Doodle dee doo

Awhile back I ran across a link to this website on someone else's blog. I found it intriguing and also somewhat frustrating, that it was all about a kind of doodling that looked similar to things I have done. But so little information was forthcoming from the site itself, only the tease that there was some secret method, the instructions for which are for sale, along with a "kit" of special cards and pens with which to "zentangle". Hmmmm.

My observation was that one began by using a pencil to lightly draw a shape that you divide into sections, then, using a permanent pen (I like a 03 pigma pen) you proceed to fill each section with a different pattern. The one above, pretty clearly inspired by what I saw on the zentangle site, was my first try. I have a very small sketchbook that I am using for this—I can stick it in my purse easily, so it is there when I have a few minutes of waiting somewhere, or like this week, find myself in a seat, listening to other people talk. (see yesterday's post).

I have set some guidelines for myself in order to add a little challenge to the process, without making it rigidly rulebound.

1. No pre-planning. Each section is a new blank slate and I make the decision about what pattern to fill it with only after completing the last section.
   
2. No starting over. Once I start, I am in it to the finish. Mistakes can become opportunities, or something to simply ignore. The round one, above, is one of my favorites, despite the fact that one section just didn't work. I got confused by the pattern and messed it all up. Oh well—finish it and on to the next.
   
3. Each section gets a different pattern.
   
4. Strive for contrast between the patterns. On one page I want to see contrasts in scale, contrasts in form (some curvy and sinuous, some crisp and geometric ), contrasts in value.
   
5. Don't think of it having to "be for something". Maybe I can use it later, maybe (probably) not. It's all about the process and not about a product.

I think these are great mind stretchers that get me to think about the elements of design without being distracted by subject matter or a finished product. They are also a form of relaxation and focus. Plus, hand skills are always good to practice.

This last one came out wonky, but I really liked some of the patterns.

Try one! It is a little bit addictive. Send me a scan and I'll post it, or post it on your blog and send me a link.

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Thanks for indulging my little hurt feelings whine yesterday. I needed some sympathy. Today I am brushing it off. Still confused by this and other unfriendly vibes from someone I viewed as a potential friend, but moving on.