By Charlie

Carving Pumpkins

Written by Charlie O'Shields

For today’s prompt of “pumpkin” we have a quick little 3-color sketch of a jack-o-lantern, which may be the only pumpkin carved this year as we forgot to buy one this weekend. When it comes to carving a pumpkin for Halloween, timing is everything. Carve it too soon and it will began to wilt and wither long before the big day arrives. So, we’ve been waiting until the very end of the month before carving one, and in doing so, the entire idea escaped us entirely. Five years ago this month, Philippe carved his very first pumpkin ever, as this tradition is much more prevalent in the States and he’s from Paris. I snapped a photo that captured his glee, which Facebook showed me as a memory today. He claims that he was making a face, but I like to think the photo was an accurate portrayal of the pure euphoria that comes from pumpkin carving. This is now the third year in a row that I’ve painted a jack-o-lantern this time of year, so I guess that qualifies as a tradition. I was never that good at carving them in real life, so hopefully the doodlewashed version will suffice.

These last little doodlewashes are really the only Halloween celebration I’m participating in this year. There are no parties to attend or costumes to don, just a quiet evening at home. That’s just fine, actually, as that’s the type of evening I prefer most. As I get older the allure of big parties begins to fade a bit. Although being surrounded by people dressed in creative attire can be entertaining, I love the ability to just relax at the end of the day. Life has gotten rather busy lately and I find myself in a constant state of trying to keep up. I’m certain I’m still very far behind on everything, but I’m enjoying the ride. In the end, we may not get to do all of the things we planned in a day, but as long as we’re having fun trying that’s all that really matters. I have a horrible habit of playing a game with myself where I try to do too many things at once. Wild dreams of things I’d like to see happen come to mind and I attempt to make them all happen at the same time.

It’s almost like I’m trying to make myself perfectly crazy. But, in the end, even though some things fail to happen, there are so many other things that DO happen. And that makes it all worth it. All the sleepless nights and crazy daydreaming pay off a little each time when at least one thing happens like I envisioned it would. One of those things is the wonderful community that’s formed to make Doodlewash Club a reality. A fabulous group of artists have come together and are sharing watercolors, writing reviews, and making the world a far more interesting place. Our Forums have been buzzing with activity and with over 1700 replies, I can’t possibly read them all, but I love knowing that so much enthusiasm is happening each and every day! The fantastic part is, we’re all still just making it happen together like a real club. And, in the end, we’re creating a spirit of creativity and tradition that’s quite possibly even more fun than carving pumpkins.

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About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Da Vinci Yellow, Benzimida Orange, and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book.
 #WorldWatercolorGroup - Day 30 - Carving Pumpkins - 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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31 thoughts on “Carving Pumpkins”

  1. I like the way you painted the light coming out of the pumpkin. You are right that so much is happening at doodlewash that there is no way to attend to it all. I keep trying though, because it’s so much fun! Happy Halloween, Charlie.

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  2. That’s an amazing pumpkin! I didn’t get around to painting a pumpkin because I had to paint a camel for my hubby’s lunchbox. Priorities! That’s probably how you manage to get so much done when you’re trying to drive yourself crazy. I’m glad that Doodlewash has been a priority because I look forward to visiting here every day! Thank you, Charlie and Happy Halloween.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 That camel rocked!! So glad you prioritized! And so thrilled you’re enjoying Doodlewash… you’ve been such an active and bright star in the community. Thanks for that!! And Happy Halloween!

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  6. LOVE your painted jack-o-lantern! I’m a horrible carver. I shouldn’t be allowed to use knives PERIOD!! AND last of all -Thanks for sharing your talent with us every day!

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  7. This is a perfect jack-o-lantern, a bit gruesome, a whole lot goofy, and convincing of the need for braces. As far as I’m concerned, this is a holiday created to make the eating of candy, especially chocolate, the raison d’etre. And if you don’t have time to carve a pumpkin, you can still make a pie.

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  10. You too? All fall I’ve felt like I stepped onto a moving sidewalk going much faster than I anticipated and I’m still trying to catch my balance. Whew! I’m not certain if I’ve actually missed anything yet, but it certainly feels like it. We did however go to a pumpkin carving party, where I think you would approve, everyone was more interested in what people had brought for refreshments than actually do the work of carving a pumpkin! lol. My favorite pumpkins though, are the ones that age well. I’ve carved Yoda and a very gnarled scary face before, and as the pumpkin withers, they both looked waaaay better. I kept the creepy one around for a good couple weeks once it started to go, and then just moved it into the bushes so it could stare at us and rot away.

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    1. haha! I love that!! Yay to the creepy one! I used to want to keep them forever like that as well. 😃💕They get even more spooky when starting to decompose. Buy yeah… life feels crazy busy lately…. I don’t know what’s happening!

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  12. I’m so happy you decided to make your crazy dreams a reality. This is one of my favorite places to visit each day. I have a tendency to just view all the amazing paintings and don’t always comment like I should. Lol, I’m working on overcoming my introvert tendency. You have created a magical place for us. Thank you.

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  14. Great pumpkin, Charlie! (Haha, just made me think of The Great Pumpkin & Charlie Brown) So 3-D. This is the first year I haven’t carved a pumpkin since we moved to the city. Living in the country before that meant no trick or treaters, but I did carve when our kids were young. You’ve created an awesome place, here, Charlie, and I’ve been enjoying everything that’s happening on Doodlewash! Thank you so much!

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  15. Love your pumpkin Charlie!! I miss carving with the kids … usually it was me who had to clean out the inside goop. LOL So fun though. Our neighborhood block is very close and my daughter and our next door neighbor host an outdoor bash. Everyone brings their trick-or-treat bowl, a dish to pass and their lawn chairs to set around the table fire pit. Beverages for kids and adults, walking tacos, veggies and dips (among many other tastees) are enjoyed by our neighbors as well as strangers from surrounding streets as well. It’s something everyone looks forward to, young and old alike. It’s generated interest by young families looking to purchase. ❤️ Memory-making for these young ones too. ❤️

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