Written by Today, if you’re following along with the creative prompts for World Watercolor Month, we’re heading to the jungle! Which is actually just “any area of land overgrown with dense forest and tangled vegetation.” I opted for a chameleon, simply because I think they’re weirdly cute and rather intriguing creatures. Typically found in rainforests, which are actually synonymous with jungle. Though chameleons are well-known for their ability to change color, it’s not really meant for camouflage. They can run insanely fast, so protection isn’t the reason for this magical process. It’s primarily a response to mood, temperature, health, communication, and light. Yep, they are nature’s mood rings. And this is why I find them so fascinating. It’s also fun to think about what would happen if we humans possessed a similar skill. Little white lies would become a thing of the past as our colors changed to reveal exactly what we were thinking. Yeah, maybe it’s a good thing that we don’t possess this ability. It would make for truly awkward interactions. But, since I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, as they say, I often think I’m rather like a chameleon. And that makes me super happy!
When it comes to the word “jungle,” it applies to so many different things. It evokes a cluster of activity in the urban jungles of the world and can conjure a tiger to mind in the same beat. In many ways, it has become synonymous with confusion or a feeling of being overwhelmed. Too many things at once. This is often how life feels, for me, as things jump out at me and demand attention. But, it’s equally exciting and interesting. And each time I show up sketching stuff, I feel like it’s a chance to pause life for a moment and look at what’s actually happening there. For any of you who missed my post yesterday, there’s a new episode of my podcast called “Sketching Stuff” which you can find by clicking here! Please add your comments on the latest one, as I’m still figuring all of this out and would love your feedback! Each day, I simply try to show up and make new things. I hope that in doing so, you’ll be equally inspired to show up and make your own new things. That’s really all I hope for in this art journey. I’m still just that little kid who wants everyone to play along and join me!
And if you’ve been painting along with me for World Watercolor Month, then yay to that! I’ve loved seeing all of the amazing things that people have posted. And yes, daily painting is quite a bit of a challenge. But it’s also incredibly rewarding and awesome and it’s my goal to inspire as many people as possible to DO it with me! There’s not a day that can’t be made better by giving it a little bit of your own creativity and emotion. Don’t let a single day pass without sharing a bit of yourself in something you created. Life has gotten more complex and even sharing our work online in hopes someone might actually see it has become tougher than ever. But never stop sharing what you make! No matter how many algorithms might jump into place to make your journey tougher when you share on social media, someone, somewhere, will still see your work and smile because you created it. So show up and give them that smile. Our world is getting impossibly complex, but artists can always shine a light on the things that truly matter most. Shine your light each and every day as we take this amazing journey together in the jungle.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Nickel Azo Yellow, Leaf Green, Cobalt Turquoise, Terra Cotta and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia 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! |
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Wow! That chameleon has character and attitude. I’m also a person who wears my heart on my sleeve, or at least in my eyes, facial expression, and hand gestures.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕So happy you enjoy my little chameleon!
That is the cutest chameleon I have ever seen. I love how you did his eyes. Thank you too, for your encouragement.
Aww thanks, June! 😃💕 I think chameleons are rather cute!
Your chameleon is awesome! I used to be one of those people who was so anxious that I could barely leave the house – my mother was the same way. I decided I wasn’t going to be housebound and fought my way out of it. It’s too easy to fall back into it, though. Sharing my art is one of the ways that I keep grips on it – I make sure I share it all, even the stuff I think is horrible. People are encouraging, the world doesn’t end, and I realize my fear (of what, I never know) was just the heebie-jeebies and it makes it easier the next time.
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕That’s so awesome! I’m so happy to hear that art helped you move out of your comfort zone. It’s done the same for me! Still haven’t appeared on video yet, but there’s still time! hehe
Okay, your cute little chameleon and his story surprised me! I never would have thought that chameleons had moods. Unless feed me, and don’t eat me are moods! 😁
Thanks so much, Lisa!😃💕 hehe… I think I have very similar moods! lol
Your chemeleon as a art beautiful 🥀.
There are so many stories are hereby his chainging the colours..
Nice one lie. thanks.
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕Yeah, that ability to change colors is incredible. Awesome little creatures!
Reptiles and amphibians are the original models for aliens. Cute and other-worldly! (K)
hehe! Yes! They are the perfect models for that! So weird and yet so strangely cool and cute! 😃💕
“Our world is getting impossibly complex, but artists can always shine a light on the things that truly matter most.”
Yes.
I love that chameleon. His eyes are so expressive. You give unique personality to the beings you paint.
It is always a joy to spend time with your creations.
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕That’s such a lovely compliment! Yeah, I like to give them a bit of a smile or sense of confidence.