Doodle Art

Sarah was kind enough to take the time to answer my questions about her creative process.

How long have you been making these doodle drawings? Pretty much since early elementary school. I can remember around 7th or 8th grade, I was big into doodling in notebook margins during class, and I would create intricate abstract swirling patterns on the back of my left hand and even on my shoes and bookbag (using whiteout). In high school, my parents let me paint a big swirl mandala in white on my blue bedroom wall, and I remember feeling so excited about that! So, basically, I've been doodling for the majority of my life!

When did you start drawing? Since very, very young. I loved coloring books early on, and started drawing still-lifes because of my wonderful art teacher in grade school (probably around 4th grade).

What inspired you to make these drawings? My inspiration comes from a couple distinct sources. Paul Klee is my favorite painter of all time, and his early black ink drawings are awesome (also, a tad creepy) and his more graphic paintings also have a big impact on what I do. I also really connect to the mehndi (henna) art tradition and feel particularly drawn to the swirls, symmetry and natural movement in that style. I also tend to gravitate toward weird things, like the entire surrealist movement, and pretty much anything black-and-white. I also recently discovered something called "zentangle" (Zentangle) that is very much in line with what I do!

Is there anything special you do to get ready to draw or do you just do it whenever you feel like it? I just dive in, no special preparations. Sometimes I draw with TV going in the background, other times I just sit at my desk and have music going. I can draw pretty much anywhere.

Do you have any other creative pursuits? I joke among my friends that I have art-ADHD, because I have SO many other pursuits that it's ridiculous. Sewing/quilting is perhaps my second biggest love after drawing, but I also love painting, making jewelry, rehabbing furniture (which I talk about a lot on my blog: Hennessey House ), etc.. I am constantly going through phases, but sewing and refurbishing pieces for my home are staples in my life.

Purple and Teal Pen-Drawn Flower with Mustard Background 5x7 Print | Price: $20

This flower, originally drawn in black and white, has a lot of details inspired by the henna / mehndi art tradition. It has been digitally colored in... (full description)

Garden Filled with Circle Flowers Blues Green and Yellow 8x10 Print | Price: $0

This garden is filled with flowers comprised of circles, ovals, and half-spheres. The circles range in size and width, and some of the blooms are deta... (full description)

Tall Abstract Garden in Pink, Rose and Teal 8x10 Print - Perfect Valentine's Day Colors | Price: $30

In this scene, numerous abstract flowers of all shapes, sizes and patterns fill the garden while their roots climb and intertwine from the bottom of t... (full description)

50% OFF SALE - The Earth and her Flowers in Purples, Pinks, and Peach 8x10 Print - Price Already Reduced | Price: $10

**** This colored print was originally $20 and I've already knocked down the price 50% to $10. Just moving some older art out the door! :) ****... (full description)

City Stuck In The Strata 8x10 Black and White Print | Price: $0

Layers of black ink lines rise from the bottom of this page, criss-crossing and intersecting among houses and buildings that rise from random spots in... (full description)