Doodle art continues to be quite the rage among those new to drawing and professionals alike. Aside from paper, doodles can be added to just about anything. The newest issue of Zen Doodle Workshop (Fall 2016) celebrates this trend, featuring articles on how to draw doodle art on scratchboard, add doodles to home decor such as pillows and tables, and how to draw a mandala on a paper parasol for a lovely effect.
Kathryn Costa, author of The Mandala Guidebook: How to Draw, Paint, and Color Expressive Mandala Art, created this last project. You’ll find her complete article with instructions in Zen Doodle Workshop, but for today’s newsletter I’m sharing with you nine of her tips for decorating a parasol with doodle art. All you need is a ruler, pencil, parasol, and a variety of Sharpie markers.
When you draw doodle art inspired by this issue, make sure you follow and tag us on Instagram (@artistsnetwork, our parent site) so we can see your work! Have fun drawing! ~Cherie
Mandala Parasol
“Mandalas are circular designs that often have shapes and colors repeated in a radial pattern,” Kathryn says. “Umbrellas and mandalas were made for each other. The frame of an umbrella can easily be transformed into a grid for drawing a mandala. While we think of umbrellas as providing shelter on a rainy day, these paper parasols provide shade on a sunny day. They can also be designed and colored to coordinate with a party theme or hung with a light for a unique decorative accent in your home or studio.”
9 Tips for Adding a Mandala to a Parasol by Kathryn Costa
1. Add interest to your design by varying the distance between the guide points on different spokes.
2. Make sure the markings are consistently drawn around the parasol.
3. Use care coloring the areas closest to the center of the parasol. I’ve found the paper there is very taut and can easily tear or be pierced under the weight of the marker.
4. Angle the tip of the marker, using the side of the tip to color larger areas. This will provide a broader application of color.
5. To prevent streaking, move the marker side to side in rows, starting at one end of the shape, and adding color until the area is filled.
6. Avoid using 3-D fabric paint for this technique. It is sticky, even when dry, and will cause the umbrella to get stuck shut or tear when opened.
7. Work from the center outward, and left to right if you’re right handed, to prevent smudging and getting marker all over your hands.
8. Darker colors usually fill a shape easily. Lighter colors, such as yellow and orange, may require a second coat after the first one is dry. You need to work light to dark if using alcohol-based markers. Acrylic paint pens can be layered light over dark.
9. White, black, gold, and silver are all stunning options for adding details. ~Kathryn