Written by It’s rather difficult to read today’s prompt and not have the song from The Little Mermaid start spinning through my head. It’s still there now actually, as it is a bit of an earworm. But, since I don’t paint people, even if they are half fish, I opted for this little clownfish instead, also made popular by a kid’s movie. This was a fun one, as it’s an imagined vignette that I sort of scribbled on the fly. I love that clownfish always seem to be attempting to hide in anemone even though they’re bright colors and pattern make it impossible not to spot them easily. Rather than adopted for camouflage their coloring is meant as a bright orange warning to potential predators. Yes, they’re the orange construction cones of the sea! And the anemone sting is poisonous to most other fish, so the clownfish serves as sort of a “Do Not Enter” warning sign. I’m always so enthralled by these little bits of trivia, because it’s living proof that there are always creative ways to solve potential problems, no matter how difficult they may seem. Sometimes, we need look no further than nature itself for truly inventive ideas.
For me, the little clownfish teaches me about relationships and how often the most unexpected relationships can form something beautifully harmonious. So many times in life I find myself seeking others who are similar to me. There’s a certain comfort there that is magnetic. But, I’ve learned, that there’s so much joy to be found in interacting with people whom I seem to have nothing in common with at all on the surface. It’s led me to adopting a mantra in life that “everyone has something to teach me.” This is exactly why you’ll always find a myriad of artists here on Doodlewash from absolute beginners to famous masters. Each one has something unique and interesting to share and there’s always something new and wonderful to learn. Whether it’s about painting, or life, or how to live a life that always makes time for painting, there’s a wisdom to be found there. It’s that pleasing intersection when we realize how, despite all of our differences, we’re really very much the same. I’ve learned to find even more comfort in that.
And, as we head into the final stretch of World Watercolor Month, I’m loving every single moment. It’s overwhelmingly beautiful to see thousands of people come together from all parts of the planet to celebrate this wonderful medium of watercolor together. Thank you all so much for your enthusiasm and for your generosity in supporting our charitable cause of helping The Dreaming Zebra Foundation get art supplies for kids who need them. This art challenge is unique in that it’s 100% non-profit and seeks to do a little good in the world while we have a blast painting with watercolor together. Yes, there are tons of challenges, and I host one here each and every month, but the charity is what makes this one so special. If we join together, we can create real change in the world. We can make a true difference in the lives of children and ensure there will be future artists to tell their stories, hopefully right here on Doodlewash. And it’s as easy as supporting each other on this art journey, no matter how different we each may seem, like that little clownfish who found the most unlikely of friends, under the sea.
Join Us For World Watercolor Month In July! Click Here To Learn More!
About the DoodlewashM. Graham.: Indian Yellow, Cobalt Teal, Permanent Green Light, Quinacridone Rose, and Turquoise. 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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I love your little clownfish (and the trivia, too!). I had to sneak down and see what colors your were using before reading your ramble. You’ve done something amazing with WWM and it’s been a joy seeing what everyone is creating for it.
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕Aww I’m so thrilled you’re enjoying the month! It’s truly been amazing… more watercolors than ever posted this year! I’m constantly inspired and overwhelmed, which is a pretty awesome combination! 😉
Great painting of my favorite fish is his preferred environment. Everyone does have something to teach us so long as we remain open to the possibilities!
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕And yay to always remaining open to new possibilities!
What a cute little fish surrounded by all those glorious colors you used in your painting. He has a cute little mouth too. 😁
I can only imagine the huge smiles on all those kids faces that receive the art supplies. It really is amazing how much you have accomplished in such a short time.
Thanks, June! 😃💕 Glad you liked this one! And I’m so thrilled with how Doodlewash has evolved. It’s wonderful to know that a few more kids somewhere on this planet are able to make art! Who knows, maybe one of them will be the next featured artist on Doodlewash! 😉
What a cute little Nemo! I love the line, orange construction cones of the sea! On another topic, I think I have two accounts with you. One is a Facebook account, and the other is a doodlewash account. Can they be smushed together?
Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕 Glad you liked this! All the accounts on Doodlewash are social login, so if it’s not Facebook, then it’s another social network. Send me a note via my contact form and let me know what accounts you have and which you’d like to keep – https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Very cute! But darn it! That song is in my head now!!
Thanks! 😃💕hehe… sorry…. yeah, that song will never leave once it’s there! lol
Have never seen Little Mermaid, but what enters my mind is The Beatles and “Yellow Submarine” – not sure what that says about my mind!
hehe! A classic! 😃💕And a total earworm as well! lol… But The Little Mermaid is equally fun… you should totally watch it!
Waching 🎏 is magnificent but painting fish by u is super 🌸 duper .thnig. like clown fish . I Also learn so many awesome
Things from you lie.
Thanks so much.
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕 So happy you enjoyed my clownfish… a bit different style and approach for me. Glad you liked it!
Thank you Charlie, such beautiful, colorful fish. Watercolor month has been so inspiring to me, can hardly wait until next year. You have created something wonderful to be sure!
Aww that makes my heart smile to hear, Sheila! 😃💕 Thank you!! And I do monthly challenges all year, so I hope you’ll jump in anytime you like!
“everyone has something to teach me.”
I love the joy that spills into those words.
As for the clown fish…a favorite!
Thanks so much, Sarah! 🙂 💕Glad you liked this one! I do believe everyone has something to teach us.