Day 5 - #WorldWatercolorGroup Forest with Brook Trees water - #doodlewash
By Charlie

A Walk In The Woods

Written by Charlie O'Shields

Today we’re talking a walk in the woods as I continue to attempt to fill the entire page of my sketchbook this month. This time via a doodlewash of a creek of some kind. I purposely choose a reference full of ridiculous detail to force myself to sketch a little faster and looser so I could see what would happen. This is what happened. I loved walking through the woods at my grandmother’s house and coming across a little creek was like finding gold, so I guess that’s why I landed here. As ever, I don’t plan what I’m going to do each day so I’m just as surprised as you are as to what appears. And looking at it now, my limited palette or rushed attempt made the creek bed look a bit dry, so this could also be simply a path. Really, it’s up to you to imagine. Philippe said this one reminds him a little of Jurassic Park, which is both cool and terrifying to imagine a dinosaur lurking around the corner. But it was fun to scribble and splash paint around hoping something that roughly looked like some sort of landscape would appear.

I used to love to go on nature hikes, but it’s been ages since I’ve been somewhere that had more than lots of trees to offer. I remember one of my favorite journeys was walking through the El Yunque National Forest in Puerto Rico. It was so beautiful, and had I been sketching at the time, I likely would have plopped down on the ground with my sketchbook and told my fellow travelers to come retrieve me at the end of the day. Granted this was one of the smallest rain forests in the world, but it was also one of the most biologically diverse national forests. It didn’t feel so much like I was visiting another place, it felt more like I had landed on an alien planet. Which made the entire trip extra magical. The incredible trails and scenic views were breathtaking and, as ever, I made that typical broken promise to myself one makes on vacations that I would some day return. I’ve never been back since.

But I love the sense of discovery when walking through a new forest. Each path is an invitation to wander down it to see where it might lead. Each little stream is begging you to follow it to see what secrets it holds. It feels a bit like painting has been for me, especially this month as I attempt to venture down new paths. I’ve no clue where this journey will take me, but it’s been fun to see what appears to cover the page. I think that’s why I love starting each new day with a blank sheet of paper. It’s like finding a new path to follow and experience something new. I’ve no idea what’s around the corner or if what I’m scribbling and painting will turn out to be any good at all. But it doesn’t matter, because I’m having a blast trying. So, if anyone reading this has ever felt timid about venturing down new paths when it comes to their creative pursuits. Just take it at a run! There’s no better way. Sure, who knows what’s hiding around the next corner, but it’s always something amazing. After all, it’s just a walk in the woods.

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About the Doodlewash

Sennelier L’Aquarelle: Indian Yellow, Perylene Maroon, Phthalo. Green Light, Burnt Sienna, and Ultramarine Deep. 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.
  Day 5 - #WorldWatercolorGroup Forest with Brook Trees water - #doodlewash

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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33 thoughts on “A Walk In The Woods”

  5. Well, this is just stunning. Another thwack, another WHOA – you’re on a roll! I want to go there, so brimming with atmosphere and beauty, and the stream is just the icing on the cake. Woods are the best. Like crazy mazes, so solitary inside but so abundant with life at the same time. Yay for woodland. You really should see to going on another nature hike – ehem Norfolk Broads ehem – that one we took last year was pretty good! 😉

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  6. I believe that nature is one of the greatest mysteries known to man. I mean going on hike through the woods is awesome. Even if you’ve been to that specific area multiple times you discover something knew. Nature is truly magical

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  7. I’m absolutely wowed by this painting, Charlie. It’s really beautiful. My parents took us to Puerto Rico when we were kids, and we visited this rain forest. It’s the only part of the trip I remember, except that the city was humid and crowded. I love the way you captured the lushness of the forest, and the pale blue from the sky reflected in the scene below, especially in the water. A wonderful reminder of a special place, a little bit of my childhood in your sketchbook. Thank you.

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  10. No matter whether it’s a creek or a path because nature is peaceful, and so is a walk in the woods. I really like your full-page paintings.

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