Written by I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be the size of a little bug. Around the time I was finished high school there was a movie out called Honey, I Shrunk The Kids, which pretty much sums up the entire film. I can’t even remember what happens in it, but I do remember a scene where the shrunken kids were sliding down leaves. That seemed like a ton of fun and I always wished I could do it. Had I paid closer attention I probably would have noticed that the film was mostly a terrifying journey involving dodging lawn mowers while trying to be eaten, but like most things in life, I just focused on the fun bits. The idea that one could be shrunk down to an impossibly small size for a brief period of time is enthralling. I can imagine many boring meetings from my past where that skill would have been extremely helpful. Someone says the same thing a slightly different way for the tenth time, and instead of biting my tongue until it bleeds, I could just shrink to the size of an ant and scurry away. Brilliant!
Complete invisibility seems a little too severe, so shrinking to bug size always seemed like the perfect compromise. Though they aren’t a favorite painting subject for me, flowers were something I loved to photograph, back when I had a photography blog for a number of years. I tried taking flower photos with a regular lens, but I never found them very intriguing. When I finally saved enough money to buy a proper macro lens, everything changed. Exploring the intricate details of flowers and plants was endlessly fascinating. Many times my macro photos no longer looked like flowers at all, but instead, strange alien worlds. Those were my favorite. Even if I never managed to find a way to shrink myself to insect proportions, this type of closeup photography was a good compromise. I never learned the proper way to use a camera, of course, and would get bored half-way through tutorials with too much technical stuff. That’s pretty much how I’ve approached watercolor as well.
I like to have fun in whatever I do, and for me, that usually means just jumping in and trying things without reading the manual first. Of course, after I break something or get totally frustrated, I’ll jump in and get advice from the experts. But in that first run at something, I just like to play. Though it feels like everyone around me is better than I am and towering above me, it doesn’t stop me from going on the journey. In fact, during my art journey, I’ve done everything I can to surround myself with some of the most amazing artists on the planet! Yet, each new discovery feels a bit more personal when I manage to make one on my own. Each little flub or big mistake can easily be fixed on the next time around. And as I look up in awe at the masters who paint around me, I’m never discourage and always continually inspired. Through it all, I’ve learned that there will always be someone more talented, more dedicated and just better at something than I am. I’m thrilled to sit in awe of them, finally getting my chance to experience a bug’s view.
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About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Quinacridone Gold, Sennelier Red, Phtholocyanine Blue, Dioxazine Purple, Phthalo. Green Light, Ultramarine Deep, and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop. |
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I like this new subject for you – I can see you grasshopper size, sitting among the leaves. Unless someone wants to become a professional artist, I’ve always felt the journey to be more important than an accomplishment. Consider all the experimentation with music that fostered jazz that wouldn’t have happened if musicians weren’t willing to play out of bounds.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 So true! Jazz owes its entire existence to experimentation and play. I’m having fun exploring this new approach, glad you like it. Not sure if I’ll be able to do it every day as it takes a touch more time, but trying to do more scenes whenever I can squeeze them in!
Wonderful perspective, both in the painting and in your words!
Awww thanks so much, Ellie! 😃💕 I’m so happy you liked this one!
Incredible skills! These scenes are so lovely. I’ve always wanted to see that film, actually. It’s quite a thought to be looking up at skyscraper flowers like that, all the details we might struggle to see from up above – a little scary, though, not least when those pesky giant kids come striding in unannounced! But I can certainly see how it’d come in handy in certain scenarios!
Thanks, Jacob! 😃💕 Yep… I think I would end up terrified really fast if outdoors with giant kids! Lol It’s probably another thing best left as fantasy in the end. Like flying… since I’m scared of heights! 😊
I always enJOY reading your positive spin on life, Charlie!! 😊 Even from a bug’s view – your Doodlewashes are amazing, friend!! 🌷🎨👍
Awww thanks so much, Jill!! 😃💕 So happy you like this one. I’m really out of my element with these scenes, but they’re a fun challenge! hehe
The life of a small bug may not be a clear one, full of towering obstacles, but your words are crystal clear. Art and talent, well we all like different art, so at the end of the day talent can be irrelevant, ( I have no idea how art students can be marked, when the markers will always have their own personal likes /dislikes in art, always baffled me). Style maybe more important 😀 and as for dedication, you have to be one that I put at the top🏆
Thanks so much for that, Rebecca!! 😃💕 Yep… I’m dedicated… or at least… addicted. Is there a difference? hehe I totally agree. Art is so personal and taste means that you’ll always find an audience for whatever style you have.
Your flowers look like they are dancing! Spring is in the air…(K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕 I wish spring were in the air… hehe… I’m trying to will it to get here faster!
I’ll help!
Excellent! hehe Together we can do it! 😉🌺
Wow so pretty 😍 Do you remember I used to say that I really like the way you paint skies ☁️ and I like them in this one too with beautiful tulips 🌷
Aww thanks so much, Snehal! 😃💕 It’s been so long since I painted skies, I wasn’t sure if I still could! hehe… glad you liked it!
You flowers look like they’re blowing in the wind ion a peaceful day. I like the title too 🙂
If you have time, check out my latest blog post at https://tootinghustle.wordpress.com/2017/04/10/is-it-mum-or-mom/ and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to comment 🙂
Happy Blogging x
Thanks so much! I’m rushing lately, but I’ll try to stop by and have a look! 😃💕
Wow….very nice artwork….quite inspiring!!!
Aww thanks so much!! 😃💕 Appreciate it!