by Kathy Corey

" I have been doodling with ink and watercolor on paper all my life. It's my way of stirring up my imagination to see what I find hidden in my head. I call the exercise dream pictures, fantasy sketches, and even brain-sharpening exercises. " ~ Maurice Sendak , American illustrator and writer of children's books 

I was inspired by a fellow artist the other day after visiting her website. She posts sketches from her sketchbook. I loved the idea so much I am giving it a try.

Webster's Third International Dictionary defines 'doodle' as 'an aimless more or less automatic scribble, outline, design or improvised sketch traced while one is mentally occupied with something else.'

Doodling is private and personal - distinctively ours. It is impulsive and joyful. It is a way to work out our feelings and tackle problems.  Doodling can take you from an uncomfortable to a more comfortable mind space similar to journal and free writing.  I recall sitting at one of those boring weekly meetings and glanced over at a colleague who I thought was taking notes instead he was doodling. Doodling is a sure-fire way to entertain yourself as well as get out your frustrations.

It is freeing and good for the heart, soul and brain. So let's make some idle, aimless, and careless art. 
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​Send your doodles to bextraordinaire@gmail.com if you like to share. Or post to your Facebook page with #bextraordinaire to share on our @bextraordinaire Facebook page.

Materials:

. White paper - construction paper will do

. Palette- a paper plate works well

. Acrylic paints – limit to 3 or 4 colors, plus a metallic paint if desired. 
  You will only need about a quarter size pour of each color of paint.

. Strips of sturdy cut cardboard or firm paper strips- approx. 3” x 1”

. Black Marker – Sharpie or Bic Marking

.  Protective covering for workspace

.   Apron or old t-shirt to protect clothing


​Steps:

1.  Orient paper to portrait (make it tall)
2. Dip the widest part of your cardboard brush into two colors (double load) using a small amount of paint.
3. Start at the bottom of your paper and drag your paint upward to make your castle towers.  If your tower is not tall enough add more paint and do it again. 
4. Make multiple towers, stagger the heights for interest.  Remember these are whimsical and fun, let them be charming, not perfect.
5. Wait for paint to dry before using marker. 
6. While your paint dries find castle photos for details.  Look at the architecture; the windows, the turrets…
7. Use black marker to add design elements after the paint is dry.  Use your imagination and have fun!

Tips:

1. A little bit of paint is better because you want some white to peek through for texture.  
2. Speed up the drying process with a hair dryer. 
3. Make sure paint is dry before using marker. Drawing on your painting while wet may ruin your marker and your painting.​

This project was adapted from a Pinterest post. Please visit our B Extraordinaire Pinterest page for more of our artists' work.