Written by There appears to be, I’m sure, a bit of actual ice cream, our art challenge prompt for today, in this indulgent sundae. I love these kinds of desserts where the whipped cream reigns supreme with just a bit of an ice cream surprise at the end. As many of you know, I could also forgo the ice cream entirely and just indulge in a bowl of fresh whipped cream. But alas, none of that is actually happening as I’m on a diet at the moment. Well, I’m at least forgoing some of these little pleasures in order to make my clothes fit properly again. There’s no science to my diet as it simply consists of altering course as I go along. Should I partake of something decadent, I simply throttle back accordingly. I don’t like to think of it as dieting so much as simply balancing. Something I neglect to do entirely in the winter months where a loose sweater can conveniently hide all of my indiscretions. In a hot Kansas City summer, you end up as nude as is publicly allowable just to survive it, removing all doubt as to your actual physique. Last week, I put on a t-shirt labeled as “fitted” and had to wonder, “fitted” to who? So, I’ve had to make some difficult choices lately.
Thankfully, I’m married to a rather accomplished chef who makes the healthiest things taste truly amazing. Tonight, Philippe made a ratatouille that was incredible, formed in strips of zucchini and looking like something out of a Pixar movie. It was, in a word, art, and I felt so humbled. In the exact time it took me to dash off a quick little sketch of an ice cream sundae, Philippe had managed to create a culinary masterpiece. I was more than a little humbled. And much more than a little grateful to be with someone so amazingly talented. I’ve never had a very strong ego, that thing that makes us want to be better than someone else. My ego is much more communal in nature. If I can surround myself with amazingly talented people then I myself feel a bit more amazing in the process. This sums up my entire career as a Creative Director where I would often hide in the shadows pushing my team to win awards. And it certainly describes this very website where I simply seek to connect talented people and provide a way for them to share their art.
Over 450 artists have now been featured on this site and that makes me so incredibly happy! And so many others are sharing their art each day in Doodlewash Club as well! Let’s keep all of this awesomeness going in July as we begin the biggest month of the year for watercolor and celebrate World Watercolor Month! I’m so thrilled for the privilege of painting each and every day. It’s truly something amazing. For anyone wondering how in the world I show up each and every day with a little painting of some kind, there’s actually a trick to it. I simply carve out whatever little bit of time works in my busy life and make something! Yep, that’s it, there’s really nothing more earth-shattering to share. Unless, I also mention that whatever I make is just perfect for sharing, even if it was splashed off in only a few minutes. By painting each and every day now for close to three years, I’ve learned a lot of things. First, I know that not everything I make each day will be incredible. Second, I’ve learned to never actually care. The art is in the showing up to sketch and paint in the first place. Third, I guess it equally helps that I’ve never considered my daily art to be anything more wonderful than a little indulgence.
About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Quinacridone Red, Terra Cotta, and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop! |
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Charlie, your art and rambles are the kind of indulgence I love to indulge in. Sweet to taste, calorie-free, and energetic. I just don’t understand why neither of us loses weight because of them!
Aww thanks, Sandra! 😃💕That makes me so happy to hear! And I know, right? What injustice that calorie-free doodlewashes don’t support weight loss! hehe They totally should!!
Love the sundae. The wafer is incrediblle. Both look tasty enough for me to indulge. 😁
Thanks so much, June! 😃💕So happy you liked this! The little wafers are my favorite to eat!
And you and your joy and warm, sharing, caring ego are such a sweet indulgence !!!
Aww thanks, Jodi! 😃💕 Back at you my friend! In fact… I rather think this is exactly WHY we are friends in the first place! And I couldn’t be happier about that!!
Yummy looking sundae. I’m thrilled to be able to share in your daily indulgences!
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe.. and thank you for showing up for my little daily indulgences. It means the world to me!
Looks absolutely delicious!!!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕
You always blow me away and put a smile on my face while at the same time inspiring me to draw! Thank you!!
That’s probably the best comment I could possibly hear! 😃💕 I’m so thrilled and humbled at the same time. I truly hope to inspire people to draw more! It’s the best thing in the world we can do and the world really needs it!
My philosophy as library director in four libraries with a bunch of employees was to always give away praise and accept blame. I do have an ego, and that way of running things fed my ego too. Especially because people liked to work for me.
I SO agree, Lisa! 😃💕 That’s exactly how I’ve chosen to be as a manager. The glint of praise that you get when others feel fulfilled is so much brighter than any ray of light directed on only you!
Yummy ice cream.but as u aways liked whipped cream,am careful about my weight.your art work inspired me n make me smile.but do what ever you too make
Your self happy.good luck Charlie.
Thanks
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕 Yeah, I adore whipped cream, but only in moderation! hehe… I’d be as big as a house were I to have it as much as I crave it! lol
That Sundae looks soooo good 😊. Weather warm and humid here and I want one !
Thanks so much, Phil! 😃💕 I would have to say you definitely deserve one! hehe… which is what I tell myself anytime I’m craving a sundae so it must be true. 😉
“If I can surround myself with amazingly talented people then I myself feel a bit more amazing in the process.”
I get that totally, but I feel I must add that you are an amazing painter, writer, person, all on you own.
As for that sundae, I’ve gained a pound just looking at it!
Delectable!
Aww you’re too sweet! Thank you, Sarah! 😃💕 I know my own art has improved with the company I keep, so I think it’s all just a wonderful thing indeed. But yeah, sundaes are rare, but tonight, we are indulging in some treats from the local bakery so I’m rather excited about that. Pounds be damned! lol
Yes!!!
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕
Hi! Charlie, Love your “Little indulgence” piece enjoyed it all so much. It is after 1 a.m. here in cold Melbourne, cannot sleep so sat down at my computer to read doodlewash page. Like you I love cream so much but do not indulge very often.I remember when I was little and our milk was delivered to our home and left out the front in glass bottles with silver tops . It was a race between the magpies, my Dad and myself as to who would get the “top of the milk” for breakfast and usually Dad would win but he always left some for me to put on my porridge. Nothing to do with water colour but your piece brought lovely thoughts of cream back to me so just wanted to share it. Sounds like Philippe is a great cook and very artistic with it. I think that good food should appeal to all the senses. Have a great day. Isabel
Aww that’s such an awesome story, Isabel!! 😃💕 I love that! Those were definitely days filled with wonderful memories. That bit on the top of the milk was amazing!!! So worth fighting over! I only remember the milk man for a brief period, but thankfully we got farm fresh milk (cow and goat!) from my grandmother!