Doodle your Way to Being a Great Artist by Stefan Baumann

A doodle is an unfocused or unconscious drawing made while a person's attention is otherwise occupied. Doodles are simple drawings that can have concrete representational meaning or may just be abstract shapes. Stereotypical examples of doodling are found in school notebooks, often in the margins, drawn by students daydreaming or losing interest during class. Another common example of doodling occurs during long conversations on the phone when a pen and paper are available.
In this video Baumann is talking to a group of students at a class on painting and discusses how to stop making excuses and start drawing in those old sketch books on the shelf.
Stefan Baumann, host of the PBS Series "The Grand View," America's National Parks Through the Eyes of an Artist," travels throughout America painting plein air landscapes in oil. Art collectors who love to acquire paintings of the West, still life, wild life and flowers love his work, and his paintings have been collected by noted American families such as the Annenbergs, Rockefellers, former President Reagan and by top Fortune 500 corporations. His work is likened to the top artists of American History such as Moran, Bierstadt, Sargent, Payne, and Hulings. He frequently travels to paint in the National Parks, and you might see him painting at Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, as well as on his PBS Series, "The Grand View," and in his DVD's that feature him painting in 20 different National Parks.
Go to www.StefanBaumann.com to receive a free book. If you want to ask me a question, please call me 800.511.1337. I would love to talk with you. Please leave feedback below .

[@inboundnewt]

"It's not a holy relic, use the dam thing!" I write that quote on the first page of all my sketchbooks.

[@elsagrace3893]

inboundnewt excellent! I love this!

[@mitza420]

great idea! :D

[@polymathable]

I like this, Imma start doing this too.

[@timmoody62]

I need to hear this thanks

[@macromika]

My husband over heard the part about being made my monks in a basement with hand pressed paper blessed by the pope....and he about died laughing. He then went up to my sewing room and brought out my most beautiful, pristine, VIRGINAL sketchbook...and a pencil. DAMN IT!!

[@debicole3147]

I watched this video and decided to put your words into practice, Stefan. I took my little art journal with me to the airport and while I waited for the arrival of my spouse, I doodled people that were seated around me. What freedom to finally use up those pages because I too have had this feeling that those journal/sketch books are holy relics. Well, they're not precious til they are filled in. I did better than I thought. My husband could actually recognize that one woman was working on her computer while seated there. Thank you for your encouraging and insightful thoughts and directions. Your inspiration has given me courage to go out and do it, no matter what.

[@thebestisyettocomegodisawe1081]

I watch this over and over...it keeps me SHARP ! It helped me keep in mind children need to be able to CREATE not to be taught what to draw. I had a great time teaching 3 & 4yr olds techniques....and when they ask me WHAT do we draw...I said...WHAT do YOU want to draw? It was awesome to see their eyes light up and say OHHH! They really had fun, and surprised me and their regular teachers!😊

[@StefanBaumann]

I love it when people get it!

[@sainafilipo9166]

Thank you so much for this! Everything you said in the beginning is so true! I'm always scared to ruin a perfectly good sketch book I just bought. I feel more comfortable with the word "doodling" because then I'm no longer criticising myself evertime. I will step up to the challenge and do 100 doodlings a week. I'm determined to better myself to become a 3D Modeller; wish me luck!!!

[@cjlloyd53]

Listen to the man and take on board what he has said. As an art teacher of primary school children my biggest hurdle was convincing any student over the age of 9 yrs. that all I wanted them to do was have fun, that paper wasn't precious and whatever they did was unique and worthy.

[@Walestales1]

Just discovered your lessons and love them. I've been teaching art for 30 years. You've given me some wonderful ideas to share with my students. Thank you.....

[@artbitesgregory]

You are hysterical. What a great laugh and so true. Obviously you have been there and done that. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@michaelparry1383]

Stefan, I have several 'sketch books ' that are blank or almost blank. I don't want to waste the paper. This is so great and why you are such a successful coach. Great information.

[@anmoloudhia]

You are the most sensible art teacher on the planet

[@donnapelc]

I found your KZbin channel and was so inspired, when I was feeling like I couldn't find any reason to paint anymore since the list of my Mom.. Your wisdom and knowledge has inspired me to pick up the paint brush and try again. Thank you so much for reminding myself why I paint in the first place. Going to pull out the sketch pad and DOODLE MORE. Your the best ever. Peace from Donna

[@rizgarn.311]

Dona Marc

[@TheTasie09]

Wow! The freedom to doodle! Such a liberating concept for blank sketch book hoarders like myself! I have just begun to fill up my vast collection. Thank you Stefan!

[@Teewriter]

Renee Fuqua three years ago. Did you follow through?

[@janicesiegle3192]

Love the clarity of the teaching. I am obsessed with Steph’s videos. Thank you for these sessions.

[@twinkyhouse2680]

oh god this is so true it's embarassing, all this time wasted when I should have been drawing, and the paper is basically worthless

[@xiko80]

I'm so glad I found your video! You are a great teacher. I stopped painting around 2000 because when my parents got divorced and I had to move to another house my mother mistakenly threw into the waste bin a box with all my drawings, paintings and projects. I was so heartbroken at the time, and that made me quit following my dream. Since then I have done just little sketches one time or another . But now came the desire to dedicate myself with heart and soul to what always loved to do. I remember the freedom I used to have , this pleasure whenever I went through here and there to draw. I am from Portugal, but currently living in UK. I'm making plans to hiking through Europe and painting, just make some paintings in one place sell them (maybe online too) and then move to another place/country. Just want to thank you for this wise words of yours. Keep up with the good work. Cheers

[@StefanBaumann]

xiko80 I'm so inspired by your story. My mission is to inspire people to create art and in dong so become find a passion that few people experience in there lives. Keep in touch with me and let me know how your life works out.

[@xiko80]

Stefan Baumann First of all, I want to compliment you for been so receptive with your subscriber's, that kind of gestures only show the humble person you are. I will updating my journey through art with you for sure. And maybe ask for some advice too :) I already hitch-hike for 17 days last month from Belgium to Portugal, but I have to tell you that I need to plan this better. Mainly because is a little difficult to travel with all the necessary material in a backpack... My new plan is buy a van or RV, but first need to save some money. Now I will paint as an hobby, but my wish is to do that full time. But also because my mother suffer from diabetes and she starts felling anxious very easily, so I need to postpone this adventure for now. I love my mother very much and I need to think in her health first, maybe with time she will understand that is something I really want and need to do. All the best for you!

[@88malhi]

Wow, Stefan, your doodling concept is GENIUS! Someone mentioned it on paintbasket.com a couple days ago and I have not stopped since. I even did a left-handed page. Wish I had found you three years ago when I could not even draw a respectable stick figure. Thank you. Keep up the good work. I will recommend you to all my friends. Aloha!

[@Gindoogretep]

You are the man, great advice, love your channel for inspiration and advice. Thank you, I have re-opened my old clean sketch books and started doodling.

[@nakedanunnaki4432]

FANTASTIC!!!!! EXCELLENT ADVICE. I consider myself a fairly accomplished draftsman with pencils (graphite and colored pencils & ball point pens) and came to the same conclusion years ago ----- quantity leads to easy flowing expressive drawings. However - you have raised the bar for me (will try to doodle 200 sketches a week) . Thank you for sharing on KZbin

[@SennyMarshall]

Best advice I've heard in decades. Great job!

[@melissakeller3628]

Love this idea, I'm always doodling. Did think of it that way. Thank you.

[@MaryBethBrace]

Wow! Thank you. I'm going to pull out the sketch books and fill them up.

[@jamiej.tilleyphotographyar5177]

I can totally relate to what you are saying. I spent hours drawing as a kid, but eventually began to judge my drawings, comparing them with other people’s work. I decided I wasn’t very good, and gradually stopped. But I kept doodling. Because it didn’t have to be good. And I did it all of the way up until I started painting. It set me free. Thanks for this video!

[@alrenefischer4481]

Love your classes thank you soo much , I still find it tough , but the more I do what you teach the better it’s getting 🙏

[@ArtistWizardry]

Seriously a great conversation. I'm excited to doodle. :)

[@deannerader6527]

Found you yesterday on KZbin and I'm so glad and happy! Ordered my proportional divider to help me with family watercolor portraits and figure drawings. Really enjoying watching your KZbin videos and reading your E Book! Thank You! You are a great artist and teacher!

[@lorabierman8998]

Thank you so much for this tutorial!!! I'm freely using my holy grail now! I will even use it without washing my hands first. :D

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

I absolutely love your channel! I'm a leather artist and saddle maker by trade. I do graphite art and have just gotten into oils and your channel is a great resource for me! This video in particular is amazing advice! Thanks so much!

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks Don I have three horses maybe I need a saddle .....

[@DonGonzalesMaker]

Stefan Baumann haha! Well I would be happy to help you with that buddy! There's a link to my website on my channel if you want window shop!

[@neosilente]

i've been all day seeing your videos. you are a great teacher and very inspiring. thank you so much for sharing your wisdom and insight greetings from chile

[@StefanBaumann]

I'm Glad you like my videos Let me know if you have any questions

[@thebudkellyfiles]

You are an amazing teacher!!! Thanks.

[@cyngyn1675]

Thank you so much . I fret to much and now I'm free to doodle just doodle and enjoy the process. I love drawing.god bless you

[@unaaurora9]

This is brilliant! 💙

[@bludaizee24]

Even worse I loved to draw as a kid , I received a learn to draw kit at my dad's fancy company xmas party. So I did the lessons in the book. Then one day I drew an awesome picture of a bunch of different vegetables in a root cellar with a wooden floor, and I worked so hard on the shadows and highlights etc. I was so proud, it was the best drawing I'd ever made. And my mother accused me of tracing it and I swore I didn't, so she started getting mad at me for lying now too. So I showed her the book and the lesson picture wasn't even half a page but MY drawing was the full page, of my full size sketch book. By now I was crying I was so hurt and mad. She never even said sorry, and she took my drawing and actually told one of her friends that she did it! I was 9 yrs old and I didn't draw again for years.

[@jinimurray4090]

I am so so sorry for the tremendous hurt !!! But it was much more than that. You were betrayed, robbed... Please ask God to give you a gift. The gift of forgiveness. It's not a feeling but a choice. Give Him your pain.realise you have been given a gift from God. Do not bury your "talents". I have gone through similar. My mom was not a mom but an artist. To encourage me in the profession I chose, she went out and (forced art down my throat) FINALLLLLLY I am free and I realized it was evil keeping me from what God had designed me to do. Only months ago, I repented, forgave my mom and picked up a paint brush. (Still not excited about it) please let me say this to you. WELL, DONE, CONGRATULATIONS, KEEP GOING, YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH GREAT GIFTING GOD BLESS YOU, SWEETHEART ❣️❣️❣️🖌️🎨 NOW. .. GIVE IT YOUR ALL--- EVERY FIBRE OF YOUR BEING DRAW + PAINT WITH GREAT PASSION. DO NOT PAINT FOR MONEY OR OTHERS OR ANYTHING... PAINT FOR GOD RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS, ASK HIM TO POUR OUT HIS CREATIVITY THROUGH YOUR ARM AND PAINT WITH PASSION FOR HIM❣️🎨🖌️‼️🤸🏿‍♀️ --- LOVE MAMA JINI 😘🥰❣️👆🏾

[@user-iy8xt2pu6g]

Thanks for all this videos on your channel!! You are really great ‘maestro’ of painting and very good teacher! I’ll expecting more videos!! Great vibes.

[@steveclevenger5826]

Thanks for this. Brilliant.

[@tinlidtoo6615]

Wow. I needed this today! Thank you ❤

[@ramprasadgaddikeri3984]

A WONDERFUL VIDEO FOR ANY ARTIST !

[@jannineburgess8497]

You have hit the nail on the head, I received a beautiful leather bound sketch book bought from the German Christmas markets here in Manchester UK from my parents at Christmas. I planned to do a sketch a day and have done 1 page up to now as didn't want to fill it up with rubbish. Tomorrow I WILL start my daily doodles. Thankyou xx

[@StefanBaumann]

Let me know how it goes

[@jannineburgess8497]

Will do x

[@lynnwatson5261]

I love horses!!! I have a sketchbook with horses on the front embossed w/gold so I am saving it for something really "special". I've had the book for almost 25 years, still waiting for something special enough to use it. After hearing your talk I hope I will feel free enough to use it. I love I found out I am not alone and as crazy as I thought. Just found you on KZbin and already have learned new helpful things. Love it!!! Thank you! Looking forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@theapierrot5878]

Thank-you, this has been a huge block for me.

[@veaudor]

I love this concept.

[@omiyaan8907]

leant a lot! i should start it today! thank you for sharing the lesson!

[@StefanBaumann]

how did it work for you

[@jeremybrodbeck8105]

Wow how genius is this, change the language change the perception of what ur art is... Luv it..

[@ryanfuxa6738]

Dude who is your tailor? You look like someone straight out of a renaissance fair...and it's awesome!

[@alauraroarialis8815]

he must be reincarnated from the renaissance era!

[@ngangbibanerjee6958]

Wow !! Now I got a Guru !! Thank you for the inspiration!!

[@toellehovan3330]

OK= I am enjoying these doodling videos - and I am doodling as I watch - Thanks

[@Bluebirdray]

I get my best inspiration from my doodles.

[@MusicalDistractions]

Thank you for this! Really great motivation. Been having a hard time figuring out how to go about getting better at this whole arting thing. Reminds me of when I'd fill up many of my math exercises with doodles. This is just what I needed!

[@StefanBaumann]

+Tristan Claude YOur welcome

[@rodikyriakou6044]

Found this fascinating. 🙏🏻👍🏻‼

[@nourqteifan2132]

Wonderful :) One of the most insightful videos I have seen :). Thank You!

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks let me know if it made a difference

[@jerryocrow1]

I think Stefan is an undisclosed psychologist. He touches the spirit of the student to be creative. He debunks the burdens of "don't waste" and others. Instead, he challenges you to reach within and express without making it a big deal but demanding exercise. Exercise leads to skill which leads to success. GO and do what he says.

[@mikecourt13]

I love your philosophies on art.

[@StefanBaumann]

mikecourt13 thnanks

[@StefanBaumann]

mikecourt13 Thanks

[@Teewriter]

I did figuary this year. Filled the reminder of two sketchbooks. Drawings on the Second one are on the “other side of the page.” Ended up with at least 180 drawings. I can’t imagine 500 in a week. Lol. I agree. I would much rather sketch than draw. Occasionally I paint for hanging but filling my sketchbooks are my favorite way to apply art.

[@liberteen22]

this is so true, i joined AA in my twenties and sat in meetings listening and doodling. i took blank A4 paper and folded it into four and drew something on each section on each side, so 8 drawings. i became a professional artist some years later making my living solely from this, including having my own gallery for a while. one trick is to draw quickly with fluid lines

[@brendavies5805]

I am going to doodle everyday as you have really made me see that I DO think my sketch books are toooooo good to 'spoil' the pages !!!

[@ajmudge7160]

you are awesome dude,thankyou

[@jerikarason2339]

HAHAHA OMG you have been following me around.. You should see those sketch books held in awe on my shelf. Thank you

[@suedeutscher7052]

Brilliant.

[@djoliva735]

I am so glad I stumbled upon your page. Oh my goodness. Much mahalo. I'm starting from the first video. :)

[@StefanBaumann]

Enjoy

[@VrushaleeJ]

Such an amazing concept.I am fan of your teaching. Your concepts of art are so broad. I would love to think and treat my art as freely as you do.I hv always been very negative about my drawing skills,it litterly kills me after every few weeks that I cannot draw,and I call myself an artist.And now I am gonna try this 100 doodles per week thing .It is very inspiring.I wasn't drawing since one year. I lost my mentor ,I couldn't work after that. But I am surely starting now. I would love to give you updates about that.thank you so much.

[@spirallion6829]

Definitely something useful to learn from this video 👍👍👍❤️😭👍

[@JDC1230]

HOLY CRAP!! I have like 3 or 4 "really good" sketch books that I have been absolutely nervous about filling with "bad" drawings. And as a result, I tend to draw on cheap copy paper cause if isn't good enough, I toss it. Of course, the hard realization is if I don't keep the drawings I fail to see where I have improved or need improvement.

[@StefanBaumann]

+Maveryck The big question is if you never draw in your sketch books then why have them?

[@JDC1230]

Touche. I have pulled one out and am about to embark on some doodling.

[@elsagrace3893]

Maveryck DO IT NOW!

[@karenspooner1492]

Maveryck don't try try to finish each Sketch work on multiple ones , I did this they came out awesome 👍

[@africaart]

Wow this video might have liberated me. There was a time I wanted to make a drawing a day and one day I promised myself that I would make a better more advanced drawing, I kept on procrastinating and never drew daily afterwards.

[@donaldrenish41]

Thank you

[@breathingart]

this is so true~

[@lisagodsgirl1610]

Thank you for this! I have tried so hard to lighten up and not be so critical of my own work! I have been teaching my daughter to draw and mix colors and be creative. After I saw this, I told her we are going to doodle atleast 2 pictures a day in our sketch books. We litterally have a pile of sketchbooks between the two of us! :) God bless you.

[@StefanBaumann]

Keep in touch and let me know how it is worksing

[@lisagodsgirl1610]

Well Stefan ...I can tell you what you have taught me has improved my drawing skills drastically! Plus I have seen improvement in my daughters attitude towards her art also! Thank you and God bless! 

[@positivenergylife]

I love sketching! :D

[@880raven]

Thank you! For 71 yrs I”ve been creating many different things but always believed I couldn’t draw/paint and that I wasn’t artistic..whatever that is. But now that I can’t blow glass or build large stone patios or raised stone flower beds or do pottery, I have decided to teach myself to draw and paint (watercolor). I had to laugh when you described buying a handmade sketch book with expensive paper and then putting it on a shelf until we got “good enough”. I have a lot of all cotton paper notebooks that I don’t want to “ruin” with my beginners efforts so I doodle on the backs of shipping receipts, etc, just as you said. I think I’ll give myself permission to ruin just one of them just for fun. Thanks again. Paula

[@tcosmos]

Practical, sensible advice

[@janvibhatt8829]

I am glad that I watched this video before It's too late. I am very thankful to you sir. I can't thank you enough! I sketch something in cheap paper, it turns out good. But when I draw on good quality paper, my hand gets stiff because of the fear of ruining the paper and my drawing fails.

[@gailfattori6518]

A fresh, unused sketchbook triggers my intense desire to be creative and fill it up. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 😊

[@StefanBaumann]

You are so welcome

[@alliehartom5978]

I LOVE this. I'm going to break out my doodle book!!!!!

[@timmoody62]

This is gold

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks

[@JohnDoe-co7kc]

I seriously love this! This is great advise. and I have maybe 25 sketchbook not in use and gathering dust.

[@StefanBaumann]

Well go get them out and draw

[@Mintzoid]

yo i could use those

[@giorgiokolaj2192]

Great advice. My relics have begun getting pulled off the shelf!! :-)

[@StefanBaumann]

+Giorgio Kolaj Are you Doodling?

[@jamesramirez5247]

life changing advice

[@royalmaster203]

I watched your vid, I have to admit I am a hoarder of notebooks of drawing paper, sketch pads, etc, like you said, 'I'll used them when i get better at drawing, " I am not getting better at drawing"""", from your vid, Now is the time for me to use, draw on my sketch pads, I needed your whack on the side of my head,,, I turned off the the TV, sat down with a very expensive pad, and have started to draw, doodle on it,,,,,I am learning from Andrew Loomis' books, and Marc Leone from NKU the drawing base, but, I guess, it really is just making marks on the paper... a lot of marks, thanks

[@kewigirl3]

You hit the nail on the head with this one. Just got out my "precious" sketch books. Time to make a mess.

[@StefanBaumann]

Great let me know how it is working

[@MsBonsai2010]

You are my Hero! I was I could make it out to the West Coast to attend your classes!

[@StefanBaumann]

Come we would love to have you

[@Colourmegone1]

thank you for this ......so true about the precious sketch/blank book on the shelf - It comes out today :-)

[@StefanBaumann]

+Colourmegone1 So are you Doodling?

[@Colourmegone1]

+Stefan Baumann some books are not so precious anymore, and sketching over old books is fun - altered book scenario

[@asnaturalist6562]

Really, I was and still always afraid to fail in drawing and throwing papers,

[@monicamelgarart9179]

I don't know how I'm just now finding this vid. Anyway, my tagline is "Doodle, paint, repeat". When I've described my paintings as "doodling with paint", my peers have discouraged that way of describing my work. I however pride myself in the fact that instead of sketching, I doodle and then it translates to painting on canvas. And yes I never erase on a doodle or paint over on canvas. I might correct something but just as freely as I doodle, I paint. No master plan, no intention, it's just a big ass doodle with paint. Thank you sir!

[@howardhill3395]

the spontaneous, uncensored doodle is sacred...our immediate expression

[@jinimurray4090]

Lol!!!! You've been reading my mail ha ha ‼️ha 😂 (+ I've only been watching few minutes!!).

[@andreassitompul7217]

when i was 8, i was drawing like crazy, every papers i saw i'd draw on it, my mother hide all the paper and told me, my drawings are bad i should stop it, sometimes she'd even hit me for it.. it happened until today i'm 27 and i haven't made it in my art pursuit... those experiences back then, makes me treat every art supplies i would purchase is somehow unbearable to worked on

[@pennykent5687]

Thanks Stefan, you must know me. I'm that person with the empty be drawing bookS because I'm to afraid of messing them up.😭😭😭 And these aren't even the expensive ones like you described, but I'm still scared of em just the same. Thank you 🙏Thank you 🙏 Thank you 🙏 for saying and putting this video out Stefan!!! 😂😭😀. This video of your and what you've said here may just have saved my artist life!!! As you can see, it means a lot to me.- Thank you, you are so kind.💖😀🙋

[@iamsemjaza]

Those big metal clips attached to some of the large notecards is a great "cheap" doodle-book.

[@PumpkinBecki]

It's like Stefan lived my childhood with me 😆

[@amexjam55]

I've got like five sketch books on my bookshelf just waiting to be used. Time to get out those drawing pencils and start doodling if I want get good at drawing. ✍📒✏

[@Stefenfruitbat]

Great advice!

[@StefanBaumann]

Thanks

[@kcsnipes]

Good advice

[@anonymousfellowindian]

Thanks

[@DwarfDragonwulf]

Did 2 quick doodles while I watched this video :)

[@dogeeen]

...and blessed by the pope! ;() think I have one of those and I can relate totally. Awesome lesson!

[@patriciaharris6404]

So true!

[@StefanBaumann]

SO SO True

[@eileenbrophy2547]

I love you Stephen.

[@stanslausmanthi]

Thanks a lot +Stefan Baumann, does it make any difference if I choose to sketch (like some seriously rough sketches) or do I have to focus on just letting my hand run free.And yeah I did the sacred sketchbook act

[@StefanBaumann]

+Manthi Why does that happen, just draw

[@equitime77]

I have a big problem getting stuck with my art. I think this is the answer. I need to stop judging and start having fun. Here's to the start of my doodling

[@StefanBaumann]

we put to much stock in what we do. just enjoy and be surprised at the outcome

[@mynameisjo1949]

Be like a child. Like Bible says. 😘 I enjoy this guy. Thanks for posting.

[@hennieteunissen2778]

LOL tyvm for this

[@manuelaherr9027]

Thank you for this very helpful video, Stefan! I am exactly the kind of person that you talked about! My brain is always telling me, you absolutely can't draw and you never will be able to! That is totally not motivating at all for me! I also have to deal with a tremor and that makes me think that it's even more impossible for me to learn how to draw. I am actually an acrylic student, but your videos help me, too! Thank you! Doodeling really doesn't sound that scary to me. I usually use the traceable to get the image that I want to paint on to the canvas. They are free to use and download and print them out to be not the barrier between me and my creativity, that's what my acrylic teacher always says! But to become a really good artist, I have to be able to draw to come up with my own ideas and paint them. Do you have any extra advice for me to overcome this fear and actually start working on my drawing skills? Besides the Doodeling Scatchbook. I'm from Germany and I don't have the ability to afford a drawing lesson or even an acrylic paint course! Already thank you for helping me out and keep making this videos that I enjoy so much!!! Greetings and Love from Germany and me, Manuela to you! 😊😍

[@page403]

Hello from the US! Look up American artist Julie Ford Oliver. Due to a tremor she developed painting style called "fracturing" that helps her compensate for her tremor. She has a tutorial that will show u how she does Fracturing . Goos luck!