Written by For our Doodlewash prompt of “Cat” combined with the Inktober prompt of “Dizzy,” we ended up with this little kitten trying to collect itself after chasing its own tail. Yeah, I got a little lost watching funny cat videos. Not only do cats chase their own tails, some seem to enjoy just spinning in circles like a little kid. There was a cat that kept coming back to lay in a circular sled while the owner spun it in circles. It would fly out and stumble around a bit and then come right back for more. I loved this cat! It was having a blast and doing the very thing I did when I was a kid. Sure, we had merry-go-rounds on the playground, but just spinning around in circles until you got incredibly dizzy was super fun. Though, we eventually grow up, of course, and the idea of going in circles becomes something negative and related to going nowhere at all. This month, I’ve been trying a lot of new techniques and approaches as I’ve done along. I’m always sure to use the word technique instead of style, because I believe our own unique personal styles are inherent to us. No matter how differently I approach something, it always comes out in my own very particular way.
With only a week left this month, I’ve tried just about every pen and ink technique I’ve wanted to try. My favorite tool has been the brush pen, but still on the hunt for one I like a bit better. And, as for my favorite visual approach, I’m not actually sure if I have one. What I’ve loved most this month is that I’ve applied the technique to the subject matter itself. For my little kitten, since this one was realistic, I went back to the original approach I used when I very first started the month.
What I’ve learned so far is that I’m definitely still like this little cat. I just love spinning around in circles! I’ll keep experimenting, but each road I take will simply lead me back to being me again. And, that’s the best feeling in the world! I’ve watched in awe as artists this month have made phenomenal drawings in ink. There were moments where I became frustrated thinking I could barely draw at all. I just can’t DO what they can, I’d think. But, that’s simply not the case. The only real difference between me and them is lots and lots of practice.
So, I’m going to just keep right on sketching stuff and practicing each and every day like I’ve always done. This month, I’ve sketched without a reference, I’ve invented my own characters, and I’ve even written a very short story on the fly. What I’m actually capable of DOing is only limited by my ability to give myself the permission to actually DO it! I’m writing this here, because I’ll look back on this post or it might even appear in my podcast. And when I read this again, I’ll smile and thank myself because I did need to be reminded. It’s never easy to fully conquer self-doubt. But once I managed to go for it and try things I didn’t think I could do, I felt like I’d broken free a bit. I didn’t care anymore about doing things well, it just felt good to be trying something I once felt was scary. And there’s no better month than Halloween month to scare myself forward to a better and more confident path with my art. What happens next will be completely unexpected and totally expected all at the same time. An art journey is like all good stories and is both surprising, yet inevitable. It’s awesome to always find myself circling back to my own unique style. After all of these years, I still enjoy the wonderfully comfortable experience that comes from chasing my own tail.
Want To Sketch Stuff With Me? Check Out My Activity Book!
About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Gold Ochre, Terra Cotta, Opus (Vivid Pink), Ultramarine (Green Shade), and Cobalt Turquoise. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen (Broad Nib) with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop! |
 |
|
Kittens are so cute to watch. Great kitty, Charlie! We had one that would steal socks so I took a few old socks, stuffed them into one sock, put a little bell inside and tied it shut with a string. She would play fetch in the living room until she got too tired and would collapse and sleep. It was funny to watch.
Thanks, Karen! 😃💕Aww that sounds so sweet to watch! Yeah, I get totally sucked in when there’s a series of cute cat videos online.
Wonderful kitten, Charlie. They are really entertaining little critters!
Thanks, Mary! 😃💕 yeah, I love them! Can’t have one with the allergies, but I love watching them from afar!
Aweeeeeeeeee I am in love with the kitty!!! So cuteeeeee!!! Yes, you are right we all have our own style. If we all did art the same way life would be very boring!!! Have an awesome weekend 😀
Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕 So true! Live would be terribly dull were it not for a unique traits. Hope you have an awesome weekend as well!
I think dizzy is the best way to DO art. I’ve really enjoyed seeing the various ways you’ve done the linework this month. It’s always yours – unmistakably so, yet it’s been a little different each day. As Mr. Spock would say, ‘Fascinating.’
Hehe! Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Glad you’ve been enjoying seeing what comes out. I have as well… it’s been a fun journey and I’m definitely learning a lot!
Love this cute kitten, Charlie 😘. You’ve created your time delightfully. From Doodlewash, I have had many practices more than many years as well 😁. Always having ask myself that hey Loan, how to do and answer that hehe I don’t know, keep my brush, let’s start ^^.
Thanks, Loan! 😃💕 Thrilled you’re enjoying Doodlewash. Yeah, it’s fun to just DO it even when we aren’t sure whether or not we know what the heck we’re doing! hehe
Charlie says, “What I’m actually capable of DOing is only limited by my ability to give myself the permission to actually DO it!”
So beautifully true!
and that kitty is too…
So fine!
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this!
Hi Charlie, I enjoyed your post today. I DO think it is good to keep experimenting and trying new ideas and techniques as it makes art more FUN! And you know I am all about having FUN in my art making too! Your “dizzy” kitten makes me smile! 😍
Thanks so much, Jill! 😃💕 Yeah, I just love mixing things up every so often and trying new things. You DO that way more often and it’s SO inspiring! Thanks for always inspiring! ❤️
Adorable!! Today, one of our cats, who is over ten years old, started chasing his tail! Go figure. He must have ESP and known I was going to read this tonight. 😂😂
Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕 haha! Definitely ESP… or perhaps your cat reads Doodlewash when you’re not around and has just taken on the inner child mantra! 😉
Cute. Lovely painting.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕
HO joli ! je vous retrouve dans ce que j’aime, fait par vous, les derniers jours, je n’aimais pas – ces compositions pour livres d’enfants
Merci beaucoup! 😃💕I’m trying different techniques and approaches this month, which included a view in more of a children’s book style. 😉
I just ordered your newest instruction book. I want to expand my coloring drawings to learn how to draw. I’m looking forward to receiving it
Awesome! That’s wonderful to hear, Linda! 😃💕 Yeah, drawing is fundamental to art!
Very well done indeed!
I wandered in because of Sarah’s response to your comment on a poem of hers at Pitching Pennies Poetry. I’m glad I did.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Welcome! So happy you dropped by Doodlewash. Hope you’ll be coming back again!
Cute !!!! 😍😍
Thanks so much, Silvia! 😃💕
“Scaring myself forward” I LIKE THAT! I ordered some watercolor sticks today to play with, I haven’t tried these yet
Glad you liked that bit, Karen! 😃💕 And yay to new art supplies!! That’s always a treat!