Acknowledging a Fellow Substacker
Before I share some insights about my experience with continuous line doodling, I would like to acknowledge a fellow Substacker: Meagan Burns. Her publication is called .
When Meagan’s art is displayed in my feed, my eyes are immediately attracted to the distinct style of her continuous lines that make bold and beautiful statements.
One morning, as I was scrolling, I noticed a “continuous line doodle” of a coffee cup. The picture resembled something that I had doodled many times, with one exception: Meagan’s coffee cups were attached by a continuous line. Immediately, I wanted to try it.
I intuitively knew this style would enhance my attempts to use doodling for its calming effects, and sure enough, it was what I needed. It was an instant mood booster. It helped me release anxiety and move to a place of peace and productivity.
To follow simple how-tos for this exercise, read last week’s post.
Connections
Everything is connected—our thoughts, feelings, and words.
What we believe, what we read, who we listen to, what we do—it’s all connected.
Our habits, dreams, focus, family, friends, pets, nature, likes, dislikes, food, energy, hormones, moods, emotions—they are connected.
In continuous line doodling, the connections are a brilliant part of the process. It’s a small picture of life. We move from one object to another without breaking the line of connection.
We recognize that repetition allows for creative connections. The connections require thought and intuitive decisions. Sometimes the decisions work well, and sometimes we need to change directions. Meanwhile, our brains are making connections and assisting us in the process.
Need a happy place to record your thoughts?
Check out our “Just Peachy” notebook. Created with hand-drawn doodle art.
Impossible to Make a Mistake
When I invited my husband to join me for a continuous line doodle, I told him that it was impossible to make a mistake. He had doubts, but I insisted. “If you do not like the direction you are going in,” I said, “you can retrace your line and go in another direction.”
Where your pen travels is entirely up to you and the moment. You don’t erase or scribble what you don’t like; you just keep going, from one doodle design to another.
We recognize there is a limiting factor: you can’t pick up your pen. So, we are aware that the finished product will be imperfect. With imperfection as an acceptable and expected part of the process, mistakes are not a thing.
Evaluating the Outcome
This exercise speaks volumes to the concept of “Stay with it!”
In art, my norm is to start with a pencil, sketch lightly, and erase often. With this exercise, we do not stop and evaluate each little line. We keep going until the page is complete. The objective is clear. Evaluation comes after the line is finished.
We could evaluate the drawing itself. Continuous line drawing is a captivating art form. With practice, it is a skill that can be developed.
However, to use continuous line doodling as a wellness practice, the evaluation is not about the overall picture; it’s about the feelings.
How did I feel before?
How do I feel now that it’s done?
What do I feel empowered to do now?
Did I improve my mental clarity?
My Continuous Line Peach Doodle
I used a peach doodle to make a continuous line doodle painting.
I started by visualizing my continuous line. I wanted a pie and a peach border. I looked at the pie from our From Blossoms to Jam Illustrations to help me visually follow the path.
My line began at the top of the pie. With the top of the pie being a circle, it’s difficult for me, as the artist, to identify the exact starting point. The end of the line is clear as I marked it with a heart shape, a little sign of how I felt as I completed my line.
I was surprised how quickly I finished the line. There was some space on the right side of the pie where I would have liked to see a serving spoon, fork, or peach, but I didn’t plan it, and my pen simply didn’t go there. I decided to stop drawing once my line was complete, and overall, I was happy with it.
When my line was complete, I took out my watercolor paints. This was unlike my usual watercolor projects, where I carefully sketch with a pencil before painting. I added color, feeling free and full of whimsy. I had thoughts like, “I feel like a real artist.” I was acting on instinct; I went with the flow and did not worry about the results.
I enjoyed the process. The results, well, I can see where I could improve. And as for next time, my brain will make connections with this “continuouslinepeachdoodle” and I will learn something new.
Have you ever tried continuous line drawing or doodling? What is your experience with it?
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I learned a lot about the benefits of continuous line drawing. I am a 'newbie' with it myself.
Thanks for sharing!