Written by For today, I’m bringing something rather meager to the #DoodlewashDinner in this single pink glazed donut. Entirely sure it’s not enough to feed a group of people, but simply imagine several more sitting on a plate to create the proper offering. I did a quick pencil contour with this one and jumped right in with watercolor to try something a little different. I’d love to say this was an inspired choice, but I was sitting outside and was too lazy to walk back in and get my Lamy pen that I’d forgotten. Something about Saturdays make me lazy in that wonderful way that comes with no regrets.
When I was a kid, there was a little donut shop that my mother would take me to on Saturdays. Unlike many of the chain donut shops today, this one was tiny and run by a single person who would get up at an ungodly hour each day to prepare them. Though baking solo, the selection was incredible. Even with all the choices, I would always chose the same thing. A little pink donut and a chocolate Long John. Though I’ve been able to find a comparable Long John, filled with an insanely white “fluff” that seems as if it were imported from another planet, the little pink donut remains elusive.
Every time I’m visiting various cities and pass a donut shop I usually duck inside to see if they might have something like that pink donut. But sadly, I’ve never found one that was exactly the same. Maybe I’m remembering it wrong as memories have a way of turning into dreams over the years. But I’d rather believe that what I remember in that amazing treat was real and it’s still out there. Somewhere, in some little bake shop, a person is waking up way to early to lovingly create fresh donuts. And one day, we’ll meet. Until then, I’ll hang on to my childhood memories and keep the search alive. Each day, one hopeful step closer to that little pink donut.
You’re all invited to a Doodlewash Dinner Party during the month of May! Just tag your food or drink image #doodlewashdinner and I’ll feature you and your culinary creations in a delicious Doodlewash Gallery at the end of the month!
About the Doodlewash
M. Graham watercolors: Quinacridone Gold, Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue and Neutral Tint with Sennelier: Opera Rose in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal
Awww…..I love it when I read posts about childhood memories, especially connected with mothers and food! My heart felt a pitter patter reading this one. For me it is salt rising bread…..I have been on a search for it and bakeries have told me “what’s that?” when asked if they have it, oh my I feel old. I hope that you find that donut and I can find salt rising bread. I keep threatening to make it myself, I just might have to! Great post by the way and your pink donut is all alone but looks yummy.
Awww thanks Magaret! 😃💕Glad you liked this! Hmmm…I haven’t heard of salt rising bread, but I’m sure it’s out there somewhere! Sounds delicious. It’s probably sitting next to my donut in the same magical bakery. We’ll find it one day! 😉
Sir Charles–methinks you should gather all of these tantalizing doodlewash tidbits and compile them into a book of sorts–love the art, love the storytelling… <3
Thanks so much Eric! 😃😃I would love to do that at some point. Hoping to find the time one day. 😊
Okay. now you’ve done it. zeppole, donut, profiterol. Call it what you like. I would fly the world twice for them. They are my ultimate weakness and in fact, 5 minutes ago I finished off 5 zeppole ( with extra powedered sugar of course!) snagged from a local carnival. Your precious pink doughnut, just makes me want more! ugh!!
Go for it!! Carnivals are the best excuse ever!! Hehe…glad I could tempt you Suzala!! 😃💕
Precious and poignant…I have never gotten teary eyed over a doughnut until now. Beautifully painted, you did not need the pen, this glows and looks scrumptious. As always your posts are delightful reads, hang on to that dream Charlie, the pink doughnut is out there somewhere. Peace.
Thanks so much, Haunani! 😃💕 I’m so happy you liked this. It’s one of my best childhood memories and I will find it again one day!
I really enjoy your watercolours, this one in particular reminds me of Wayne Thiebaud’s work, it has a pop art vibe to it! Thanks for visiting my blog too 🙂
Wow! That’s quite a compliment!! Thanks so much Liv! 😃💕
The meager donut looks quite regal in all its pinkness! Beautiful Charile.
Thanks Sharon!😃💕 It does look like it’s holding court being all alone there. Hehe
What’s not to like about a pink donut? And a very fine pink donut at that! 😊
Hehe! Thanks Phil! Glad you liked it! 😉😃
Oh, come on! I could live on donuts! You did a great job! It’s very realistic.
Thanks Harrison!! 😃hehe…donuts are amazing!! I could live on them too. 😊
“Memories have a way of turning into dreams over the years” – yes they do ! But sometimes we’re lucky and get reconnected with that “pink donut” we remember having on Saturdays with our moms , and it tastes just the way we dream it 😉 Keep searching Charles 🙂
Turtle Hugs
Awww thanks so much my friend!! Appreciate it!! 😃😃😃
That’s very sweet story, Charlie, and I don’t mean it as a goofy pun. Your little pink donut is charming as is the baker story.
Don’t we all have dreams of recapturing something wonderful but elusive from our childhoods? For me it is the petit four, a tiny, elaborately decorated cake. Somehow this treat, no bigger than a walnut, is a 3 or 4 layered cake, painted with a shiny fondant glaze, and decorated with miniature flowers and leaves. Two bites at most, and maybe two only because I was small (then.)
Elegant and sweet, rich with dreams of ballerinas and princesses, I would love to have a petit four.
Thanks so much Sharon! 😃💕 Awww…what a fabulous memory! Sounds so magical the way you describe it. Makes me want one as well! You should have a petit four again!
I would love to, but have to find a local bakery that makes them because I, sigh, don’t.
And anyway, one would never do. 😀
Sharon, You can always ask your local baker to make them! Find a recipe and give it to them; I’m sure they’d be happy to oblige, especially if it brings more business for them, and makes you happy.
What a sweet’ story and painting. Looks so yummy. Good job on no ink also.
Thanks Teri!! 😃💕 Was an interesting change but took a little more time so a good thing for the weekend. Hehe
Ah, yes, donut nostalgia… sigh. – Nice illustration!
Hehe…thanks so much! Glad you liked this!! 😃
Your pink donut reminds me of the homemade maple bars we used to be able to buy in the summer at a lake resort near us. Some memories bring such happiness, I agree Charlie! 💕💖😊 Your doodlewash looks extra sweet! 🍩💕🌟
Thanks so much Jill! 😃💕Aren’t good memories the best?! Maple bars…yum! Now I want that too!! Hehe Sounds amazing!! 😊
Well look at that shiny pink glaze, my daughter would go nuts for this, she is a big doughnut fan, and being pink, just makes it all the more perfect. Your lady pen maybe getting worried, your doodlewash is not lacking despite its absence.
Awww thanks Rebecca! 😃💕 Glad you liked the pen free doodlewash! I’ll probably return to the pen as it goes much faster that way. Hehe…just had a little more time this weekend so I took advantage of it! And your daughter has wonderful taste then! Hehe
I totally understand it being quicker, and I got my Amy pen last month, just not used yet as been on the oils, a break now means WC are coming out😀
YES! I approve of this break! hehe… bring on those watercolors!
Oh yes and my Artgraf arrived from Portugal today, so may not be watercolour tonight.
Awww cool! Fun! Still haven’t tried that, but loved reading Jessica’s review of it!
Yes it was a great review, I had a little play last night, but not enough time to create a piece of art. I did try out my new kuretake paints, more impressed than I had thought they would be. I only painted a card for a 70 th birthday, so not a full on painting….more painting today/ this evening.
Awesome! Can’t wait to see what you’ll make! I’m always impressed with playing with multiple paints… hehe… I just stick to what I have and live vicariously through the works and experiments of others. 😊
Well Charlie I am always excited to see what you do, it’s a breakfast treat for me.
Aww thanks!
Charlie your pink donut looks lovely also if you haven’t used the Lamy pen 😉 what a lovely doodlewash for our dinner! I loved to read your story and memories, and you will find that pink donut sometime, somewhere 😉
Thanks so much Carolina! 😃💕it was fun to play a painter rather than a sketcher. Hehe… But I love my pen so it will likely return. Glad you liked this story!!
I know right! I do both at times, but I love my pen very much!
Ok. Pizza and now a donut?! Could this be any more gluten-y?! But I read the story and you’re forgiven for painting a completely irresistible donut! Love it Charlie, you are really incredible with food paintings, I think this has been the best month for you as a whole since I’ve been seeing your stuff. It’s like you really connect with these food items! Beautifully done and I hope you find your pink donut someday. 💕
Haha! Gluttony isn’t all bad!! Donuts are amazing! Just wish I could metabolize them like a child! Lol 😊 And thanks so much, Laura! 💕💕 I really do love food so it’s been a fun month. And feels like I’ve improved more this month while doing this subject. Still no idea where I’ll head next! Hehe
I meant gluten-y, lol. Pizza, donut, gluten! Lol I guess I’m a little obsessed. I agree I definitely think your stuff has gotten much better this month. I guess we grow as long as we keep going but sometimes I see more progress. I think I was growing when I was doing faces and so I may go back. I just don’t think paint and faces for me is meant to be. 💜
Oh!! Gluten…yeah…I haven’t had enough coffee this morning I think!! 😊 I’m sure there’s a delicious gluten-free version somewhere. Hehe And your faces are amazing! Those eyes were incredible. You should definitely keep at it!! 🎨😃
Thanks, Charlie. 💜
Oh I have dreams of a pink donut too…it might not have been pink but it was delicious. A treat brought home back in the day. I love your pink donut and the sweet memories!
Thanks Cathe!! 😃💕Food memories are some of the best of all!! Glad I brought back a sweet one for you!
That donut looks good, Charlie… I hope you find your elusive one soon!
Thanks Tom! 😃Glad you liked it…and thanks for the good wishes. I know I’ll find it again one day! Hehe
What a perfect donut! I am kinda boring when it comes to donut because I only like glazed.. well, I also like D&D;s bavarian creme donut too. lol. Yummy!
Thanks Kari! 😃💕 Nothing wrong with plain old glazed! They’re awesome. And Bavarian cream is good too…I really think I probably like every kind made actually. Lol
This is super. Especially your rendering of the pink icing. I can’t say I have seen a donut with pink icing and I have seen my fair share of donuts from working with firefighters!
Thanks so much Carmel! 😃💕Pink icing is the best! But still on the hunt for that particular one, of course. Maybe firefighters aren’t a fan of pink. hehe
I must admit, Charlie, to me your sketch looks like a flattish cheeseburger with pink icing…hahaha…not sure what was on your mind when you drew this, but it was probably lunch-time! My love of donuts is more European, of course, and I’m a huge fan of what JFK called himself, ein Berliner…we all had a laugh when we saw that on the news! It is a crispy doughball infused with a spurt of plum jam and one side with a light crunchy icing on it…yummy! Yeah…there is a bakery in St Kilda where I know I can get these and it will always be available as it’s so popular.
Lol… This is actually how this kind of donut looks. Not sure a glazed donut is built to support the extra icing so they’re always flattish like a burger! Your crispy doughball sounds delicious!!
LOL…I guess how it looks doesn’t really matter as long as it’s tasty! The Berliner is very delicious and goes well with a Vienna coffee (black coffee with a huge dollop of whipped cream).
Oh I LOVE this! Perfect follow-up to the pizza, what a great lunch! The glaze on the icing is dangerous (doughs pretty good, too!!). What is it about pink frosting? Irresistible. My fingers are growing sticky at the thought. 😉
Aww, it is a great shame when childhood treats vanish – ISN’T IT, POLO!?! – I hope you find your special pink doughnut someday. Hey, at least you’ll always enjoy searching!
I KNEW you’d understand, Jacob, having undergone something similar in the loss of Citrus Polos. It’s terrible! I want that donut and also still really want to try the polos. But yeah… searching is fun as I will always opt for a lesser donut instead. I’m not totally disappointed. 😊
Start an appeal – they might still be out there somewhere! That’s more than we can say for the Polos.
True…poor Polos. There day is fully done.
I don’t know about pink food…but it makes a great doodlewash! (K)
Hehe…yeah… it’s great for color! Thanks, Kerfe! 😃
looks amazing! and as a big doughnut fan myself i can truly say that it looks so realistic!:)
Wow! Thanks! Coming from a donut fan that’s an awesome compliment! 😃
I’m obsessed with donuts and when you draw one as well as you do, I can’t help daydreaming about biting into that pink donut. Awesome artwork.
Awww thanks so much! So happy you liked this! 😃