Welcome to your first step in your Doodle Box journey! This month, we’re diving into the absolute basics of art—lines and basic shapes. These might seem super simple, but trust us, they’re the foundation for every masterpiece you’ll ever create. Let’s get started!

Warm Up: Getting Loose with Lines

Before jumping into your painting, take 5–10 minutes to warm up your hand. Think of this as stretching before a workout—it helps shake off the jitters and gets you in the zone. Grab a sheet of paper and try this:

• Straight lines: Draw them at different angles—horizontal, vertical, diagonal.
• Curved and wavy lines: Experiment with swoops, loops, and swirls.
• Shapes: Practice circles, triangles, squares, ovals, and even funky shapes like stars or hearts.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s just to have fun and get comfy with your tools.

Let’s Paint!

For this month, we’re keeping it simple with black paint—no need for extra colors just yet. Add a little black paint to your mini palette and mix in some water to get the right consistency. Now, grab the sketch of your pet that came in your Doodle Box and let’s use it as a guide.

Your sketch is 4x6 inches, but your canvas is 3x3 inches, so don’t worry if everything doesn’t fit perfectly. Art isn’t about copying—it’s about capturing the essence.

Step 1: Start with the Head

Begin with the biggest and most noticeable shape: the head. Most pet heads can be simplified into a circle or oval. Lightly paint this shape on your canvas.

Step 2: Break It Down

Now, look at the rest of your sketch and break everything into basic shapes:

• Legs? Maybe rectangles or thin ovals.
• Ears? Triangles or rounded shapes.
• Tail? A curved line or an elongated shape.

Think of this stage as a puzzle where each piece is a shape. Focus on getting these shapes down on the canvas—don’t stress about making it perfect.

Step 3: Finishing Up

Once you’ve painted all the basic shapes in black, your Month 1 painting is done! If you’re feeling adventurous, use any leftover paint to color in the shapes, or grab some extra paper and keep practicing lines and shapes.

And here’s a tip: As you follow along with Dahyron in the video, remember you don’t need to match their painting exactly. Apply the techniques to your own sketch and canvas.

A Quick Recap:

• Practice lines and shapes to warm up.
• Use black paint to outline the head and basic shapes of your pet.
• Don’t worry about details—this month is all about the big picture.
• Have fun, explore, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.

Next month, we’ll be diving into proportions, so enjoy using up all the paint you have now—fresh supplies are on their way! Happy doodling! 🎨

P.S. Don’t forget to take a picture of your Month 1 canvas painting and place it next to the doodle you received from our artist this month. Snap a photo of them side by side and share it on social media—make sure to tag us, our social medias are at the bottom of the website and in a green box on the left side of your screen! 🎉

We love seeing your progress and celebrating your creativity. Plus, it’s such a cool way to document your journey! A few months down the road, when you compare your Month 1 painting to your later masterpieces, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come.

By sharing, you’re also helping spread the joy of art and the Doodle Box experience to friends and family. Thank you so much for helping us inspire others to dive into painting their pets! 🐾💕