Written by Today’s prompt is “Olive Oil,” which could make one think of Olive Oly of Popeye fame, but my mind went right to the edible version. That wonderful oil that can make so many foods taste way more amazing. Though I don’t cook, as Philippe does all of that in our house, I certainly appreciate the taste of olive oil. And have learned, that its striking taste makes it less suitable in some instances. In many cases, a less notable vegetable oil is preferred. These are culinary ideas I get only in bits and pieces as my husband describes what he’s making each day. I listen with all of the willingness of the most sincerely astute student, but could never replicate what he creates in the kitchen. In my defense, he has a PhD in biology that adds way more knowledge than my own brain and tiny attention span could ever replicate. There’s apparently a science to cooking and I’m not quite as scientific as I thought I was. Sure, I’m a huge geek when it comes to most all things, but I’m just not very technical. My daily doodlewashes are just created from what I see or imagine in the moment. I don’t have a detailed process, just a bit of technique that I adhere to along the way and reserve the right to mix up as I see fit on the go. But, it’s also super fun to approach things this way!
Even though Philippe is super scientific, I love that he has a wild and wonderful creative side. He’ll mix his precious science with a completely random notion when he’s cooking in the kitchen to create something absolutely stunning. And I just feel incredibly grateful, if not a bit spoiled, to experience each thing he creates. When we first started dating, which was long distance as he was still living in Paris, he would text me recipes and I would try to recreate them. We’d be online and on video with each other as he tried to show me exactly how to make something. I did manage to make a rather delightful pâte à choux during this time, but I was the only one sampling it. When we finally were together, my culinary attempts were met with appreciative love and then a firm declaration that I should stay out of the kitchen. We all have our strengths. And, the story ends with me defiantly staying in the kitchen, but simply sketching stuff at the end of our kitchen counter. We’ve just slipped into our natural roles in life and that’s a wonderful thing indeed. And while I sketch and he cooks we chat about the day and learn more about each other in the process.
I feel quite lucky to be with someone who accepts me for who I am. With all of the flaws and craziness that truly define me. I think that’s when you know you’ve really met your better half. It’s that half that goes beyond merely accepting who you are, but actually enjoys being a part of the experience. Nobody ever really craves mere acceptance, we all just want to be well and truly loved. Love that’s unconditional and happens in spite of whatever crazy thing we choose to do next. This type of love extends beyond the romantic sort, of course. I have tons of “art crushes,” that I enjoy each and every day. A particular artist who serves up something that makes me smile and, quite often, touches my heart. And I once again feel lucky for having been a part of that experience. I think that’s what I love most about art. It’s a strange and wonderful mix of ingredients that come together to produce the most unexpected and interesting things. A chance to glimpse the spirit and soul of another person. And, like romantic love, accept them for who they are in that moment. This, at least, is what I think I’ve learned as I sketch each and every day at my kitchen counter, enjoying the simultaneous culinary art of my husband, that quite often comes with just a bit of olive oil.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Nickel Azo Yellow, Vermilion, Terra Cotta, and Indigo. 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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What a funny, sweet story, Charlie. I’d love to stay out of the kitchen as I’m not much of a cook, but hubby blew up 3 bowls of a set, one after the other, because he couldn’t comprehend that “safe in the microwave” does not mean safe on the stove top. Actually, I doubt he even knows what the word “stove top” means. So either I cook or we eat out. So far, we’re still breathing. But Philippe would sniff the fake were he ever to enter our kitchen.
Your olive oil painting is very attractive – nice color contrast.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕hehe… I adore your story! This is exactly what makes life so fun! Yeah, I’m not allowed to touch many of the items in Philippe’s kitchen. Even though I do the washing up, some items are set aside so he can wash them properly. lol
Philippe sounds like a true artist. I don’t it really matters what medium you work with, as long as you do it with love and passion. You’re incredibly lucky to have such an artist cooking for you – especially as he also ‘paints’ your meals with a healthy palette!
…I don’t ‘think’ it really matters… I don’t know where missing words disappear to. I know I typed them!
haha! I feel that way with every single post… lol… when I read them for my podcast I spot the errors sometimes. Even though I DO read them at least once before posting! 😉
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 I’m insanely lucky! hehe I’ll be the first to admit it! Philippe is a true artist in every sense. He even creates beautiful paintings as well as videos. Definitely more talented than I am, but I think it’s always a cool thing we get to marry up! lol 😊
Olive oil has a low smoke point, so it burns easily, which is why we don’t use it to cook things that need to cook very hot. Like stir fry.
As I was reading your post today it occurred to me that you should do a series called Philippe cooking. It would be cool to see what you could come up with.
I concur! Since you like to sketch food so much, how about “It is what’s for dinner!”
hehe! We did create a duo effort like that previously via our DO Cook Cookbook… which you can find here – https://www.blurb.com/b/8533543-do-cook
Yeah, we only use vegetable oils for frying and such. At least that’s what I’ve learned from Philippe! hehe 😉 And as for the cooking bit, that’s why we made the DO Cook! Cookbook… hehe… it was a way to pay homage to our shared art space!
Gorgeous color on the olive oil – you’ve captured its golden glow. You are correct that a person who really loves you doesn’t just accept you. They truly embrace the person you really are.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 I honestly wasn’t sure if I could get that odd greenish golden glow at first. So happy you liked it!
Very nicely done.
Thanks so much, Karen! 😃💕
This a beautiful drawing you made Charlie of olive oil!
Thanks so much, Fatima! 😃💕So happy you enjoyed it!
I can’t wait until you are making videos. I really want to see how you capture the colors, highlights, contrasts, etc in your paintings. They are not done simply. You capture every essence of whatever you are painting. I wish I could paint like that. Lots more practice, I guess. Or, maybe, I’m just not made to be a watercolorist.
Thanks so much, Gwen! 😃💕 First, you’re totally made to paint with watercolor… I don’t actually consider myself a watercolorist as I’m not a true painter. I just sketch and use watercolor to color, like one might in a coloring book! hehe… it’s a beautiful medium and so much fun to use, though I do use it a bit differently, very quickly, with usually much less water. I created my first ever video during the Sketchbook Revival free online workshop recently that just closed, though I do hope to make more in the future. I don’t do this full time, so video is much tougher to create on a regular basis. In the meantime, I share lots of my tips and approach in my first Sketching Stuff Activity Book on Amazon. If you missed Sketchbook Revival, send me a note here and I’ll send you a preview of my book – https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Nice Post. The Painting of “Olive oil in a cup and its shadow” is almost looking real, good sketching.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 So happy you liked it!