Akiko Masuda

On the surface, it is like other adult coloring/ doodling book, just with cats, bunch of cats. So if you are allergic to cat doodles, you wont find happiness within the pages of this book. Each page has B&W or colored doodles arranged in different ways and sizes, plus some blank space for you to draw whatever you want (but preferably cats, for extra soothing results), just like in the picture of the cover. It also contains instructions about how to use the book and step by step tutorial on how to draw cute doodle cats, useful if you tend to feel lost without instructions.

I think this book is superior than those fascinating coloring books (showing smooth lines and intricate patterns) when it comes to actually relax and put your mind at rest. If your main focus is to create a piece of art to display or feel proud of, this is not the book. After trying a couple of pages I realized that, first of all: I started right away without fearing I might screw up some beautiful artwork. The doodles look like something made by a kid, with crooked lines and minimal detail. So, for those over critical, self-sabotaging, perfectionist people like me who wont feel at peace until their drawing/coloring looks as good as the one from the book (or at least good enough to make the original artwork some justice) you wont have those issues with this book. Secondly, probably because, once again, everything looks like a kid's drawing, I felt like it was a safe environment where I was allowed to be silly, childish, cute and make mistakes without feeling out of place or judgmental. For some reason (that I bet psychologists know well), this combination of childish drawings, pastel colors and cats did exactly what these types of books are supposed to do: relax and quiet my brain. Meow
I got my eARC from NetGalley, you can check my doodling in the review at my blog… (plus d'informations)

Masuda's Catdoodles is a must have for any cat-lover. This cute art book will teach even the least artistically inclined to make adorable little kitties that can be sketched while waiting on the phone, ignoring classes, or any other time the mood strikes!.

Catdoodles is a slender volume that can be taken most anywhere. The beginning gives ideas about how to draw and pattern cats. The remaining pages have scenes already started, and invite you to doodle the remainder in. These scenes range from simple to complex, and are in both colour and black & white.

I know doodling is supposed to be relaxing. I guess I find it to be so sometime, but even then, my picky nature demands greater perfection. I fair cringed at the pre-done doodles for lacking a certain measure of sophistication. Since this was an eARC, we couldn't really use the pages, but my cubs did enjoy picking up on the doodle styles and putting them all over.

If you have any cat-loving casual doodlers in your life, this little artbook would make a great gift.

***Dos mere to Quarto Publishing/ Netgalley for providing a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!… (plus d'informations)