of this chain as round and consistent in length as possible, and equidistant. Leave plenty of space between each figure 8 as this increases the tranquilizing effects. Also allow enough space between rows to avoid entaglement--if you wish, used lined paper until you master a balanced and symmetrical construction of this doodle. Whilst doing this exercise, let your eyes gradually drift into a soft, lightly focused, effortless gaze. This exercise is designed to create a relaxed, harmonious, balanced state of mind--it can sometimes even relieve headaches."

Third row: Page 117: "Combined Curls: In this pattern you should aim for symmetry and fluidity--loops should be similar in size, and as smooth, round and flowing as possible. The distance between the upward- and downward-pointing pairs of loops should remain consistent throughout each row and the pen should move across the page in a continuous flowing movement maintaining an even temp. When you do this exercise correctly and effortlessly, it feels great."

Fourth Row: Page 116: "Peaceful Swans: The drawing of each swan should begin just above the beak, and continue in one harmonious flowling motion until the body and wings are completed. Only then should the pen be lifted in order to draw the beak and the eye of the swan. After a certain amount of practice you will find this drawing easy to do and highly enjoyable. Draw slowly and smoothly whilst visualizing a swan floating peacefully on a tranquil lake."