Written by Tonight I’m moving fast, so here’s a quick little doodlewash of a glowing fireplace. There aren’t any stockings hung or garland because I simply didn’t have time to draw them. That said, I was actually looking at fireplace references, switched into shopping mode, and ultimately opted for a stone fireplace, because I’ve always wanted one. Not only is my current fireplace not made of stone, it comes with a remote to turn on the flame. I haven’t had a wood burning fireplace in years because of the maintenance involved, but I really miss them. The sound of the crackling wood and the signature smell that fills the room is really impossible to truly replicate with a gas version. Most of my memories of burning wood come from my childhood, where we would always gather around the fireplace during the coldest bits of the season.
Though our fireplace back then burned wood, often the little wood pile out back was covered in snow and the wood was too wet to burn properly. Luckily around the time I was born, a fabulous new invention called a Duraflame® firelog was also born. These were individually wrapped log-shaped things that were covered in paper. You simply lit the paper and a fire was born. These didn’t crackle quite as much, as they were made from sawdust and various other mysterious recycled bits, but I remember some would burn in various colors which was sort of cool. Though having a fire, versus not having a fire made these little logs a wonderful thing, they still felt a bit like cheating. The smell wasn’t as good either, but they did manage to provide warmth at the very least.
So many inventions have come that are here to make our lives easier, but along with them, we often lose a bit of the joy that something natural brings. Even as a kid, I remember thinking the fake log wasn’t as good. Of course, being a little kid, I wasn’t the one responsible for buying real firewood and keeping it safely dry underneath a tarp each season. As an adult, I realize that it’s hard to resist these little inventions that make tedious chores a thing of the past, even when they aren’t nearly as great as the real thing in action. But even a gas fireplace is better than not having one at all and so I’m happy to have one. And one thing is certain. When the temperatures drops and the world grows bitterly cold, there’s really no place I’d rather be than by the fireplace.
Join us for the December Doodlewash Adventure: Winter Wonderland,
Click Here to Learn More!
About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Sennelier Red, Indian Yellow, Burnt Sienna, 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. |
 |
|
I’ve got my socky toes pointing right at your glowing fireplace, Charlie, and it’s keeping them warm and smelling divine – much better than usual. BTW, have you noticed how perfect your Doodlewash looks with the snow falling all around it? Such a cool thing WordPress does at this time of year.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕Glad you liked this! And yeah, isn’t the snow effect cool? Perfect for the theme this month! Hehe love it!
I can feel the warm glow from the flames in your painting. I love an open fire. I designed our fireplace in Scotland and it was more of a wrench to leave it than the rest of the house. I was happy to find a new home in America that had an open fire, though we don’t use it as much. I love the sound of crackling wood, the smell of it burning, and the little glowing sparks rising up the chimney.
Thanks so much, Laura!! 😃💕 Oh wow…I bet it was so hard to leave that fireplace. It was like your art! I wish i had a better fireplace…miss the sounds and smells!!
Charlie,
Lovely illustration – I’m toasty all over.
My neighbor has a wood burning stove. Each time the fire is stoked the air is filled with a magical essence that provides a nostalgic return to cherished times of my past; to a cabin in the Catskill Mountains (NY), where my family vacationed; to experiences that remind me of how I arrived at becoming the person I am today. Your illustration reminds me of the physical appearance of that fireplace.
While I certainly can appreciate the cleanliness and convenience of the ‘remote controlled fireplace’- I doubt they will ever have the ability to evoke memories that can transcend 4 or 5 decades. Stay warm and cozy.
Lois
Thanks, Lois! 😃💕 What a wonderful memory! I agree… gas burners just don’t evoke memories like crackling wood!
Your fireplace warms my heart, Charlie. Wishing you all the delightful, cozy joys that go along with a blazing fireplace in the cold of winter! 😍💖
Thanks so much, Carol!! 😃💕 Wish the same to you as well!!
Lovely fireplace Charlie I like the stones and rustic wood! Let’s say that your fireplace is waiting to be dressed for the coming Holidays so is ready to be decorated! 😉 <3 Beautiful work!
Thanks, Carolina! 😃💕 Hehe… yes! Let’s say that! I truly wanted to dress it for the holidays, but lost time. Just like the real mantle sometimes!!😊 Lol
I know Charlie and it looks beautiful! 😉
I’ve always liked stone fireplaces as well, Charlie… I can see all the Christmas decorations around your paintings in my mind’s eye, so it’s all good! 😀
Thanks, Tom! 😃 Hehe… so glad you can envision so I didn’t have to paint them! I only wish I had a fireplace like this one… would be so cool!!
One day perhaps?
Oh yes!! I haven’t given up on the dream! 😉👍🏻
Very appealing Charlie. We had a fireplace in one of the houses we lived in…although I don’t remember which one. But it was wonderful to come in from the snow and sit in front of a warm fire. (K)
Thanks, Kerfe! 😃💕 Yeah… nothing beats having a fireplace to return home to after the cold. Just wish I actually had this one! hehe
Yes, it’s beautiful.
Ahh, the perfect image for the December weekend – hang the stockings and kick back! Having never had the ‘authentic’ fire experience, I’ve always liked the idea of a big stone fireplace too – so inviting and just made for this cosy time of year!
Thanks, Jacob! 😃 Yeah… I really miss the authentic fireplace… so amazing. But a big pain in the butt to care for as well, so… I’ll just stick to the dream! hehe