#WorldWatercolorGroup - Day 4 - Furry Little Things - Hamster Watercolor - Doodlewash
By Charlie

Furry Little Things

Written by Charlie O'Shields

Since today’s prompt is “furry” and I’m feeling experimental this month we have a loose and quick little sketch of a chubby hamster. I tend the render the heck out things, so I decided to show a little restraint and see if I could still achieve the idea of form and fur. I’ve actually always loved hamsters and, really, all little furry animals. When I was a kid, my mother was an avid crafter and I wanted to do things like she did so I would join her at craft shows with my creations. I really never learned to sew properly, lacked all the required patience for crochet or needlepoint, and was basically rubbish at everything I tried. But, I’ve never let a complete lack of talent stop me from doing something, so I enthusiastically forged ahead. What I created were little stuffed hamsters. They were made by running a needle and thread through a circle of furry fabric and then cinching it up into a ball. I just jammed a bit of cotton in before tying it off with a madman’s knot and adding a couple eyes. Since the bottom looked like a hamster who just had a botched c-section, I hot glued a circle of white felt to cover it. And voila! A hamster pal that could be yours for only 25 cents!

I remember that during those craft shows, I grew rather bored waiting for people to happen by, so I would wander around a lot looking at the works of others. It was so much fun to see all of the wonderful and unique creations that other people made. When I came back to the booth, some of my hamsters had sold and that was good enough for me. I was far more excited about the act of manifesting an idea than I was at feverishly marketing it. As I sit here now, it strikes me that not much has changed. I’m still far more fascinated by what other people create and never really good at marketing my own little creations. In another burst of getting excited about a new idea, I have just placed some of my creations up for sale in my own little shop here on Doodlewash. You can visit it by clicking here! I’ve no idea if anyone really wants a print of what I’ve created, or indeed, which print that might be, so I’m offering up any of them. If there’s a doodlewash you like from one of my posts, just send me a note here and I’ll add it to the shop!

I should mention that as with everything on Doodlewash, it’s all about paying it forward. All profits go back into the costs required to host our wonderful community here and a portion goes to The Dreaming Zebra Foundation to get art supplies for underprivileged kids who need them. The world needs more art and artists with a passion to create, so that is and will always be my primary focus. But sure, I’d adore it if you would buy (or request your preferred one and then buy!) a print! They’re all printed on archival paper with archival inks and there’s also inexpensive international shipping as well! Okay, there, I self-marketed, but now I’m immediately distracted again and wondering if Philippe might let me get a hamster. I really want one! Phineas would probably be jealous, but my birthday is next month, so a hamster might just make the list. I’m guess, in a way, I’m continually that little kid at the craft table, proudly showing what I made and hoping people might decide to take one of my creations home. And I’m still, to this day, thrilled with the idea of possibilities, and totally enamored by furry little things.

Join Us For The March Art Challenge – Paint What You Like!
Click Here To Learn More!

About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Opus (Vivid Pink), Terra Cotta, and Cobalt Blue.  Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book.
  #WorldWatercolorGroup - Day 4 - Furry Little Things - Hamster Watercolor - Doodlewash

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

See author's posts

Recommended4 recommendationsPublished in By Charlie

31 Comments

0 Shares

31 thoughts on “Furry Little Things”

  1. I’d buy one of your stuffed hamsters, if it was as cute as your painting! I’m thrilled to be getting one of your prints, and wondering if I could talk hubby into one of the totes for my birthday. I’ve still got a couple of months to talk him into it, lol.

    Reply

  4. I love hamsters! Yours is adorable! I was amazed yesterday when I put 19 necklaces I made with acrylic skins from my paintings for sale on my Facebook page. I sold 18 of them! I was speechless. But very cool that people wanted to buy something I made!

    Reply

  5. Ohhhhhh, I want every single one of your paintings, but

    I would like to start with A Still Life, Feb 03, 2018 (I will order that one as soon
    as it’s added, and from time to time I will treat myself to other ones…I truly do want
    them all but alas, budget and space is limiting.) There is a spot between dining area and kitchen that is begging for that print. I’m guessing/hoping they are signed (?)

    I love your fluffy little hamster, and the idea of making them. We were inundated
    with hamsters when my son was young. We had one that looks just like your painting.
    Her name was Taffy.

    Reply

  8. This brought back memories…we used to take our hamsters outside and let them run on the lawn. All the kids in the neighborhood would play with them. A lot more excitement than a cage with a wheel I would think!
    I also appreciate your links with Dreaming Zebra. A very worthy organization. (K)

    Reply

    1. Aww that sounds so FUN! 😃💕 Yes, way more exciting then just a cage! And thanks, Kerfe! Glad you like the Dreaming Zebra connection. I really do feel passionate about helping our future artists thrive!

      Reply

  9. Beautifully painted! I love the simplicity. Love your story about the fabric hamster and the craft shows. It’s amazing to me how often the stories of your childhood parallel my own…guess we grew up in similar times. Or maybe it’s just that your stories rekindle long lost (and mostly happy) memories.

    Reply

  12. How adorable! I had a friend who had a hamster, and I can remember the feel of those tiny wee feet in my hand. But, Mom wasn’t one for pets, especially anything that looked like a mouse or a rat! But maybe Phillipe won’t mind one. Happy almost Birthday!

    Reply

  14. Your hamster is adorable, Charlie, you did well to let the paint and water suggest his (her?) fur. As usual, I’m even more impressed with your thoughts about what inspires you and paying it forward to help underprivileged kids.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕I’m trying to experiment with looser watercolor.. hehe… something that generally escapes me. Glad you liked this! And I’m wildly passionate about helping to support future artists. That’s really what drives me most!

      Reply

  15. You reminded me of my Syrian Golden Hamster that we had oh so many years ago. We have had so many pets over the years…he was definitely at the top of the cute list. I also had a very cute little white mouse. Both were lab rescues.

    Reply

Leave Me A Comment!

Discover more from Doodlewash®

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading