Written by Thinking of the prompt for today first made me reflect on all of the wonderful books I’ve read in my life. But, as I was doing so, I glanced over and say my sketchbook and realized it was full of visual stories. In the corner of my room there’s a stack of these sketchbooks, creating a tower of wonderful memories. And though I don’t go back and look through them very often, I simply can’t forget the experience of creating them. Filling the blank pages of a book is an exhilarating and memorable process. One, I’m sure many writers feel as well! Prior to sketching stuff each and every day, I would sometimes buy a sketchbook, scribble on a few pages and then stop. Those books are rather forgettable. But my latest books are a wealth of color, visual thoughts, and experiences that makes each book a bit magical. When I look at something I sketched a couple of years ago, I can still remember doing so and how I felt at the time. Sometimes, like this one, they’re the quickest of little sketches, but they always bring back memories of what was happening during that time. And a wonderful reminder that as crazy as daily sketching can seem on those super busy days, it’s certainly worth the effort to collect these memories every single day!
I don’t make documentary sketches, like an urban sketcher, as mine are meant to illustrate an idea or something that’s on my mind that day to accompany my writing. My “art journal” is then completed here in these written posts, as I can type way faster than I could ever write by hand. And my handwriting is completely illegible, even to me. This weekend, we lost an hour due to daylight savings time, and when you cram all you can into each moment like I do, that missing hour was certainly felt. Thankfully, I still managed to sneak in an hour for this little sketch and post. When I very first started making these sketchbooks, I remember days where I told myself I should skip a day or two and take a break. But, I soldiered on and I’m so happy that I did. It’s now a permanent part of my world and not something remotely optional. That’s quite a breakthrough for me, as I’ve never done anything with this degree of regularity in my life! I’m usually always bouncing on to new things by this point and looking back on what I used to do as one might some passing fad. So, I’m really quite proud of all of the little sketchbooks I’ve created over these past few years.
And even losing an hour this weekend made me secretly happy as I’m thrilled that spring is coming! More daylight hours and warmer temperatures will be a very welcome gift to be sure. Each time this transition happens, I get itchy to try new things and make something new happen, so I’m equally excited for the things I have planned ahead. Things that, in truth, now seem ridiculously difficult to attempt given this is my side hobby, but that’s all part of the fun! I sincerely hope that each you out there are always pursuing all of your dreams each day as well. Life would be bitterly dull if it only consisted of the things we were required to do. I prefer those things that just feel like a “must DO” because my heart is screaming for them to happen next. Those are definitely the most fulfilling things of all! And though many of the projects I attempt next could quite possibly fail, I’ve never any regrets when it comes to trying. New things are what create a more interesting plot in life and they make waking up to start each day much more thrilling and enjoyable. I guess in many ways as I enjoy my time on this little green planet, I hope to live my whole life like a book you can’t forget.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Cobalt Turquoise, Terra Cotta, and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with black 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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Perfect doodle and post, Charlie!! You are absolutely right, since joining Doodlewash I’ve amassed a book shelf of finished sketchbooks and looking at each one puts me back into the moments I did the little paintings. Some of the sketchbooks are full of paintings of the monthly prompts which I love and a couple were done during “special times” over the last couple years and those I cherish. Thanks, Charlie, for Doodlewash!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕That makes me SO happy!! Thrilled you’re enjoying Doodlewash and even more thrilled for all those sketchbooks you’ve created from prompts here. And the pages you share make us all very happy indeed!
Your collection of drawn/painted and written sketches must be amazing, and truly a treasure to enjoy for the rest of your life. My mood is on the upswing with the longer days! I get a burst of energy at this time of year, too.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah, I feel like I’m amassing my own collection of illustrated memories. It’s been a blast. And yay for spring… so ready for it!!
I was trying to think if there was anything I did every day for any length of time. I did spend many months writing a poem a day, and since I was the group leader I showed up twice a day once to post a prompt, and once to post a poem. But the most I ever did was three months in a row. Then it dawned on me. I have read every single day of my life since I was around 11 years old. Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, plays, cereal boxes! You name it, I read it for pleasure. Since my 4th grade teacher, Mrs. Cabot, read the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books to us every day, I developed the habit, no, addiction, to books. I love them more than anything else. Electronic or paper, it doesn’t matter. In fact, I suppose I’m addicted to stories, not books. Because stories are what make the world go round. We all have one don’t we?
We DO!! 😃💕 I love that!! Reading is definitely the only other thing I could clam and what a wonderful thing indeed. Errr… addiction… what a great one to have! hehe
Great post. Love the cup, book and your favorite pen. I admire your persistence and your journey. I have collected a few finished sketchbooks myself but have missed some sketching days. I could paint and sketch all day but I found I have to discipline myself as nothing else would get done. When I am able to sit down and paint it becomes my favorite place. Thank you for your encouragement each and everyday.
Thanks, June! 😃💕True… my discipline comes from practically setting a timer. I would be well and truly lost in sketching if I didn’t. hehe… but it’s been so fun to make something new each and every day!
It amazes me how you do soldier on but it always appears that it comes easy because of good old fashioned artistry. That enlived spirit within is the Nugget and sharing that with us is a treasure. Blessings to you Charlie!
That’s such a sweet thing to say!! Thanks SO much, Margaret! 😃💕 So thrilled you’re still enjoying these little offerings. Some days, I’m thinking people must surely be getting bored with me. But I can’t stop! lol
I can’t imagine people getting bored because you always have so many nuggets to share. Their loss if they are and it probably is mostly them and not you, right? You have too much to offer. Haha this is coming from a slightly impatient flash in the pan scroller! I am being transparent here. Please do not stop, if anything all what you do should be for yourself. 😉
Thanks my friend!! 😃💕 Yeah, I still loving doing this and showing up, so that’s what keeps me going. And as long as there’s a handful of folks still interested in my doodles and ramblings, I’ll keep at it! hehe
Exactly!! ❤️
You keep us moving ahead Charlie! I was trying to narrow down what book I would sketch, but of course I am going to steal your idea because my sketchbooks are my favorite also! I told you I would copy your ideas. ;P
Thanks, Lori! hehe! Copy away!! 😃💕 I don’t mind at all! Everyone always creates something so unique to them and it’s always awesome to see!
Now that sketch embodies contentment. (K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕 A cuppa joe and my sketchbook… always makes me content!
Love your coffee cup and art supplies – looks a lot like what’s sitting at my table. I have to admit that I have far more unfinished sketchbooks than finished just because I love trying new things and sometimes just never get back to the old ones. I do have several photo albums full of my postcard paintings which I suppose counts for the same thing. I try not to look through those though, because then I want to resort them so all the same kind of animals are together, and all the portrait and landscape are grouped together and it never works out just right.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 hehe… I’m proud to admit that I have some unfinished or less sequential sketchbooks now. I’ve carved out a bit more time to sketch little things that don’t make it into the daily post.
You are!!!
So much to consider here, Charlie, about what we record and how we remember. Though I believe your craftsmanship has multiplied exponentially over the years, as it would, as it should, I see you are still fascinated by shadows and reflections. I suspect this has some metaphorical application as well as one recorded in your sketchbooks. In the meantime, I look forward to seeing the newest Doodlewashes in that little brown book.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 You’re right… there has to be something there about reflections and shadows. Not just the metaphoric kind, but the actual ones. I’m totally fascinated by them. It’s like grounding and dreaming combined in an impossible state!
aha, I remember seeing that pen in another doodlewash…It is obviously a favorite.
If it helps create the magic that you share, it is a favorite of mine too.
Charlie says, “I prefer those things that just feel like a “must DO” because my heart is screaming for them to happen next. Those are definitely the most fulfilling things of all!”
It is so, and thankfully so.
Thanks, Sarah! 😃💕 Yes! This is one of my favorite pens…. Philippe bought it for me as a just-because gift and because it’s the Doodlewash signature color! And yes to the “must DO’s”… those are indeed the best things life has to offer!
Beautiful doodlewash…I love your sketch of your Lamy fountain pen..I have also purchased one Lamy pen but since I have put sepia ink it got clogged. Read an art review post here about dye based and pigment based ink so understood the reason for its clogging. Sincr then I have put an ink cartridge so it is better now….
Thanks, Anita! 😃💕 Yeah, I love my Lamy fountain pens. I’ve never had a clogging issue, but yes, the pigment based inks are better. The one I use is awesome and I love it! Not sure this is the one you ended up with, but I’ve never had a problem with this sepia – https://doodlewash.com/shop/recommended-products/recommended-art-supplies/platinum-carbon-sepia-ink/