Exploding Doodles

Greetings Artsy friends. I'm so happy you've come. I hope you can stay a while, join me for a cup of tea/coffee and maybe an artsy chat. Lets get to know each other this year.
You can also connect with me on:

Facebook - Danine Mroz

Instagram - Northern Gypsy @bees_knees_studio

Twitter - Sky @PrairieMroz

Pinterest - Danine Mroz

Holy Exploding Doodles Batman!!

I'm thrilled that so many people have joined the "Doodle" movement. Everywhere I look now I see Adult colouring books... Drug Stores, Book Stores, Craft Stores, Department Stores and Art Supply Stores are all carrying a large variety of doodle books. One of my favourite doodle artist has a few colouring books out. He goes by the name "Squidoodle" his work is that stunning... he can also be found on Instagram and Facebook under that name. Hint, Hint... they make great gifts and stocking stuffers. 

So, while colouring is a great way to de-stress and is a ton of fun, I would highly encourage you to give doodling a try for yourself. It's easy, relaxing, and very rewarding. Honest!  Remember the kid in school... the one who doodled all over every page and cover of their notebooks? You can be that kid. That kid didn't fret if their work was particularly good.  They were just passing time, making marks, zoning out, relaxing and having fun. And guess what? Research now shows that when a person doodles while listening to a presentation/lecture the information is retained at a higher level...

Tangles: Wist (left) C-Yeah (right)

Imagine that!  In fact some schools are now encouraging kids with ADHD to doodle. As an artist that thrills me. The other amazing side affect of doodling is increased hand-eye co-ordination and spacial awareness. Therefore all other work becomes better as well. Hip-Hip-Hooray!! 

You may be wondering where to begin... Well, wherever you are is always a good place. There are a ton of different types of doodles, from simple geometric patterns to large intricate designs. Of course we start at the artistic level that we currently are at. I have found Pinterest is one of the best places for step-by-step instructions on various doodle patterns. In fact, I have quite the collection of 'Zendoodle How To's' on my Pinterest site PrairieMroz. Simply choose 3 or more patterns, practice them and then create a "thread". From there you fill  in between the lines and your patterns comes together.

Another method that I have found is #1 - Draw a simple object using an "Elegant Writer" calligraphy

pen.  Give it it's basic characteristics and then draw lines within. #2 - Add water with a medium water colour paint brush and watch the magic happen. I love how the pens colours flow and bleed... let it move about the page. (Allow to dry). #3 - Colour with some watercolour crayons, such as "NeoColour", add water. (Dry) #4 - From there fill those spaces with your doodle patterns.
Some other objects you could draw to get you started; Owl, Bird, Cup, Cat, Dog, Star, House, Angel,,, anything that you can already draw basically. If you're stuck trace your hand. Most of all,,, remember to have fun.

I hope these quick tutorials help you along the way to a doodle/art practice.  At the very least, I encourage you to go grab a colouring book, some pencil crayons and a cup of  coffee then get busy making some art.
Thanks again for joining me.
You're beuatiful!

The ART of Doodling

Doodling, yes Doodling.

For most people Doodling is a mindless, fun way to pass the time. You can do it virtually any where, while your on the phone, making a list, in class, on a plane, or perhaps on a long car trip. As a teen I would litter my binders and note book paper with eyes, lips, hearts, swirls, stars, geometric shapes... and the list goes on and on. I have come to learn, via research and studies, that Doodling helps to improve memory and is also a form of meditation, which we all know is very good for you. Doodling is also fun! But, for those of us who love art the mighty Doodle can become an elaborate form of ART and expression. I'd like to share some of the tips, tricks and techniques I have learned on how to take your Doodle to the next level.

Today I still draw many of the same items, granted a bit more refined, these are some of techniques, tricks and styles I have added to my Doodle repertoire.

Techniques:

I used all four techniques in
this Doodle.
Main color-blue
Balance-Triangle shape
Many repeat patterns
Theme-Sea life 

Color ~ As in any piece of art color creates mood. When you have many colors and/or bright colors in the doodle the Doodle will take on a very energized feeling. Monochromatic, cool colors and staying within the same color family will create a calmer piece of art.
Balance ~ Whether we're discussing color, shapes, or theme you want to consider balance.  Is there an over saturation of an element crowding one are of your Doodle or does the eye move from one area to the next following the gentle ebb and flow of your Doodle? Some of my favorite "balance" shapes are; the triangle, S-shape, Z-shape and O-shape. Look around you and see which shapes you are drawn too in nature and within your own home.
Patterns ~ Having repeat patterns is a fantastic way to pull a doodle together. I usually have three or more sections of repeating patterns in one of my Doodles. Keeping in mind  the delicate balance of my Doodle.
Themes ~ Creating a Doodle with a theme can be a blast to create. Whether its a birthday Doodle, a Number, Letter, favorite Animal, a geographic location, or something totally made up... it's always fun.

Tips:

Flowers and Ribbons
Learned techniques from
Zendoodlers/Doodlers
on YouTube

Borrow from other artist ~ Honestly, when I first began creating larger more elaborate doodles I had no idea what to create let alone what patterns to put into my doodles. I began searching the web, saving favorite pictures and snapping pics with my camera of random patterns on this and that while I was out. I created a "Pattern" file and I still use it today when I get stuck.
Find your Signature ~ As you create more and more doodles you're going to find that you have your own style. There are many styles to try out within the Doodle family; there are Zendoodles, Zentangles, Tangles, Doodles and much more. As you create you will even begin creating your own twist and versions of other patterns and styles... these become your Signature. Have fun finding your signature style. I have a journal with pages of my signature patterns within. I have created different alphabets, shapes and recurring themes that I use in most of my doodles to create my signature look within each doodle that I do no matter what the style.
Doodle often ~ As with most things, the more you do it the better you will become at it. Doodling is no different. I always carry a small journal and permanent pens with me so no matter where I am I can doodle.

Tricks:

I began with an open scribble, filled the
areas in with recurring patterns, themes, and
 colors to achieve balance and interest.

When I get stuck as to what I want to create I use one of these tricks to get me started.
Open Scribble ~ Just as it sounds I create a big open swirl scribble and then begin filling in each closed area.
Stack it up ~ Using geometric shapes, letters, numbers, etc. I start creating a stacked tower doodle. I build them using one of my basic "Balance" shapes and then fill the shapes in with more patterns and doodles.
So Random ~ Pick one of your favorite shapes and throw it onto the page. Add another and yet another. I usually start with three large shapes, add a few medium shapes and then finally a bunch of smaller ones as filler keeping balance in mind.

Doodle what you see ~ I have doodled, trees, flowers, leaves, cats, fruit, coffee cups and many more items that where in my general vicinity. So take a look around and pic a basic shape. Draw the outline of that shape and draw your scribbles within it. Then fill your areas in with interesting patterns.

So there are a few of my tips, tricks and techniques to get you started on becoming an ARTistic Doodler. I hope you have fun filling up your art journals with many fun and fabulous Doodles.


Thanks,
Danine Mroz


Was this blog helpful? Did you find it interesting? Will you try an artistic doodling?

All art work property of Danine Mroz no reproduction with out the written consent of Ms. Mroz is prohibited.

The many faces of Danine Mroz

Beauty is all around us and comes in so many forms. That is especially true when it comes to peoples faces. I have always been fascinated with the human face, as a matter of fact, people watching is one of my favorite past times. In the last year I have studied many styles of portraiture and have tried my hand at many of them... I simply can't decide on one style alone, they are all fabulous.

So I present you with my many faces, a look at the different portrait styles that I do.
Shall we?

For some of the portrait styles I have made up my own name for them, such as my "Fanciful Stylized Angels" which have been heavily inspired by Kelly Rae Roberts book, "Take Flight". I would like to thank Miss Roberts for sharing her passion and art with me and the world. I hope that my art is not seen as an infringement but a compliment to her and her art.
This piece is called "Whisper" 12x12 mixed media on canvas. It will be available for sale on my Etsy store, 'Prairie Mroz Art' later this week.

Another style I simply can't get enough of is Whimsical faces. The quirky misshapen faces are so adorable and childlike to me. They remind me of babies, faeries and all things make-believe. I tend to make my whimsies with squarish or oval faces most often. There are tons of amazing artist on YouTube that do this style incredibly well, Tam from Willowing.com has been a huge influence on me. I love her spirit, her joy and the gentle nurturing care that she brings to each lesson and tutorial that she gives. Thank you Tam.

My "Super-Viva-Glam" dollz are somewhat a creation of my own. With their big, no ENORMOUS expressive eyes, heads far too large for their bodies and flawless skin they would make any Hollywood starlet green with envy. Fun for the young and young at heart, I often create a "Friendship" grouping for clients. This is one of those pieces, done for my friend Heather Gagne. I do take orders for these, any size, any number of dollz. I work from a photo(s) of the girls/ladies you wish to feature in the painting. Contact me for pricing. 

The other style I create is some what stylized expressionistic Old World all rolled into one. It sort of happened organically as I was working on the pieces. As I was working on the stylized piece the colors of her face were working out but everything seemed flat and boring to me... so I started adding wild, bright colors to it. This is one of my favorite pieces, it's called "The Heart Knows" 12 x 16 mixed media on canvas.  

I hope you like my many faces. Each face is special and precious,, I love them all. I hope you enjoy them too. Please do stop by my Etsy shop at
"Prairie Mroz Art"
Love and Laughter,
Danine

Find your Passion

Today, doing what you love, being grateful and embracing the inner joy associated with the work you love.

"Love what you do and do what you love."
Whether that may be art, music, singing, sports, journalism, stock trades or what have you, the passion for it creates love which in turn makes this World a more beautiful place to live. I suggest that if you are currently in a crap-tacular job that you hate; either quit it right now and find a better one OR start a hobby that will fill you with JOY! When you're filled with a passion  for life and all that you do in it, there comes an energy  from within you, pulsing from you, drawing good things to you. Find it! Recognize it! Cherish it!
My passions are the things I often write about in my art-journals. They inspire me to continue to create and fuel me with their positive energy. If you don't already have something in your life that fuels this passion ask yourself; "What did I love doing when I was 5, 12, 15?" "What does my inner child want to do today?" Be playful and creative and just see what happens next. Write about how you feel during different activities and see if a new hobby is just waiting to happen. (Side note: you can learn almost anything via YouTube) You're never too old, or too young. Nothing is too silly. Above all else, never stand in your own way of being great.

What inspires you to create? What are the things you're passionate about? What gives you energy?

Write 5 things that you're grateful for each day. OR Before falling asleep at night say them to yourself.

"Joy, Love and Happiness are feelings that multiply 3 fold when you share them with others."
Much love to you all. Thank you for sharing in my art journey.

Danine Mroz
Prairie Mroz Art