Written by When I was a kid, getting a new box of crayons was the ultimate joy! It was amazing to see all of those colors together and begin to imagine what I might make with them. Beyond simply coloring what others had already drawn in books, I would set out on my own path and draw whatever came to mind. My favorite part of that memory is the feeling that I had when I did so. Never once did I question whether or not I could draw. I just assumed that I could and would happily set about DOing it. As an adult, I was told that there’s a proper way to do everything and while that’s lovely for a child, it’s time to learn how to do things a very particular way. The “right” way, they said. I always wondered how they knew at the time, and I still wonder to this day. There’s certainly a right way to do some things, like screwing in a light bulb. If done incorrectly, no light will emit and fill the room. But, when it comes to art, things get a little less clear. What’s the right way? I often see people declaring a “one true approach” when it comes to watercolor and disregarding anything done differently. This, to me, isn’t a very artistic point of view. Art is relative and personal. It’s odd to assume that everyone using a medium is even attempting to use it in a preferred style. Sometimes, like when we were kids, people just like to play with a bit of color.
For my own watercolor, I dance between the complete lack of control and adding a touch of control in the mix. This puts me right in the middle of traditional techniques. Usually, watercolorists chose abstraction or realism and since I couldn’t choose, I adopted the center path. Which isn’t really a path at all, or at least not a widely accepted one. Abtract-ish Hyperrealism-ish isn’t something you’ll find broadly covered when exploring watercolor techniques. Instead, you’ll typically be invited to explore one or the other. I’m truly not being a rebel, I just can’t quite seem to move in either direction. In truth, I don’t have the patience for true hyperrealism and the hours it takes to render something that looks like you could pluck it off the page. And when I try very abstract things, I stare at the result, and while sometimes lovely, I crave for a bit more modeling and definition. So, my doodlewash style was born. A strange love child of the two that doesn’t quite fit in. Combine this with my inability to let paint dry and you have a perfectly naughty and improper approach to things. Like a little kid playing with crayons.
But, for me, this is what makes it fun and keeps me coming back for more! I’m not a full-time artist, but just play a bit on the side, amidst a ton of other, often way less fun, responsibilities. This little doodlewash was made in the 25 minutes I had left to paint today and felt a bit childish in its approach, which I rather loved. Very fitting for the subject matter. If you’re like me, and just paint for fun, then I say have all of the fun you possibly can! Sometimes, we can just grab those colors and make whatever our heart wants to make. But, yep, I totally suggest that each person reading this learns those proper techniques from wonderful art instructors! My own style is a blend of all of that wonderful learning and I can’t imagine where I’d be without it. But, if you’re feeling a little naughty and want to try something a bit differently, I’m here to give you permission to DO that as well. You probably guessed already that I hope you’ll DO just about everything you possibly can and delight in the journey. The only thing I would say you shouldn’t do, is worry about whether or not you’re doing something “correctly.” The only way to know that is to try it and see what others might think about it. Sometimes, it’s okay to think outside the box. Each day we sit down to sketch and paint something is a beautiful chance to learn and explore a wonderful box of possibilities.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Quinacridone Red, Opus (Vivid Pink), Cobalt Turquoise, Cobalt Blue, Terra Cotta, Leaf Green, Indigo, Vermillion, and Aureolin. 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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OMG… I love crayons, especially opening a new box. They smell like creativity. My mom always had lots of crayons and stacks of blank paper for us to create on. And every masterpiece was hung and appreciated.
Sigh….adds crayons to shopping list because now I have an overwhelming desire to color..😁
hehe! They DO smell like creativity! Love that, Sandra! 😃💕And you should totally go buy some crayons and have some fun!
…Abtract-ish Hyperrealism-ish… that’s now a permanent part of my vocabulary. I must find a reason to say it at least once a week!
haha!! Awesome, Sandra! 😃💕Glad ya liked that. I think that describes my style well! And the real challenge would be trying to say it three times fast! lol
“There’s certainly a right way to do some things, like screwing in a light bulb.”
Uniquely you!! spectacular.
Aww thanks, Sarah! 😃💕 Glad ya liked that bit! hehe
Wonderful Kya bat h.
Still i had these boxes and i wanted to do but i have to use water colour.couse to make for ddw. So dropped the idea. Why i wast time to, n now i find my self comfortable with water colour.
Nicely done. Thanks chaChar.
Thanks, Snehlata! 😃💕 Yeah, I’ve often thought about playing with crayons again, but watercolors are just way too much fun! hehe
I do worry from time to time about not painting «the right way». What will a true painter think about this? When I do ask myself this question it nearly always limits me from what I want to do, which makes the painting feel less personal. I think it’s important to be able to look past that, and be comfortable with your own style. That’s what makes it fun!☺
Exactly! 😃 I think we totally limit ourselves when we try to do things the “right” way or compare ourselves too much to others. For me, doing things a bit wrong will always be part of my style! hehe
I’ll try to get better at it myself!☺
I haven’t done my crayons yet but yours remind me of childhood. I don’t much like crayons as I recall wanting to have proper pencils and pens! I still hate colouring books and having to “keep in the lines”. Give me a blank piece of paper anyday. I guess I’m just a rebel!
Yay for rebels, Eve! 😃💕 hehe… that’s awesome! Yeah, to be honest, I didn’t like the rough texture of crayons. I guess I just didn’t know at the time I needed to get some watercolors! 😉
I adore your “perfectly naughty and improper approach,” and I adore YOU! 🙂
You just made me blush, Jodi! 😊You do that on purpose though, don’t you? Naughty! lol Adore you right back my friend! 😃💕
LOL! Love the thought of making you blush! 🙂
One day, I’ll travel to Mars and you’ll see it in person. On that day, I will, of course, still be demanding cookies!! hehe 😉
👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Opening a new box of crayons at Christmas was like entering a world of different possibilities. I never listened to the people who said that you never do this or that when painting. How else do we learn? Where would we be if the Old Masters didn’t try new techniques?
I look forward to your daily “doodlewash.” Keep them coming Charlie!
Thanks so much, Pat! 😃💕 Thrilled you’re enjoying my posts! And yep… art would never have gone anywhere at all if everyone just did was everyone else was doing. hehe
More than anything, I craved the giant box of crayons with the built in sharpener. I never got one. In hindsight, I suppose my parents were too poor. I also suspect that not getting all those wonderful colors has been the driving force behind my buying so many watercolor colors, and the giant pack of colored pencils. I will never be a minimalist when it comes to colors.
I love that story, Lisa! 😃💕 Denied colors in your youth and now you just have to make up for lost time! hehe… I wish I had an excuse that good for why I buy so many art supplies! 😊lol
I want to pick up those crayons and draw! A new box of crayons is one of my fondest memories of childhood. To open a box of crayons and breathe their wonderful aroma takes me back every time.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, I know right? That smell!! It was so unique and awesome. Made me want to grab them and make something every time!
Ditto! I was mad about my set of crayons and colors… joined the challenge. Hope you check it out ✌🏼
Thanks so much! And yay! So happy you joined the challenge! Your crayons are awesome… love the bright colors! Cool! 😃💕
Thank you 🙂
Excellent read – love the mentality of simply doing what you love (even if it isn’t the “right” way to do it)!
Thanks, Anita! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed this post!
This is my favorite post for so many reasons! Did you write this for me??? ;P “Art is relativity and personal”. Great reminder. You gave me my word of the year also…confidence.
I have been waiting for this prompt because I have a story for you! When I was in either 5th or 6th grade, we walked to school about 8 blocks and yes in knee deep snow(Wisc.) up the only hill in town. True! I had saved my money to buy a box of 64 crayolas from the corner drug store we went to every day to buy candy. I also admired the art supply section. We stopped on the way to school because I was too excited to wait until the end of the day. I purchased them and stuck them in some sort of bag, maybe my lunchbox. No backpacks back then. It was a typical bitter cold morning. I got to school, took out my brand new Crayolas, opened them up, only to find all the tips had broken off! I can only assume the cold temps froze them and they broke on the way to school. To this day, I still feel my heart break. I even took them back to the store, showed them (such courage) and they would not do anything about it. However, it did not scar me for life, new Crayolas still make my heart race in excitement.
Thanks, Lori! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this one! And awwww… that is a heartbreaking story… broken?? After all that anticipation! No doubt the cold temps, but still! So happy to know it did nothing to deter your love of crayons! hehe But yeah, a new set with all the tips in place is a perfectly magical thing!