You may think of doodling as something done absentmindedly during a boring lecture or while on hold during a phone call. But let's explore how doodling, and specifically, zentangles, can effectively warm up your hand for a drawing session and prevent fatigue.
Related Class: Drawing Faces with France Van Stone
Unleash Your Creativity with Doodling
The beauty of doodling is found in its simplicity and lack of pressure. There are no strict guidelines, no right or wrong strokes, just you, your pencil, and a blank canvas. It's a freeing exercise that can help spark creativity and get your hand accustomed to the motion of drawing.
When you start a drawing session, jumping straight into meticulous lines and complicated shapes can put immediate stress on your hand, leading to quicker fatigue. In contrast, beginning with doodling allows your hand to gradually warm up, preparing your muscles for the more intense work to come.
Zentangles: An Artistic Warm-Up
If you're unfamiliar with the term, zentangles are a form of doodling that involves creating abstract drawings using repetitive patterns. The term is a portmanteau of 'zen', signifying a meditative state, and 'tangle', referring to a complex combination of shapes and lines.
Incorporating zentangles as a warm-up before your drawing sessions offers numerous benefits. Not only do they help loosen up your hand, but they also stimulate your mind, making it easier to transition into a focused, creative state. The repetitive nature of zentangles encourages a steady, rhythmic hand motion, which can be extremely beneficial for maintaining control and precision in your main drawing project.
How to Create Zentangles
Creating zentangles is quite straightforward. All you need is a piece of paper and a pen or pencil. Start by drawing a border, then divide the inside space into several sections, known as 'strings'. Within each string, draw a different pattern, and voila! You've created your very first zentangle.
Remember, the goal isn't to make each zentangle perfect, but to warm up your hand and ignite your creativity. Let your pen flow freely and explore different patterns. You may surprise yourself with the complexity and beauty that emerges from this simple exercise.
Conclusion: Doodling and Zentangles as Warm-Up Routines
Incorporating doodling and zentangles into your pre-drawing routine can make a significant difference in your endurance during long drawing sessions. They serve as an effective warm-up, easing your hand into the process of drawing and preventing early fatigue. Plus, these practices could unlock creativity you didn't know you had, adding a new dimension to your art.
So, the next time you pick up your pencil to start a drawing session, remember to doodle first. Allow your hand to dance across the paper in rhythmic zentangles, preparing your mind and hand for the masterpiece to come.
Related Class: Drawing Faces with France Van Stone
Sharpen your drawing skills, one face at a time, with crosshatching virtuoso France Van Stone as your guide. Learn more.