I love colours, art and nature. Years ago, pre-MEcfs, I used to paint in watercolour and on furniture (in an artistic way, not just randomly!😅), along with some calligraphy. Sadly much of it is now beyond my capacity. I may perhaps one day revisit watercolour, less likely furniture painting. In the meantime I dabble with digital and pencil doodling. I introduced pencil doodling to give my eyes a break from screens and to enjoy the texture of the medium.
But I had began digital doodling as a very helpful form of relaxation and diversion whilst we went through the season of one of our parents being very ill. There was little I could do practically, apart from offer emotional support and be a listening ear to my husband and family.
Sketching Resources
I currently use Staedtler ergo soft pencils. Maybe not the absolute top of the pencil range for artists, but I really like them and they absolutely suit my needs. I would like to introduce some even softer pencils, but you could be getting into the realms of fixer sprays and gels. Which is not really a good idea for me. I remember using shellac and spray varnish in my furniture painting days and it pongs! So I will probably do a little research on a few more colour tones instead. But all in all I’m very happy.
The sketch book I use is an A5 140gsm Eco Sketchbook from Whites of Brighton, made using reclaimed coffee cups. The paper has as slight texture, which I like, and the weight works well. I am actually enjoying building up a Sketchbook to purely look through my doodles and enjoy the progress. That in itself is progress for me.
Guilt free sketching!! Woop!!
My Doodles on Instagram as @hopeadoodledo
Learn From Other Doodlers
I have learned so much from just observing the style of some of the amazing artists on Instagram. So much incredible skill! And from experimenting with digital doodling. At the level I do it, ie. minus much layering, it is very forgiving. You can undo and redo an infinite number of times. I will just drop in the one of our young folk graduated in animation. I humbly ask for tips. But they are another level of skill altogether. #ProudMum…again!! Haha!
Low Energy Sketching
For someone very low on energy, it’s brilliant. And doable on an android phone. Which is where I basically do everything online. I have been able to include some of what I have learned into my pencil sketching. I can’t always do very much, but love the sense of achievement when I can.
Below is another fairly recent Doodle created specifically for February Green Hearts supporting The Climate Coalition awareness campaign promoting #TheFightThatUnites 💚#NoPlanetB 💚🍃💚 hashtags.
I do what I can from duvet central, and am currently taking a break from campaigning as I am completely wiped. But hey, I get to chat all the lovely bloggers. So it’s not that much of a hardship!
Closing Thoughts
One of our beautiful young folk has bought me a light box for enhancing the quality of my photos for my blog and instagram. I’m not sure if I can squeeze my Sketchbook into it, but I will certainly give it ago. I had to snort with laughter when instagram asked if I was sure about my age recently. Aha hahaha!! Yes, I am that old! Lol! Us ancient luddites do muddle our way through. Just don’t mention wireless printer Apps or we might implode.💥
So there’s a little about my Doodles! What is your favourite art medium/s?
Have a blessed day⚘
Chat soon!
While you’re here, why not take a look at more of my Doodling posts in the CREATIVITY category below.
Hope found in M.E. 