Find things that feel good

Lately, I have been noticing and choosing habits and tools that feel good. For example, I have experimented with different book forms for my sketchbook. And the one that suits my approach to sketch booking is a soft cover coptic stitch 4.5″ x 6″.

sketching by the lake

This book is:

  • small enough to carry on my daily walks
  • flexible and can be folded to lie flat on any page
  • expands a bit to accommodate some collage

drawing tools

I have been looking for soft drawing tools that make strong marks with not too much pressure required.

I found:

  • a black gel pen at the dollar tree store that flows smoothly and is water resistant
  • black sharpie gives a bolder line with little effort
  • Crayola watercolor pencil is easy to make marks with
  • China markers require a little more effort but I like the water resistant quality

mark making papers

I am trying on the daily practice of drawing enso, Zen circles, the meditative circle drawing in a single exhale. I like the idea of connecting with my breath. Now, I have a lot of black circles, so I have been playing with adding color for fun. I experimented with different brushes, to find one that felt good in my hand and created an expressive line.

modified paint brushes for mark making

Even trying out new habits is a way of finding ways to feel good. I often start a method, and then tweak it to my liking. That is why I am playing with adding color to my Ensos.

enos, zen circle with water color

I encourage you to look at your mark making tools and habits and ask:

Does this feel good? Can I do this with ease? And find little things that work for you.

Sometimes an art class can stimulate new habits, if that interests you then check out the current online art classes.