Doodling is a really popular way to unleash your creativity and create art.

While there is no "right" way to doodle, this course will provide you with some direction and ideas for getting started. At the same time, it will teach you how to create art on wood panels, which has a beautiful finished quality and can often even be hung unframed.

In this course you will learn how to select and prepare your wood surface, what types of pens work best, and how to create a "doodle dictionary."

Required materials for this course:

• Wood with a low grain, such as basswood or birch. You can use reclaimed wood from around your house, buy art wood art panels online, or use pieces of wood from your local lumberyard.

• Polyurethane to protect the wood and keep your ink from bleeding. You can use any gloss level and any brand your like. If you have a little sitting around from a home project, it will work just fine!

• Paint markers, such as Posca or other brand. You can also use acrylic paints, but watercolors or water-based inks will not adhere to the polyurethane coating.

• A cheap paintbrush, for spreading polyurethane.

• Art spray to protect your final piece.

• Paper for practice and for creating your doodle dictionary.

Some optional materials:

• Blue tape or masking tape, for making a perfect border, if desired.

• Sandpaper, if your surface is rough or you are applying multiple coats of polyurethane.

• Reference doodle materials for ideas (search online or in youtube for "doodle art").