Patterned Doodling Delights

This weekend I discovered a new delight. Zentangle, zendoodling–or patterned doodling, which I prefer to call it. Having watched Joanne Fink’s YouTube videos I was looking at other related ones. I found this easy to follow pattern styles tutorial. The grid idea seemed pretty cool and I made this piece in about an hour.

The next morning when I woke up I realized that I still knew every stroke my hand had made and wondered if this would be a good way for me to memorize Bible verses–which I am normally quite bad at. So I hand drew and lettered this piece.

Sure enough. I, who haven’t really memorized in years, could remember it the next day. The complete verse had been playing through my head in a loop the whole time I was lettering it.  We’ll see how my long-term retention is but at the very least I was interacting with Scripture for at least an hour that I wouldn’t have. I like that.

Next I wanted to try masking the grid with washi tape and seeing how I liked it. This one is for the March Sketchbook Challenge which is to sketch natural surfaces. The surfaces I included are left to right/top to bottom: caterpillars, grass. moss; row 2: bark, tree growth rings, leaves; row 3: flowers, earthworms and artichoke. Fun.

I am using Sakura Mikron pens and Faber Castell’s big brush Pitt Artist Pen for filling larger areas and Strathmore Drawing paper. I used Spica glitter pens for the colored areas. This may become my go to art journal. I love that this is something people can do that takes so few supplies but gives a cool frame worthy results. I am doing mine at 8.5″x11″ so I can frame any that I wish to in very minimalist document frames.

Growing up I always loved to watch my mom doodle and list. She draws beautifully and has gorgeous penmanship as well. That made me into a long-time doodler too. this form is fun because it gives doodles framework and you are left with something you can hang on a wall. It also offers those who think they can’t draw the opportunity to prove themselves wrong.

Another fab “no rules” craft! You’re welcome.