Everything Starts with a Line

Every drawing begins the same way — with a simple line. Lines are the foundation of everything we create, but what makes each artist unique is how they combine and express those lines. Some follow structure, others let their hand wander. And once in a while, you stumble upon someone who makes lines come alive in a completely unexpected way.

That’s what happened when we discovered the work of Danilo Rodriguez Reyes, an artist from Wellington, New Zealand. His drawings are full of movement and rhythm — almost meditative — with patterns that seem to breathe on the page. His style is calm, curious, and unlike anything we’ve seen before.

To celebrate his unique approach, we’ve created a step-by-step tutorial for those who’d like to explore the way he builds his art through lines.

Steps 1–3:
Start with a flowing curved line ending in a tight spiral. Outline this line with a second parallel stroke to give it weight. Then, add a second spiral just below the first one to begin building the structure.

24

Steps 4–6:
Outline the second spiral and continue adding small arches to connect the two spirals.
Add a third spiral and repeat the arch layering to create a rhythm and visual flow.

25

Steps 7–9:
Draw a fourth spiral on the opposite end of your original line. Connect it to the main design with a curved double line. Repeat the flow pattern beneath it by adding more layered arch lines.

26

Steps 10–11:
Add a spiral to the upper area and use rounded arches to blend it into the rest of the design.
Continue building on top with more curved arches, creating a layered, organic structure.

27

Steps 12–13:
Draw a new curved line stretching outward from the structure and finish it with a spiral.
Outline and connect this extension back into the main form with parallel strokes.

28

Steps 14–15:
Add another spiral above this new line and repeat the double-line flow to keep the movement going.
Let the design extend to the right with more sweeping lines.

29

Steps 16–17:
Fill in the upper-left space with more spirals and arches, keeping the spacing natural.
Echo the rhythm with new lines curving around the previous shapes.

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Steps 18–19:
Add spirals to any open spaces that feel empty.
Balance both sides of the composition by placing a final spiral on the right.

31

Steps 20–21:
Finish by connecting final lines to unify the structure.
Smooth out any transitions and admire the beautiful flow of your spiraled composition!

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✨ Tips for Drawing This Spiral Composition:

🌀 Keep a consistent distance between lines to maintain a clean, flowing look.
🌀 Use a fine liner pen for smooth, crisp lines.
🌀 Let your hand relax – keep it light and loose to avoid tension and let your lines flow naturally..
🌀 Sketch lightly in pencil first if you’re unsure, then go over with ink.
🌀 Vary the size of spirals to keep the composition dynamic.
🌀 Draw slowly and mindfully — it’s a calming, meditative process.
🌀 Let the design grow naturally — follow open space, don’t force it.
🌀 Step back often to check balance and flow from a distance.

🎨 Artist Credit:
Inspired by: Danilo Rodriguez Reyes
Website: danilorreyesart.com
Instagram: @danilorreyes.art

✍️ Tutorial by: Olga Dee
Instagram: @olgadee.art

Please tag both artists when sharing your version — we’d love to see what you create!

Remember: Art doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Sometimes, the most beautiful drawings are the ones where you let go, trust the process, and simply follow the line. Each spiral, each stroke, is a step closer to your own rhythm and voice. So slow down, breathe, and let your pen take you somewhere unexpected. 🌿

Happy doodling,

Your Doodle Art Club Team

1 thought on “Everything Starts with a Line”

  1. I have been looking forever for someone to make a tutorial on Danilo’s work. I have been an admirer and unsuccessfully trying to emulate his work. Thank you for this

    Reply

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  • 🎨🌀 “I meant to draw softly — my pen chose chaos.” 😅✏️

Ah, the classic artist moment — when you start with gentle, careful strokes and somehow end up with bold, wild lines instead. 😂 Your hand had one plan… your pen had another.

But that’s the beauty of creating. ✨ Those unexpected strokes often bring energy, personality, and a little magic into your artwork. Sometimes chaos is just creativity being extra expressive. 💛

So if your lines got louder than you expected, don’t fight it — let them dance. 😉

💬 Tell us — are you a soft-line artist or a chaos-pen doodler? 😆

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  • 📖✨ Quiet Pages, Creative Minds ✨🖊️

Sometimes inspiration begins before the pen even touches the paper. Sitting in the open air, lost in a good book, and letting ideas gently unfold — this is where creativity quietly takes root. 🌿☀️

The Doodle Art Handbook isn’t just something to read; it’s an invitation to slow down, observe, and reconnect with your creative rhythm. Whether you’re on a park bench, at a café, or by a sunny window, every page becomes a doorway to mindful expression.

Take a moment. Read. Reflect. Then doodle your way into calm. 💛

💬 Where do you love reading or finding inspiration for your art?

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Inside, you’ll discover:
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📘 First looks at new workbooks

Each issue is made to help you slow down, clear your mind, and reconnect with creativity — one peaceful stroke at a time. 🌸

🖇️ Sign up today — link in bio!

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Inside you’ll discover:
🍃 A full collection of nature-inspired pattern pages
🖊️ Guided tracing activities for steady, confident lines
📐 Practice grids to improve control and spacing
⭕ Mandala layouts for mindful drawing sessions
🎁 A little bonus to keep your creativity flowing

Perfect for relaxing after a long day, improving your line work, or simply enjoying quiet creative time with pen and paper. 🌸

✨ Now available on Amazon — bring botanical beauty into your sketchbook today!

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What makes this artwork special:
1️⃣ Gentle florals — adding warmth and organic beauty
2️⃣ Intricate mandala — grounding the design with symmetry
3️⃣ Fine line work — every stroke feels intentional
4️⃣ Textured shading — giving depth without heaviness
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1️⃣ Elegant floral forms — soft and flowing
2️⃣ Clean symmetry — naturally calming to look at
3️⃣ Fine line details — slow, mindful craftsmanship
4️⃣ Bold black ink — adds depth and clarity
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Ah, the classic artist moment — when you start with gentle, careful strokes and somehow end up with bold, wild lines instead. 😂 Your hand had one plan… your pen had another.

But that’s the beauty of creating. ✨ Those unexpected strokes often bring energy, personality, and a little magic into your artwork. Sometimes chaos is just creativity being extra expressive. 💛

So if your lines got louder than you expected, don’t fight it — let them dance. 😉

💬 Tell us — are you a soft-line artist or a chaos-pen doodler? 😆

#ArtistHumor #FunnyArtQuote #RelatableArtist #SketchbookConfessions #DoodleArtClub #CreativeChaos #ArtLaughs #PerfectlyImperfect #MindfulDrawing #CreativeFlow
🎨🌀 “I meant to draw softly — my pen chose chaos.” 😅✏️ Ah, the classic artist moment — when you start with gentle, careful strokes and somehow end up with bold, wild lines instead. 😂 Your hand had one plan… your pen had another. But that’s the beauty of creating. ✨ Those unexpected strokes often bring energy, personality, and a little magic into your artwork. Sometimes chaos is just creativity being extra expressive. 💛 So if your lines got louder than you expected, don’t fight it — let them dance. 😉 💬 Tell us — are you a soft-line artist or a chaos-pen doodler? 😆 #ArtistHumor #FunnyArtQuote #RelatableArtist #SketchbookConfessions #DoodleArtClub #CreativeChaos #ArtLaughs #PerfectlyImperfect #MindfulDrawing #CreativeFlow
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Sometimes inspiration begins before the pen even touches the paper. Sitting in the open air, lost in a good book, and letting ideas gently unfold — this is where creativity quietly takes root. 🌿☀️

The Doodle Art Handbook isn’t just something to read; it’s an invitation to slow down, observe, and reconnect with your creative rhythm. Whether you’re on a park bench, at a café, or by a sunny window, every page becomes a doorway to mindful expression.

Take a moment. Read. Reflect. Then doodle your way into calm. 💛

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#DoodleArtClub #CreativeReading #MindfulArt #DoodleInspiration #SketchbookLife #CreativePause #ArtEverywhere #SlowCreativity #DoodlePractice
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🖊️ Soft tracing prompts
🎨 Easy doodles for calm
🌼 Small creative refreshers
📘 First looks at new workbooks

Each issue is made to help you slow down, clear your mind, and reconnect with creativity — one peaceful stroke at a time. 🌸

🖇️ Sign up today — link in bio!

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⭕ Mandala layouts for mindful drawing sessions
🎁 A little bonus to keep your creativity flowing

Perfect for relaxing after a long day, improving your line work, or simply enjoying quiet creative time with pen and paper. 🌸

✨ Now available on Amazon — bring botanical beauty into your sketchbook today!

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What makes this piece so special:

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3️⃣ Detailed petals — each layer adds depth and flow
4️⃣ Strong linework — keeps everything clear and elegant
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What makes this piece so soothing:

1️⃣ Elegant floral forms — soft and flowing
2️⃣ Clean symmetry — naturally calming to look at
3️⃣ Fine line details — slow, mindful craftsmanship
4️⃣ Bold black ink — adds depth and clarity
5️⃣ A gentle reminder — balance creates beauty ✨

Art by: @pen_creations._ 🖊️

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