Written by Today’s Doodlewash prompt of cloudy made think of all of the recent rainy days that we’ve had here this autumn. For all of the past three days, there was absolutely no sign of the sun, which only managed to reappear today. In spring, when this happens, I find myself demanding the sun in my head, but in fall, I rather adore these extended rainy days. With no sun to fight for attention, the leaves that fall on the ground are slightly more saturated and beautiful. Pops of lovely color peek out to transform an otherwise gloomy and bluish afternoon. These glowing leaves, swept to the earth a bit too early by the storms, are a brilliantly colorful and beautiful sight. With a light from above that’s perfectly diffused, shadows stay close to each object, and everything around is cast into a brilliant harmony. This is the type of environment that photographers refer to as “cloudy bright” and, as it turns out, a perfect time to photograph the colors of autumn. For me, these rainy days are nature’s form of watercolor. A lovely show of glistening color that reminds me, the sun isn’t always the brightest star in the sky.
As a kid, puddles and leaves after a rain were perfectly fascinating. Seeing those bursts of color and chasing colorful leaves rushing down the gutter on the side of the road was so much fun. Walkways might be nearly painted in gold leaves after a storm, creating a gorgeous and magical pathway. Sort of like the yellow brick road in the Wizard of Oz. It was a time of pure magic and excitement as the days ticked down to Halloween and the promise of all of that candy. As an adult, I mostly just appreciate the colors. I’m far to old to go door to door begging for candy now, or at least that’s what I’m rather sure my neighbors would believe were I to try. But, I can’t possibly forget the feeling I had back then while seeing that patchwork path of glowing leaves after a fresh rain. So as I’m trapped indoors, waiting for the rain to end, I’m thrilled to be just like Dorothy after the cyclone finally drops her house. Walking outside again, it’s like walking into a dream of glorious color and beauty. And it’s always worth the wait.
It strikes me that there’s something wonderful to learn in this experience. A gloomy day is only gloomy, after all, if I choose to approach it that way. But, if instead of wishing for the sun, I take stock of the gift that the lack of sun has given me, everything changes. That bit of gloom starts to glisten and I take that moment to remember the thrill I once felt when seeing a trail of colorful leaves. It seems almost silly, but something as simple as this always touches my soul. I feel a warmth and glow of hope and positivity. And I hope that by showing up to share a little doodlewash and these thoughts each day I can be that for whoever might be listening. A gentle reminder of all of the good that’s in the world and all of the color that shines, no matter what the day might bring. And I hope to inspire you to do the same. Share what you make and believe through whatever art you choose to create. Together, we can craft a patchwork of art and ideas that spreads across the planet, bursting in emotion and beautifully rich color, like autumn leaves on a rainy day.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Nickel Azo Yellow, Vermilion, Cobalt Blue and Indigo. Photo Reference: Erikamthompson. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Click Here! |
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I like the analogy of rainy days to watercolor. Objects wet by rain appear as though freshly painted, with a special gleam. I love when the rain stops, the clouds part, and a brilliant sun appears. Sometimes there is snow visible on distant mountains a few hours drive away. These are the joys of winter in Southern California!
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕Glad you liked that analogy. And yes to Southern California! It’s got everything in a short distance drive and everything in view… love it!
This is a fun painting. The boots are so cute. Nothing like sloshing around in rain puddles and fallen leaves on a crisp fall day. I just don’t see kids out doing all the fun things we used to do outside.
Thanks so much, June! 😃💕 I live in the city so I wondered if kids still do that. A shame if they’re not… it’s so much fun!! Put down those iPads and go play! lol
Your leaves are beautiful, but what I want are those boots! I agree about the gloomy day, but I have to admit what I like most about rainy, windy Autumn weather are the nights. When the moonlight catches the color on the leaves that dance on the wind and pick out the pattern of branches they’ve left behind, I have to catch my breath. Nothing more beautiful!
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Hehe… these were from a reference of gray drab boots… I of course couldn’t paint that! So I invented the orange ones. Way more stylish! And what a gorgeous description of autumn nights… I love that!
Such a cute picture. Makes me wish we would get our Fall rain. Oregon is dry as a bone and warm. 🙁 I am so ready for the cooler wet weather. Don’t you think looking at a sky with clouds is much better than a solid blue sky?? 😉
Thanks, so much! 😃💕 And I’m happy to send some of our rain your way… we’ve had too much. And I never thought about it before, but even an overcast sky is yes, more interesting in many ways that a bright blue one. Put big fluffy clouds there and it’s perfect for dreaming!
Please do….lol
Love tonight’s Doodle. Love the colors, smells and sounds of fall.
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 A bit of a different doodlewash last night… wasn’t sure how to get it all across! So glad you liked it!
Great article, Charlie. Yes the cloudy bright day with rain about is a wonderful time for photography, given the saturated colours. Looking forward to more of your articles. David
Thanks so much, David! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed this post!
Charlie says: ” a patchwork of art and ideas that spreads across the planet”
I love the idea as you’ve stated it. It could start a social movement…oops
it already has….doodlewash!
You allow every individual to see their own beloved child in your painting.
Thank you!
Thank you so much, Sarah! 😃💕 Your quote “you allow every individual to see their own beloved child in your painting” is the best and dearest of all! I adore it! It’s precisely what I hope my art and writing will achieve!