are you creatively stuck? try this simple doodle exercise

[@kathrynanderson7914]

Your cure comes through your heart

[@kathrynanderson7914]

Healing through creative feeling

[@sharonsands708]

My goodness, what fun. Who would've thought it would be so enjoyable to watching someone doodle. But it was.

[@chelseaclerke948]

I tried this, I've done 4 pages and I literally cannot stop coming up with idea's I've had to take to running to my sketchbook every hour or so to work them out in pencil to make sure I don't forget any! Thank-you Ceecee for being such an inspiration!

[@sylviahall5667]

Thank you for that great idea I basically stopped painting several years ago my husband goddess rest his soul used to come and stand and watch me then he would point out where I had gone wrong and how to make it right when I offered him paints and pad he told that I knew he could not paint so I found it easier to give up now I'm on my own with two cats it's time to go back to painting with watercolour again

[@StitchesbySharonH]

Hi! I’m a new subscriber - I just found your channel and this happens to me quite often. I’m disabled and will have days where I’m unable to do anything except lay on the sofa and sleep. When I have “good days,” I’m so overwhelmed with all of the projects I want to do and I don’t know where to start! Thank you for sharing this - I’m glad I’m not alone! 💜

[@peachiiee]

Oh wow, I just subscribed with almost the exact same line of thinking! I have a sleep disorder and on the good days I feel overwhelmed by all the projects I want to do but struggle to get into it straight away. This is perfect as a warm up excercise to get the ball rolling :)

[@StitchesbySharonH]

Dacevera Oh wow! I’m sorry that you have a sleep disorder, but it’s nice to meet someone who can relate to how I’m feeling.

[@peachiiee]

@@StitchesbySharonH Thank you, and likewise I am sorry that you have a disability to deal with. Lets keep creating! :)

[@DistractedDaisy]

Awesome way to get some creative juices going.

[@patthornton3334]

Whenever I have a problem that seems to big to tackle, I break it down into steps and then I can focus on one step at a time. This is an awesome way to tackle my creativity vacuums! Thanks so much for sharing this. And I just adore the outcome.

[@cindyborcherding8927]

Combining 2 of my favorite things... watercoloring and doodling. LOVE LOVE LOVE!!

[@mydyisgod]

So relaxing just watching you move the brush around the paper while listening to you

[@glennysweiss]

thank you for your videos. I am 80 and living in a retirement center. Just started water color art and go into a complete freeze when I try to put paint to paper. I have tried some videos but want to become more creative. I do find that I see so much pattern around me now that I have started painting. This video was so inspiring. I also was given a doodle diary book. "Draw your Day". And I am anxious to make use of it. But doodling in my water color excercises is a wonderful idea. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[@creationsceecee]

how wonderful, Glennys, that you are discovering watercolor. wishing you many hours of creative joy!!!

[@mcdowell356]

I was stuck for almost a year unable to get out of my depression and just enjoy painting . I finally started just doing small collages ..not allowing myself to get to analytical about the process . Also I would only work for a short period of time ( 5-10 minutes) . After a week or so of doing small works 6"x6" , I found myself climbing out of my rut . I have to date produced approximately 900 pieces of mixed media work and have not fallen back . I use Crayola markers and ballpoint pen . I hope everyone who suffers can find their way . I appreciate your video very much . Thank you .

[@creationsceecee]

thank you so much for sharing your story with us, James. and what a realization, to have done so many pieces! bravo!

[@maramakesjournals2319]

My husband and I are exhausted after trips. Just totally beat. Thankfully, we’re retired now so can rest afterward. Maybe that’s part of it; giving yourself time to rest and dream. Napping gives me time to imagine, to really think without distraction. It’s restorative. I really love your doodle art. I love the alphabet blobs the best and would totally put that art on my wall. T’would also make excellent greeting cards. Now imagining winter holiday cards: snowflakes, hohoho, pine branches, ribbons. Pretty pretty.

[@sabrinanascimento5248]

Same thing here used to draw and color but a long time I dropped it but now I picked it up again. So I do quick doodling. Watercolor painting is all I can do. I just let myself go and get creative, I don’t overthink or second guess. This way I am creative. I don’t look for perfection because it won’t be Art. I want to be authentic to myself.

[@stars444]

i can totally relate with not being able to create - even though you want to. You are not alone! It has really been frustrating throughout my entire creative life, spreading into my design career too. My perfectionist tendencies in the past have prevented me from even thinking about sitting down to create without having a fully formed idea in place first! Not at all helpful. However, I have got a lot better at identifying those voices - and having exercises like the ones you showcase in this video are incredibly helpful. I love the idea of introducing "soothing" processes into our practice. Beautiful finished results - but the process itself was just as beautiful. Thank you! I needed this today! xxx

[@Sylphinator]

This is a great idea Ive done it a few times Mira Byler suggested it a while back and I looooooove that its so easy and fun! Glad you are sharing it as well

[@yvonneferguson9757]

Happened upon you today and felt soothed and inspired and "just maybe I can get started on something". I was prevented from doing anything artistically for years for various reasons. Now I have the opportunity i find myself constantly buying supplies and never actually painting anything. I am going to have a go at something similar to this tomorrow! She says, waving a finger at herself. Thank you so much. I loved this video and others of yours I have now watched.

[@SallyVanNuysMixedMediaArtist]

Super brush practice! Just what I need! Thanks for sharing. I find myself stuck very often, not for creativity, but for the will to go into the studio and actually start. This will help!

[@courtneyvandenham830]

Cee Cee thank you, that is exactly my problem and I couldn’t figure it out. My head is constantly swimming with ideas but when I go to execute I am paralyzed. Thank you for your inspiration and I. Will try this exercise to ease myself into creating. Thank you again and your artwork is lovely.

[@Manj_J]

Clicked to help me wake up after my "creative hibernation" (aka a nicer way to refer to my art block), got an extra dose of BTS along with some good, solid advice. Life is good, the sun is shining and creativity flows freely in my mind. Thank you for this!

[@creationsceecee]

LOL i "purple" your comment. you're so cute!

[@VeronicaWhite27]

Thank you. I just got my first watercolor set and I didn't know how to start. So, I turned to KZbin. Other KZbin videos were about drawing very specific things. I didn't want to do that. This is great!!!

[@francesrogo9932]

The brush guys are great. They are very quick at getting your order in the mail. Of course, they are only about 2 hours away from where I live in Southern California.

[@MermieOriginals]

Totally agree with your method. I've done a similar thing a few times. I picked a 'shape' - a leaf or circles or squares - and did a sketch where I overlapped different sizes all over the paper and then filled each one with different patterns...it's totally absorbing! I also love to take a paper, soak it with water, flick a colour scheme of watercolours on it so it bleeds and fills the paper. Then I take an ink pen and off centre my vision to try and see what image is there and then make the picture...sometimes I see flowers or leaves, sometimes I see a person or eyes...a bit like seeing shapes in clouds but then outlining them. Thanks, I needed this inspiration! Much Love Louise

[@fe3o2y]

Thank you! I'm a newbie and watercolor can be so intimidating. This is something I can handle. Every little stone could be an individual painting. Exquisite!

[@katietrout2323]

I love this! I do zentangle, but love the idea of combining it with paint. For trips, you could pre-paint some of your pages and then use fine point gel pens to doodle in them while youre on the road! Then you wont fall out of your creative mind set.

[@creationsceecee]

what a fantastic idea! thank you for that tip, Katie, and have a wonderful day.

[@AC-cg3bv]

What a precious gift! Can totally understand the time to get settled again. Middle age maybe?? Gorgeous painting as always and great to do with children!

[@tracyolson2739]

I love this idea! And what you did turned out really pretty. I've had the same thing happen to me where you go on vacation, get all inspired, and can't wait to get home and get to work and the . . . nothing. I've never told anyone else that because I thought it was just me. This is a great idea that I will definitely try the next time I take a couple of days off doing anything creative. TFS. Hugs, Tracy

[@ejay3439]

This kind of thing is great for practicing/learning brush control too, especially for those of us used to pencils and nibs. Just look at those tiny letters!

[@juliabrown2479]

Very inspiring. Great job with the fine paining doodling.

[@lisaainscough2465]

Oh my, you have no idea how much I appreciate this video. It was exactly what I needed today. I've been out of my studio for two weeks and will be for another two. Putting up a friend in need in my creative space and I've been struggling to create. This I can do until I can my space back. Cheers Lisa

[@absterama]

i find myself going back to this video over and over again. It's a great way to get started when you find yourself stuck, or even full of ideas--you can do them all :) During this time of shelter in place, this comes very soothing for restless creative minds. I've been journaling a lot, cutting up lotsa printed catalogs and I use these small little pieces to add to do a collage...i think i'm having too much fun now, thanks to you!

[@mikeandsandybroderick4438]

This is awesome!! Going to try this for sure.

[@moxiemcmahon]

It's like the Zen doodle of watercolor, thanks!

[@Noniof3]

What a creative exercise! Love it. Planning to try it soon.

[@janecameron7498]

Great inspiration for doodling and an easy idea to take with you when away from home. I will use this idea. I also love the idea of making them into stickers. Thanks,

[@lorifodor6462]

I've been in a slump for 6 weeks. Watching your videos will help me get out of it.

[@marjorieschiller1166]

Looks like so much fun! Can’t wait to try it.

[@KoffeeKat18]

I love you detailing about when you get stuck! I get a paralysis where I look at a blank page, and then look at art work I’ve done, and my mind says, “I don’t know how I did that, I can never do it again!” Strange what the mind does!!

[@elizabetholivas5781]

Love this. What a wonderful way to be creative on a daily basis.

[@kristijalics6790]

I've watched this and some of your similar exercises several times and I think they are very good for getting one back into doing art.

[@LesleyTaylor101]

Seems so simple looking at the individual designs yet creates such a beautiful, elegant overall effect!

[@andreazysk7173]

Omg, this video saved my art life! I hit these creative slumps and as I am a beginner.....I get too critical of my attempts. This will really help me loosen up! I love your videos! Totally addicted!

[@mightyquinn4]

Thanks so much! I just got back from a long road trip/exhausting event myself! This is a great way to jump in again! You’re a dear!

[@Jyclynn]

Thank you! This give me an idea to do something else using the idea to paint a few circles first. Then filled them in with something I like.

[@shadia2000]

You're definitely not the only one! I just came off of a trip and I missed creating so much, but when I sat down to do it nothing I made was satisfying to me either.

[@beasfox9298]

This is my style exactly. If I saw this framed in a store I would definitely buy it. So simple but yet so intriguing. Thank you for the video!

[@ShoshiPlatypus]

Absolutely gorgeous. A great idea for when your mojo goes walkabout! I love the colours you have chosen, too. I really enjoyed watching this.

[@lindaknox7725]

Great exercise. And, yes, the longer I am away from creating the more stuck I get. This is such a great idea and love how you actually used this exercise to make a card. I would definitely put these on my wall :)

[@JaciPaso]

Great idea... also helps with brush and water control... Brilliant

[@lesafowers8142]

I have doing my own doodle dots because you were such an inspiration to me. I just love the tiny little works of art they make. Thanks

[@celestiaam7997]

Thank you for sharing your talent.Yes doodling made me feel really relaxed and I will try it.Again thanks a lot and be blessed you and your family.

[@halcyoneve]

What a terrific video! I haven't been able to write for a couple of years now for various reasons, and now I'm having so much trouble getting back into it. I'm not at all lacking for plot ideas, it's the actual writing that I'm stalled on. Now I just need to figure out how to convert your lovely idea into writing. Maybe random vignettes? I'll mull it over. But I think something like the prose version of your doodling might be very helpful. Thank you!

[@pjp9383]

Maybe something like taking a random object (rock, feather, handkerchief, padlock, etc) and using it as a writing prompt? 10 quick unrelated sentences, or a half page scene, or something like that?

[@jeanyransom9281]

This is such a brilliant unlocker you have created. Thank you so much ! It’s a very inspiring video, both beautiful to watch and see what you create but also the exercise ... wow - what a gift! I immediately thought what gorgeous stickers they would make..... hoping they will be the digital sticker reward on Patreon this month!!!!

[@creationsceecee]

:-) get out of my head, my friend . they will be digi stickers this month. thank you so much for the sweet comment and i'll talk to you soon.

[@marciasylvester6707]

What a great idea I am off to play....thank you!

[@ElleCoyote]

Thank you! I stopped painting about 6 weeks ago because of cataract surgeries, and now that I have full, clear and crisp vision, I am trying to get back into painting. I started tonight with a doodle pattern like yours and it gave me a nice boost.

[@creationsceecee]

how wonderful! congratulations on gaining back your vision. wishing you a beautiful and creative day!

[@jomanna7420]

You are not alone, so happy to hear you say that the the creative mojo is like a muscle that needs daily exercise. Truly enjoy your style 😍

[@avereynakama9854]

This is a great way to get used to new brushes and new paint at the same time. I might try this with a sketchbook or two.

[@tabortooth11]

Really a very pretty painting!! And the muted colors are very soothing!!!

[@sulyco4380]

This looks like a great exercise for me, a beginner at watercolor. Thank you for the idea. And yes, they would great on your wall.....

[@ohmercy5924]

Thank you! I love this idea. I can see it framed definitely. I can see it as a large painting or mixed media piece. I haven’t created in a very, very long time and I am just putting a studio space together in my apartment. Just watching you has my hands and heart just itching to create. Thank you!

[@ryanfleming55]

You are so inspiring CeeCee. Thank you for sharing not just your art, but yourself.

[@LoveWiena]

thank you for sharing your process. I was just telling my niece that I was having Artist Block and she told me about you. This was just the video I needed to see and I appreciate the links. The brushes will be my next stop!!

[@creationsceecee]

awesome! thank your niece for me and have fun playing creating!

[@hazelparr8461]

Love this exercise. I'll try and have a go at it tomorrow xx

[@trish1anne]

Very impressed with your art and also your English grammar, a pleasure to listen to you.

[@cathymikequimbyquimby7315]

Thank you Cee Cee for this. After being away from painting for two weeks, I’m really struggling with turning out anything I like. Everything seems to be blah. It was nice to start my day watching you along with my morning cuppa. And thanks for the round number 2 brush info. I have been waiting to see what you think. Will check it out.

[@kurtwolf777]

I am a REAL beginner and find myself afraid to start (don't know where to start - probably have looked at too many tutorials). This is exactly what I need to get me started. It not nly makes a beautiful painting, but it doesn't look scary. Incidentally, I am 80 years old.....Thanks you for sharing with us all of your suggestions as to how to begin. Look forward to watching more of your work.-Diane

[@creationsceecee]

wonderful! and i applaud you for starting on this watercolor journey at 80 years young! wishing you a most wonderful weekend filled with joyful creativity!

[@maryalgar8779]

This is utterly awesome! Love the idea and the cards are beautiful. Great idea - thanks for sharing.

[@beatrixsorensen1648]

This was ABSOLUTELY the most fun exercise/warm up, I've ever done. I love it!

[@ArijanaLukic]

You are not alone! This is happening to me right now! I just came back from a trip...so I will use your method and try! Thank you for sharing!

[@ZestyAqua]

Yep, I'm a few years late as an artist creator go through the same slumps. Especially with writing. I wasn't happy with my work or self so, I stopped doing anything. Full on. So, I understand fully. That's for sharing.

[@craftsbypwilli2664]

Very inspiring! I often get stuck or get overwhelmed to even get started and this would definitely be a nice way to relax and ease into a project in a soothing way. Thanks for sharing this video with us. Big thumbs up! 😊

[@darlene50vaughn]

Absolutely subtle beauty

[@lakenreich]

This is wonderful! I love it-you come up with the best creative ideas. I like the cut up and use on cards also. Thanks for sharing.

[@connieloe3618]

This was a really good exercise for me to learn to reinvigorate my “spark.” Thanks!

[@bettyryan4310]

A great way to get back into painting...love the doodles and picking paint that makes you excited to pick the brush. Thanks for the great idea!

[@c.s.johnson7691]

A true artist knows that they must learn to push themselves through any work. Sometimes it's hard and others it's not, make it work for you. You'll be better of in the finished piece, because you've leaned from the experience. Not all paintings can be a masterpiece, understand this and you'll never get stuck again.

[@gbear768]

I am totally going to do this! Always help just to get the hands moving, jumpstarts your brain. OhhhI love your card!

[@kristinakowalski6573]

Great great great. Such a simple but effective way to get painting. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@claudiaforrest6669]

Yes, very awesome! So many ways to use the finished work. Thank you!

[@ClioMako]

These excercises look like what I just need right now. Will be trying tonight!

[@elaeria]

Oh, I'm DEFINITELY going to use this. I have had very little time to be creative lately and have been carrying my sketchbook around and doodling mandalas in the few moments I find time just to try to get my creative "fix". I want very badly to create with my watercolours again, and I think this is just what I need. Maybe I can make up a few palette pieces and carry them with me to doodle on with gel pens when I have time. Thanks so much for this inspiration!!

[@cjjersey2455]

I do something similar, but in a completely different way. I use a template with various sizes of circles, squares or other shapes. I trace them lightly with pencil, overlapping some of the shapes, which then create other shapes. Then with a fine line pen, I create different patterns in each space. This is similar to zentangle, but I’ve been creating designs like this since I started doodling in my notebooks in high school in the 1960s, way before anyone did zentangle designs. I might use only black on white paper, or I use a light colored marker or watercolor to fill in the spaces before adding the patterns, then use several colors of fineline markers. I just completed one with some white and gray spaces, then used a black marker and a sparkly medium blue gel pen. Instead of using a template, I used a ruler to draw straight lines, leaving some thin white spaces between my patterns.

[@lisedanis2201]

I love the calming colours and patterns. I so agree with you doodling on paint shapes is relaxing and puts me right back in my creativity.

[@dorothyburke4486]

Thank you. Have been unwell and unable to paint with no inspiration. This will be so good to try.

[@stefaniestaniak4329]

This is amazing! I would frame both pages, for sure. It looks like a very relaxing exercise. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@janc734]

I also love watercolor with doodles- you can never do enough of that for me!!! This video gave me lots of ideas- I really like the soothing colors you chose. Thanks Ceecee!

[@kimlivengood5916]

What a great idea. This looks like fun practice. And your right they would look very nice framed, or cut & used in other art projects. I really liked these, & I am going to try it. Ty for a great idea. TYFS

[@elavengero]

wonderful artwork as always.So Inspiring

[@andreamaiorana8490]

Right up my alley😄Thank you. I doodle every day.

[@HaleyRi]

I never thought of using watercolour in this kind of manner. Very neat.

[@sarahmiller6183]

I know exactly how you feel. I have been away from my art for almost two weeks now, and I am getting crabby. This is an excellent way to get warmed up. Thanks.

[@andreagossmann1898]

This is BRILLIANT!!!

[@DDspaperworks]

I’m so trying this. Since my father passed away over a year ago, I’ve been in a creative slump. I can try this and do it one day at a time, no pressure but still making progress in my creativity. Thanks so much for showing how to move forward.

[@creationsceecee]

i'm glad you're moving forward -- losing a loved one is quite painful. thankfully, art is a good "rescuer". wishing you many hours of creative joy!

[@zulmabontiffe487]

So simple So lovely !! LOVE IT .

[@stereodreamer23]

What a delightful idea for a creativity-energizing exercise. I'm definitely adding this to my practice. Thanks!

[@KimberlyCrick]

Love the cut out card! This is a great idea, I was just struggling with getting back into things after a really rough week. It sounds really fun to take out some of my favorite colors of paints to make circular swatches with, especially some of the interesting granulating paints, to doodle over. Thanks for this :)

[@creationsceecee]

So happy to be of inspiration. I hope your weekend was better than your week. Wishing you many creative hours!

[@theresawatamaniuk6930]

love watching your videos CeeCee...very calming and inspirational...great exercise to get me going and in the zone...Thank You!!

[@kimberleytramper8966]

I would love to do this! I think this could be a good ice breaker for those who think they can’t create, or are afraid to try.

[@wendywraight5788]

Loved this idea. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindawitherspoon446]

Wow, so pretty. Love it.