My Art 2

Doodling

Adding randomly doodled lines to a
simple pumpkin drawing brings it up to the next level.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

I've been drawing little doodles for as long as I can remember. You could find them everywhere: scraps of paper, book pages, tablets, sticky notes, and I have binders filled with doodles. Even now, while traveling full-time, I still doodle on every inch of clean paper I can find.

Sometimes it’s an animal or a face; other times, just lines and squiggles. As a kid, I used to fill entire pages with intricately intertwined lines. My dad liked them so much that he talked about having me paint one of these designs on his motorcycle’s gas tank. I’m sorry I never did.

Back in 1990, I attended the Police Academy. We had lessons on multiple subjects every day for weeks on end. Some were very interesting and mentally challenging, while others were mind numbingly boring! I still have my handouts and books from those days (in storage), and if you were to look through them today, you’d see right away which classes were boring, every margin is filled with doodles!

Years after the academy, I read an article claiming that doodling can actually help keep your mind from wandering during those snooze-fest presentations. Apparently, my brain knew this long before the research came out, saving me from nodding off and failing those classes! 

Since then, I’ve read multiple sources that say doodling helps reduce daydreaming and keeps your mind focused on the task at hand. Better focus helps with processing and retaining information. Lord knows I can use all the help I can get with that!

You can doodle most anywhere!

"I'm not doodling; I'm 'graphically recording' my boredom."- Anonymous

(see more of my scribbles below)

If you're interested in learning more about how doodling can boost concentration and retention, here are some great resources provided by ChatGPT:

1.  Psychology Today
Psychology Today frequently publishes articles that synthesize research on mental processes, including the benefits of doodling. Articles often reference studies and include insights from psychologists like Jackie Andrade and others in the field.

o   Website: psychologytoday.com

2.  TED Talks
Sunni Brown’s TED Talk, “Doodlers, unite!” is an excellent overview of why doodling can enhance focus and memory. TED.com also features talks by other cognitive researchers on related topics.

o   Website: ted.com

3.  American Psychological Association (APA)
APA's website often includes articles on cognitive research and educational psychology, sometimes covering the value of doodling for learning and focus. You can search their database for related research summaries.

o   Website: apa.org

4.  Harvard Business Review (HBR)
Harvard Business Review often publishes accessible articles on productivity and cognitive strategies for professionals, including the benefits of doodling during meetings or learning sessions.

o   Website: hbr.org

5.  The Doodle Revolution by Sunni Brown (Blog and Resources)
Sunni Brown’s website includes resources, blog posts, and references related to her research on doodling’s cognitive benefits, including increased retention and focus.

o   Website: sunnibrown.com

These websites often explain scientific studies in more accessible language, making them good places to explore if you’re interested in learning more about how and why doodling can support concentration and learning.

The start of the pumpkin from the top of the page.
Just an easy and simple form that becomes more intricate
with a few lines and a dash of color.

This scribble...

...becomes this, and eventually...

...becomes a little fairy in an illustration
for the story I've written for my granddaughter.

A collection of doodles that went on to be
illustrations for my granddaughters story.

Start to finish on one of my line doodles.

I used alcohol ink pens in fiery colors and
then drew random swirls n curls!

I've been asked if this is tedious and boring,
but honestly I find it relaxing.

Is it time consuming? Depending on the size
and amount  of detail it certainly can be.

But in the end you have an extremely easy piece of art
that looks pretty cool!

HAPPY DOODLING!