Changing shape

I spent a couple of days last week at a spa with a friend.  It was wonderful, of course!  I always enjoy drowning myself in the fancy showers and soaking in the various pools.  Got a great (and relaxing!) massage, but mostly had some great girl time with my friend.  Although we both agreed that the steam room there was very scary!  We went in once and decided that it was too terrifying when the steam came on!

I brought some supplies with me of course, but I only did one mandala during the trip.  After looking at all the carpets and architectural details in the hotel we stayed in, I decided to start playing with some different shapes than what I normally use in my drawings.   Nothing too exciting, just not the normal shapes I usually add as I go around the circle.   I was really happy with the results and did a second painting this morning.

One of the things I like about drawing mandalas is the way that it is repetitive and consistent.  I draw as meditation, not for end product.  So that means that sometimes my work is not quite perfect - I go past the ends of my lines, my hands shake and my curves are not perfect.  I certainly could use a compass and curve and ruler, but I like the energy that going freehand gives to my work and I think that's what makes it personal and mine.  I know there are a lot of amazing artists who do use tools or have a steadier hand and make more intricate and perfect work than mine.  And that's okay with me!  I think that whatever you create is so much better when it comes from within.

Speaking of meditation, I did A LOT of that during my trip.  So far my meditation practice has only involved drawing or painting.  Now I'm doing what most folks would call "real" meditation, with being mindful of my breathing and all that.  I'm liking it!  Though I find it really tough to keep my mind calm. I'm much calmer if I have something that uses my energy the way the drawing does, but I suppose that's not the point; drawing still involves some sort of thinking and decision making. But I am committed to giving it a go and making it a practice for awhile.  I'm gonna keep drawing and painting as well. 

Doodles and Coffee

I've spent a lot of time in coffee shops. Actually, I've probably spent more time in coffee shops in the last four years that you will ever spend in one for your entire lifetime (well, unless you happen to work in one).   It's gotten a bit addictive for me, I enjoy watching people come and go and trying to figure out their stories.   And seeing the same people practically living at the shop, both workers and customers,  I always wonder why those people always seem to be there too. (Heck, I often wondered why I was still there!)  

I wish I had started zendoodling when I started having to wait at coffee shops.  I tried knitting during that time but the light was always too sucky and atmosphere too uncomfortable for my liking.   Oh well.  I did get a lot of other work done. Thankfully, my days at that particular coffee shop for hours and hours are over.

Anyhow went to a (different) coffee shop yesterday and it was so packed with people; I love being in the middle of a crowded place and just feeling all the energy.  I only had about 20 minutes, so I decided to do a quick half mandala zendoodle while I was hanging out.  I now carry my pens and paper everywhere, just in case I have a few minutes to doodle.   I love this nice little set of artist pens, which was recommended by my friend Annie (who also inspired me to get hooked on doodling) they're quite affordable and this set has a nice variety of sizes.  I just use a relatively cheap tiny sketchbook that's always in my purse in case I have time to kill, but if I had a few more bucks to spend, I'd get one of these.

Anyhow, I'm finding it pretty fun, and I'm still developing my style in zendoodling.  But here's what came out yesterday.  I try not to get too hung up on perfection.  It's about just adding and adding little bits until it feels finished.  And trying to relax during the process.

All done!

Get yourself some pens and check out Pinterest for some ideas (if you're stuck) and start doodling.  See where it takes you.  And get some coffee to enjoy while you do it!