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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I agree….feels like Jurassic Park and mysterious…. and inviting. I really like what you said about venturing down new paths and then taking a run at it! Love!
Thanks so much, Margaret!! 😃💕 You path such gorgeous scenes, I’m so happy you liked this post!
Charlie! WOWZA! Look at you rockin’ a full landscape painting! And in such amazing Charlie O Style! You amaze me!!!!!
Awww you’re too sweet! Thanks, Jodi! 😃💕 Experimenting this month to see what happens when I fill a page and it’s been fun. But yep… still has to go fast and furious in my usual style! hehe
Love love – can your art get any perfect? 🤗
Thanks so much, Jenn! 😃💕 I’m thrilled you liked this. This month is a bit of change for me so far so I’m glad you’re enjoying these!
You’ve found your path. One of the best paintings you’ve done. Love the intensity of color and shape
Thanks so much, Judy!! 😃💕 What a wonderful compliment! It’s been fun playing and exploring new things this month. Happy you like the results!!
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! 😉
Thanks, Jacob! 😃💕 hehe… hope I keep these full page doodles going. And the Norfolk Broads sound amazing. Yeah, you’re right, I could really use a nature hike soon. Need a little time to unplug and relax a bit. 😊
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
Beautifully said! 😃💕 I agree… it’s such a wonderful experience!
Thank you
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.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 Hehe… yeah, I agree… the rain forest helped me forget how I didn’t much care for the city part. I’m so glad this brought back good memories for you!!
Nice!
Thanks so much, David! 😃💕
You’re welcome, love your artwork!!
I love the depth of it, I could walk right in! (K)
Awww cool! Yay! Thanks, Kerfe! 😃💕
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.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 I’m so happy you like these… a bit of a change for me and not quite sure where I’m going with it yet, but it’s fun to play!
Great Job.
Thanks so much, Syna! 😃💕
That is one very interesting path Charlie, I would love to walk it, discovering the mysteries that hide, the lives that thrive. I love your full pages, well done as I know it does take longer to complete, but they are fantastic 😀
Thanks, Rebecca!! 😃💕 So happy you’re liking these. Yeah, they can take a touch more time, so hoping I’ll be able to keep them going this month. Or get faster at them, so I can do them inside my usual little hour. 😉
😀
Nice!
Thanks so much!😃💕
I love the depth of it.
Thanks so much! 😃💕
I like this Charlie, beautiful colors well done landscape! 😉 <3
Thanks so much, Carolina! 😃💕