Power of the Doodle

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 [email protected] if you like to share. Or post to your Facebook page with #bextraordinaire to share on our @bextraordinaire Facebook page.

Ready for lunch, oil pastels.