World Watercolor Group - Day 3 - My Favorite Cup - Doodlewash
By Charlie

Day 3 – My Favorite Cup

Written by Charlie O'Shields

Today’s doodlewash is wildly experimental and I just sort of played with colors and splashing paint to render a version of my favorite cup. A glass cup of tea in this case, which I have each and every evening just before going to bed. It was just a glass cup from Target, but I really liked the shape. I’m going to be playing around with different approaches to painting this month as I’m feeling a bit constrained. Today’s results looks a bit bizarre to my eye, but it was super fun to do! I think I sometimes paint what I know will get a good reaction, rather than just playing and letting things happen. I feel like this one is a bit over-rendered, but I learned a lot in the process! I want to return to a bit of learning and experimenting this month, rather than resort to my usual approach. So stayed tuned, as things could get a little unexpected as we go along. I’ve only be painting for 2 years, so I have a lot to learn. And I hope to have a bit more time this month to play and try new things.

I’ve found that choosing a favorite anything is sometimes a difficult task. In truth, my favorite morning mug is one that was given to me by a friend when I had moved to a neighborhood close to them. It was a coffee shop that we both frequented called Muddy’s and the logo has since worn off, but I still remember where it came from. The actual place no longer exists, replaced by a different type of place entirely that I can’t even remember now. It was right next to the college where I got my art degree. A degree that was more focused on 3D animation than actually making art by hand. I took one painting class in acrylics and I was so horrible at it that I never picked up a brush again until two years ago. The paintings I made in those classes where actually washed away in a basement flood that happened while living in the new house that merited the gift of that mug. Those, and all of the drawings I made in college were destroyed. Nothing remained. I assumed it was a sign that I had no business painting or drawing in the first place. So, I moved on to other creative endeavors instead.

And now, over 750 paintings later, I have created more art than I could possibly have dreamed of creating in college. I’ve not only replaced everything that washed away in the flood, but multiplied it by an incredible amount. And now, every new thing I’ve ever made is housed right here on Doodlewash, safe from heavy rains, and even organized and searchable which is super cool! When I think back to my time in college, I realize that I was always worried that I wasn’t actually an artist. There were so many people better than I was. So many ideas that were more clever than mine. At least, that’s the way that it seemed to me at the time. I’m curious to know if those people I revered back then are still making things each day. I hope so. They were amazing artists! The thing that’s changed for me today is that I don’t make art to turn into an instructor. I simply take a bit of time to have a bit of fun. That, in the end, makes all the difference in the world. And though I may or may not love what I created each day, I love that I made something new. A little image that never existed before. A memory, that lines up next to all of the others, adding a bit more color to the mosaic that has been my life. A life filled with simple things that ended up mattering the most to me. Like a brief moment each evening, enjoying a spot of tea from my favorite cup.

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About the Doodlewash

M. Graham Watercolors: Quinacridone Gold, Azo Orange, Pyrrol Red, Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue.  Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with black ink in an A6 Hahnemühle Watercolor Book.
  World Watercolor Group - Day 3 - My Favorite Cup - 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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34 thoughts on “Day 3 – My Favorite Cup”

  2. Charlie this is awesome! The painting is a beautiful cup of tea and the story is so wonderfully written. It would be a perfect story for your memoir. I think you underestimate just how much talent you possess. You are so candid Today was difficult, I’m inspired. Thank you.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Shannon! 😃💕 That’s such a sweet and encouraging comment!! I’m hoping there’s enough interesting things my little rambles to make a memoir one day. I guess in some ways, I’ve already created one right here on Doodlewash! hehe And I love prompts because the most challenging days are when the most unexpected thing appear! Kind of cool!

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  4. I really like the way the colors of the tea are reflected in the saucer. A good choice for an evening cup of tea. Sorry about the flood. Gosh, a fallen tree, then a flood. 🙁 You are a survivor! 😊

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  5. This is a glorious painting, Charlie. I’m a big tea fan and a big tea drinker so it appeals on that level. There’s also such warmth to the way you’ve painted it. I can imagine cupping that glass cup and feeling instantly cozy. There’s a real confidence growing in your painting style development, I think. I think it’s that your work is getting looser and bolder. Great stuff.

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  6. Thumbs Up! Interesting that you said you felt you weren’t an artist and that everyone else was better when you were in school!
    My sentiments exactly! Always!
    Your guest artist D.Katie Powell hit it on the head when she wrote: “You can’t banish the critical voice, but through mindfulness you can learn to use the Editor toward discernment when needed.”

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  10. I think the flood was a sign. It washed away all the negative thoughts you had about painting and allowed you to start again with a fresh perspective and a medium that you’re very good at. I can’t believe that you’ve only been painting for two years. Just goes to show how painting every day improves your skills.

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    1. That is the most beautiful way to look at that vent!! Love that!! Thank you so much! 😃💕 And yeah, painting every day really does make all the difference. Some days, I don’t improve, but over time, there are definite improvements that are really fun and rewarding to experience!

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  11. What an experiment, Charlie! I love the way this turned out – ready to sip! Keeping things simple and making art for yourself is the most important thing and always seems to lead to the best results.

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    1. Thanks, Ellie! 😃💕 I totally think that’s the best way to approach things. It’s tough some days when I’m proud of trying something new and yet, it’s not well received…. hehe… but then I remember that it’s not really the point. I had FUN doing it. That was all that ever really needed to happen to make it right.

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  15. Charlie, this is such an inspiring story, though I’m saddened to learn all your early art was destroyed in a flood – how awful.
    I’d also love to go back to college and do it right this time – I was a complete fool, inattentive and ridiculous. I guess it takes a lifetime of experiences to learn to appreciate those youthful opportunities. Our culture should encourage later-years college so we can not only get more out of it, but put more into it. I’m not sure I’m any less a twit now, but I’d work harder than I did when I was young.

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    1. Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 I think losing all of my early work ended up being a good thing. Doodlewash has become the art school I never really took seriously in college! hehe… I do think it’s better to go back to school when you’re older. I know I’m still a twit, but I do try to learn more and goof off a bit less now.

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