When I first moved to NYC and had the urge to create, I didn't have a lot of supplies or space. But I did have a notebook, a pen, and some colored pencils. I have notebooks full of crazy insane doodles like these ones:
I haven't looked at these in years, but I see versions of some of the stencils I've designed in them. Isn't that funny?
You know, when I teach I always talk about embracing your authentic self. I tell my students that no one else holds a brush like you or think the way that you do. Life it too short to try to make art that looks like someone else. Embrace you! Embrace your natural style. We all have a native way of thinking and doing. Looking at these doodles, I can see that six or seven years ago, I was still the same artist I am today. Maybe a little different in materials or knowledge. But my hand is still my hand. My love of bright colors (all of them at the same time) is still there. My obsession with pattern is evident.
This is one of the reasons I think it's so important to keep old journals and save old art. Not only is it nice to see where you came from, but things improve as they age. I remember not loving these back then. Seeing them now, I think they're super fabulous!
Do you ever look back at your old art?
Thanks for stopping by!
I love these! They are super fabulous. Now that you’ve seen them are you inspired to try something like this again?
I love these! They are super fabulous. Now that you’ve seen them are you inspired to try something like this again?
I love these! They are super fabulous. Now that you’ve seen them are you inspired to try something like this again?
I love these! They are super fabulous. Now that you’ve seen them are you inspired to try something like this again?
I love these! They are super fabulous. Now that you’ve seen them are you inspired to try something like this again?
It’s funny you should mention old art, I recently found some grade school artwork and it is very similar to the doodling I do now.
It’s funny you should mention old art, I recently found some grade school artwork and it is very similar to the doodling I do now.
It’s funny you should mention old art, I recently found some grade school artwork and it is very similar to the doodling I do now.
It’s funny you should mention old art, I recently found some grade school artwork and it is very similar to the doodling I do now.
It’s funny you should mention old art, I recently found some grade school artwork and it is very similar to the doodling I do now.
I too love pattern and bright colours, infact I am hopeless at drawing but pattern making satisfies my need to express myself. I love detailed hand embroidery and am currently working on some sprayed and painted pieces I did on calico which were produced to look like journal pages. I realise now why I am so inspired by your work.
I too love pattern and bright colours, infact I am hopeless at drawing but pattern making satisfies my need to express myself. I love detailed hand embroidery and am currently working on some sprayed and painted pieces I did on calico which were produced to look like journal pages. I realise now why I am so inspired by your work.
I too love pattern and bright colours, infact I am hopeless at drawing but pattern making satisfies my need to express myself. I love detailed hand embroidery and am currently working on some sprayed and painted pieces I did on calico which were produced to look like journal pages. I realise now why I am so inspired by your work.
I too love pattern and bright colours, infact I am hopeless at drawing but pattern making satisfies my need to express myself. I love detailed hand embroidery and am currently working on some sprayed and painted pieces I did on calico which were produced to look like journal pages. I realise now why I am so inspired by your work.
I too love pattern and bright colours, infact I am hopeless at drawing but pattern making satisfies my need to express myself. I love detailed hand embroidery and am currently working on some sprayed and painted pieces I did on calico which were produced to look like journal pages. I realise now why I am so inspired by your work.
That last doodle is awesome and does remind me of some of your stencils. I do look back and like to see how I’ve grown but still have my own “style”.
That last doodle is awesome and does remind me of some of your stencils. I do look back and like to see how I’ve grown but still have my own “style”.
That last doodle is awesome and does remind me of some of your stencils. I do look back and like to see how I’ve grown but still have my own “style”.
That last doodle is awesome and does remind me of some of your stencils. I do look back and like to see how I’ve grown but still have my own “style”.
That last doodle is awesome and does remind me of some of your stencils. I do look back and like to see how I’ve grown but still have my own “style”.
I love your doodles, Julie! My work, from middle school on, almost always seems to include one concentrated complex element surrounded by planes of solid, intense color. Sometimes I struggle with the isolation of that central element and have worked on trying to ground it in a more complex setting. Color has always been very important to me also. I seem to be drawn to bright, almost acidic tones at times. I have also worried about not having a personal style but this question has made me look at that issue in a new light. Thank you for that!
I love your doodles, Julie! My work, from middle school on, almost always seems to include one concentrated complex element surrounded by planes of solid, intense color. Sometimes I struggle with the isolation of that central element and have worked on trying to ground it in a more complex setting. Color has always been very important to me also. I seem to be drawn to bright, almost acidic tones at times. I have also worried about not having a personal style but this question has made me look at that issue in a new light. Thank you for that!
I love your doodles, Julie! My work, from middle school on, almost always seems to include one concentrated complex element surrounded by planes of solid, intense color. Sometimes I struggle with the isolation of that central element and have worked on trying to ground it in a more complex setting. Color has always been very important to me also. I seem to be drawn to bright, almost acidic tones at times. I have also worried about not having a personal style but this question has made me look at that issue in a new light. Thank you for that!
I love your doodles, Julie! My work, from middle school on, almost always seems to include one concentrated complex element surrounded by planes of solid, intense color. Sometimes I struggle with the isolation of that central element and have worked on trying to ground it in a more complex setting. Color has always been very important to me also. I seem to be drawn to bright, almost acidic tones at times. I have also worried about not having a personal style but this question has made me look at that issue in a new light. Thank you for that!
I love your doodles, Julie! My work, from middle school on, almost always seems to include one concentrated complex element surrounded by planes of solid, intense color. Sometimes I struggle with the isolation of that central element and have worked on trying to ground it in a more complex setting. Color has always been very important to me also. I seem to be drawn to bright, almost acidic tones at times. I have also worried about not having a personal style but this question has made me look at that issue in a new light. Thank you for that!
I love your doodles, Julie. And, yes, I do look back at my old art from time to time. It lets me see how far I’ve come and it gives me ideas going forward. I love doodle art, too. Right now, I’m taking finished canvases that I never really liked that much and making them into new art. I also just made a cool mosaic bookend from a block of wood that I’ve had for months. Next I’m going to do a piece of “big fat” art, a bigger canvas than I’ve ever done before!
I love your doodles, Julie. And, yes, I do look back at my old art from time to time. It lets me see how far I’ve come and it gives me ideas going forward. I love doodle art, too. Right now, I’m taking finished canvases that I never really liked that much and making them into new art. I also just made a cool mosaic bookend from a block of wood that I’ve had for months. Next I’m going to do a piece of “big fat” art, a bigger canvas than I’ve ever done before!
I love your doodles, Julie. And, yes, I do look back at my old art from time to time. It lets me see how far I’ve come and it gives me ideas going forward. I love doodle art, too. Right now, I’m taking finished canvases that I never really liked that much and making them into new art. I also just made a cool mosaic bookend from a block of wood that I’ve had for months. Next I’m going to do a piece of “big fat” art, a bigger canvas than I’ve ever done before!
I love your doodles, Julie. And, yes, I do look back at my old art from time to time. It lets me see how far I’ve come and it gives me ideas going forward. I love doodle art, too. Right now, I’m taking finished canvases that I never really liked that much and making them into new art. I also just made a cool mosaic bookend from a block of wood that I’ve had for months. Next I’m going to do a piece of “big fat” art, a bigger canvas than I’ve ever done before!
I love your doodles, Julie. And, yes, I do look back at my old art from time to time. It lets me see how far I’ve come and it gives me ideas going forward. I love doodle art, too. Right now, I’m taking finished canvases that I never really liked that much and making them into new art. I also just made a cool mosaic bookend from a block of wood that I’ve had for months. Next I’m going to do a piece of “big fat” art, a bigger canvas than I’ve ever done before!
These are great! When I was working – I always doodled at meetings (which I was often chastised for-but I knew everything that was going on-it actually helped me to concentrate) anyway, when I heard about zendoodling I lol – I’d been doing it for years! Just recently I framed and hung in my house a couple of my doodles – I think they’re gorgeous-don’t know or care what others might think.
These are great! When I was working – I always doodled at meetings (which I was often chastised for-but I knew everything that was going on-it actually helped me to concentrate) anyway, when I heard about zendoodling I lol – I’d been doing it for years! Just recently I framed and hung in my house a couple of my doodles – I think they’re gorgeous-don’t know or care what others might think.
These are great! When I was working – I always doodled at meetings (which I was often chastised for-but I knew everything that was going on-it actually helped me to concentrate) anyway, when I heard about zendoodling I lol – I’d been doing it for years! Just recently I framed and hung in my house a couple of my doodles – I think they’re gorgeous-don’t know or care what others might think.
These are great! When I was working – I always doodled at meetings (which I was often chastised for-but I knew everything that was going on-it actually helped me to concentrate) anyway, when I heard about zendoodling I lol – I’d been doing it for years! Just recently I framed and hung in my house a couple of my doodles – I think they’re gorgeous-don’t know or care what others might think.
These are great! When I was working – I always doodled at meetings (which I was often chastised for-but I knew everything that was going on-it actually helped me to concentrate) anyway, when I heard about zendoodling I lol – I’d been doing it for years! Just recently I framed and hung in my house a couple of my doodles – I think they’re gorgeous-don’t know or care what others might think.
I love your doodles. Some of my old art has been torn up to use in current collages. Some has been cut/torn into page-size pieces to use in my smash/art journals.
I love your doodles. Some of my old art has been torn up to use in current collages. Some has been cut/torn into page-size pieces to use in my smash/art journals.
I love your doodles. Some of my old art has been torn up to use in current collages. Some has been cut/torn into page-size pieces to use in my smash/art journals.
I love your doodles. Some of my old art has been torn up to use in current collages. Some has been cut/torn into page-size pieces to use in my smash/art journals.
I love your doodles. Some of my old art has been torn up to use in current collages. Some has been cut/torn into page-size pieces to use in my smash/art journals.
Doodling has returned to my life in the form of Zentangles. Who knew there was a world full of doodle artists. Check out some of the works on various sites for inspiration.
Doodling has returned to my life in the form of Zentangles. Who knew there was a world full of doodle artists. Check out some of the works on various sites for inspiration.
Doodling has returned to my life in the form of Zentangles. Who knew there was a world full of doodle artists. Check out some of the works on various sites for inspiration.
Doodling has returned to my life in the form of Zentangles. Who knew there was a world full of doodle artists. Check out some of the works on various sites for inspiration.
Doodling has returned to my life in the form of Zentangles. Who knew there was a world full of doodle artists. Check out some of the works on various sites for inspiration.
beautiful – inspiring – gonna save mine for Throwback Thursday:)
beautiful – inspiring – gonna save mine for Throwback Thursday:)
beautiful – inspiring – gonna save mine for Throwback Thursday:)
beautiful – inspiring – gonna save mine for Throwback Thursday:)
beautiful – inspiring – gonna save mine for Throwback Thursday:)
I used to throw away all of my old journals and artwork. I am 28 now and really regret it. So, for the last 2 years, I have started to save all of my artwork,doodles, journals and general musings. You are so right..it is really cool to see where you have come from. What you have been through and how much you have grown in all aspects in your life. I love this post. Also, I love these drawings/doodles! I do these types of drawings often. SO relaxing.
I used to throw away all of my old journals and artwork. I am 28 now and really regret it. So, for the last 2 years, I have started to save all of my artwork,doodles, journals and general musings. You are so right..it is really cool to see where you have come from. What you have been through and how much you have grown in all aspects in your life. I love this post. Also, I love these drawings/doodles! I do these types of drawings often. SO relaxing.
I used to throw away all of my old journals and artwork. I am 28 now and really regret it. So, for the last 2 years, I have started to save all of my artwork,doodles, journals and general musings. You are so right..it is really cool to see where you have come from. What you have been through and how much you have grown in all aspects in your life. I love this post. Also, I love these drawings/doodles! I do these types of drawings often. SO relaxing.
I used to throw away all of my old journals and artwork. I am 28 now and really regret it. So, for the last 2 years, I have started to save all of my artwork,doodles, journals and general musings. You are so right..it is really cool to see where you have come from. What you have been through and how much you have grown in all aspects in your life. I love this post. Also, I love these drawings/doodles! I do these types of drawings often. SO relaxing.
I used to throw away all of my old journals and artwork. I am 28 now and really regret it. So, for the last 2 years, I have started to save all of my artwork,doodles, journals and general musings. You are so right..it is really cool to see where you have come from. What you have been through and how much you have grown in all aspects in your life. I love this post. Also, I love these drawings/doodles! I do these types of drawings often. SO relaxing.
Awesome doodles! I really need to start doodling, for it seems like great fun!
Awesome doodles! I really need to start doodling, for it seems like great fun!
Awesome doodles! I really need to start doodling, for it seems like great fun!
Awesome doodles! I really need to start doodling, for it seems like great fun!
Awesome doodles! I really need to start doodling, for it seems like great fun!
agree …these are fantastic…i am no artist in my mind and would never put anything on public display but we,I, forget so much.I look back at old sketch books and think,that’s so nice!! Thanks for reminding us..
agree …these are fantastic…i am no artist in my mind and would never put anything on public display but we,I, forget so much.I look back at old sketch books and think,that’s so nice!! Thanks for reminding us..
agree …these are fantastic…i am no artist in my mind and would never put anything on public display but we,I, forget so much.I look back at old sketch books and think,that’s so nice!! Thanks for reminding us..
agree …these are fantastic…i am no artist in my mind and would never put anything on public display but we,I, forget so much.I look back at old sketch books and think,that’s so nice!! Thanks for reminding us..
agree …these are fantastic…i am no artist in my mind and would never put anything on public display but we,I, forget so much.I look back at old sketch books and think,that’s so nice!! Thanks for reminding us..
You should copy them and cut up the copies for cards, ATC, or scrapbooking.
Yes I go back and look at my work and look at old mags and books too.
You should copy them and cut up the copies for cards, ATC, or scrapbooking.
Yes I go back and look at my work and look at old mags and books too.
You should copy them and cut up the copies for cards, ATC, or scrapbooking.
Yes I go back and look at my work and look at old mags and books too.
You should copy them and cut up the copies for cards, ATC, or scrapbooking.
Yes I go back and look at my work and look at old mags and books too.
You should copy them and cut up the copies for cards, ATC, or scrapbooking.
Yes I go back and look at my work and look at old mags and books too.
I do go back and look at old art (sometimes cringing) but what I really mostly do is look back on old scrapbook pages and beginning PL (I started with Project 365 in 2009)and I find that I actually enjoy looking back rather than feeling horrified as I thought I might at my taste and style early on. 🙂
I do go back and look at old art (sometimes cringing) but what I really mostly do is look back on old scrapbook pages and beginning PL (I started with Project 365 in 2009)and I find that I actually enjoy looking back rather than feeling horrified as I thought I might at my taste and style early on. 🙂
I do go back and look at old art (sometimes cringing) but what I really mostly do is look back on old scrapbook pages and beginning PL (I started with Project 365 in 2009)and I find that I actually enjoy looking back rather than feeling horrified as I thought I might at my taste and style early on. 🙂
I do go back and look at old art (sometimes cringing) but what I really mostly do is look back on old scrapbook pages and beginning PL (I started with Project 365 in 2009)and I find that I actually enjoy looking back rather than feeling horrified as I thought I might at my taste and style early on. 🙂
I do go back and look at old art (sometimes cringing) but what I really mostly do is look back on old scrapbook pages and beginning PL (I started with Project 365 in 2009)and I find that I actually enjoy looking back rather than feeling horrified as I thought I might at my taste and style early on. 🙂
Your doodles are wonderful-so fun, creative,and bold. You are very inspiring! I have kept my old sketchbooks, but don’t look at them as often as I use to. I’m changing directions – away from oils, and more to watercolors, acrylics, mixed-media, and fiber art. And, of course, doodling! When learning, I sometimes copy other’s work with my own spin, but this is just for personal use. I prefer to do my own thing, as I want my art to be mine and reflect me. However, it has taken me a few years to find my own voice.
Your doodles are wonderful-so fun, creative,and bold. You are very inspiring! I have kept my old sketchbooks, but don’t look at them as often as I use to. I’m changing directions – away from oils, and more to watercolors, acrylics, mixed-media, and fiber art. And, of course, doodling! When learning, I sometimes copy other’s work with my own spin, but this is just for personal use. I prefer to do my own thing, as I want my art to be mine and reflect me. However, it has taken me a few years to find my own voice.
Your doodles are wonderful-so fun, creative,and bold. You are very inspiring! I have kept my old sketchbooks, but don’t look at them as often as I use to. I’m changing directions – away from oils, and more to watercolors, acrylics, mixed-media, and fiber art. And, of course, doodling! When learning, I sometimes copy other’s work with my own spin, but this is just for personal use. I prefer to do my own thing, as I want my art to be mine and reflect me. However, it has taken me a few years to find my own voice.
Your doodles are wonderful-so fun, creative,and bold. You are very inspiring! I have kept my old sketchbooks, but don’t look at them as often as I use to. I’m changing directions – away from oils, and more to watercolors, acrylics, mixed-media, and fiber art. And, of course, doodling! When learning, I sometimes copy other’s work with my own spin, but this is just for personal use. I prefer to do my own thing, as I want my art to be mine and reflect me. However, it has taken me a few years to find my own voice.
Your doodles are wonderful-so fun, creative,and bold. You are very inspiring! I have kept my old sketchbooks, but don’t look at them as often as I use to. I’m changing directions – away from oils, and more to watercolors, acrylics, mixed-media, and fiber art. And, of course, doodling! When learning, I sometimes copy other’s work with my own spin, but this is just for personal use. I prefer to do my own thing, as I want my art to be mine and reflect me. However, it has taken me a few years to find my own voice.
Thanks that was really inspiring words and so true about each having our own style and to embrace it. Love your doodles.
Thanks that was really inspiring words and so true about each having our own style and to embrace it. Love your doodles.
Thanks that was really inspiring words and so true about each having our own style and to embrace it. Love your doodles.
Thanks that was really inspiring words and so true about each having our own style and to embrace it. Love your doodles.
Thanks that was really inspiring words and so true about each having our own style and to embrace it. Love your doodles.
Wow Julie- there are some real cool doodles of yesterday – so glad you revisited them and shared. funny, you asked because , i too, recently pulled out some old pieces, when i was 15! and now have a few framed and hanging!
Wow Julie- there are some real cool doodles of yesterday – so glad you revisited them and shared. funny, you asked because , i too, recently pulled out some old pieces, when i was 15! and now have a few framed and hanging!
Wow Julie- there are some real cool doodles of yesterday – so glad you revisited them and shared. funny, you asked because , i too, recently pulled out some old pieces, when i was 15! and now have a few framed and hanging!
Wow Julie- there are some real cool doodles of yesterday – so glad you revisited them and shared. funny, you asked because , i too, recently pulled out some old pieces, when i was 15! and now have a few framed and hanging!
Wow Julie- there are some real cool doodles of yesterday – so glad you revisited them and shared. funny, you asked because , i too, recently pulled out some old pieces, when i was 15! and now have a few framed and hanging!
Hi Julie, I love these so much. I think they would make awesome rubber stamps, especially the 3rd one down. I could see me using this a lot for backgrounds. Fingers crossed for a release. Barbara x
Hi Julie, I love these so much. I think they would make awesome rubber stamps, especially the 3rd one down. I could see me using this a lot for backgrounds. Fingers crossed for a release. Barbara x
Hi Julie, I love these so much. I think they would make awesome rubber stamps, especially the 3rd one down. I could see me using this a lot for backgrounds. Fingers crossed for a release. Barbara x
Hi Julie, I love these so much. I think they would make awesome rubber stamps, especially the 3rd one down. I could see me using this a lot for backgrounds. Fingers crossed for a release. Barbara x
Hi Julie, I love these so much. I think they would make awesome rubber stamps, especially the 3rd one down. I could see me using this a lot for backgrounds. Fingers crossed for a release. Barbara x
I love them! They’re great!
I love them! They’re great!
I love them! They’re great!
I love them! They’re great!
I love them! They’re great!