Written by So I was challenged by both Kirk (Dumb Sketch Daily) and Laura (Create Art Everyday) to try an abstract doodlewash and this is what happened. I have absolutely no idea what happened really, as I just started flicking watercolor this way and that since I have no idea how to make an abstract painting.
I loved trying this little challenge, but I think it helped me definitively realize that I’m a representational painter at heart. I love looking at other people’s abstract art as I like to look for patterns and bits of ideas and feelings. It’s really quite wonderful to view abstracts… from other people. Mine looks like a child got angry and did something horrible to your new white couch. Although that’s kind of fun and liberating now that I think about it!
I actually did three of these, but will spare you the torture of viewing “Octopus Loses In A Horrible Fight” and “Radioactive Pinecone” (though now I bet you’re dying to seeing those! Trust me, their titles are better than the actual doodles).
I think, in the end, I’ll stick to viewing abstract art from my talented friends. It’s a fun experience, and I will likely try it again as a way to practice looser sketching techniques (but won’t likely be showing them to the world). So we’ll be returning to the regularly scheduled programming. Though this exercise weirdly made me want to sketch a goat, so I guess that’s still a bit new and different. Stay tuned!
But Charlie – I rather love it!!! I know how you feel when you do it…. You don’t see the art in it. I feel that way too. But I LIKE this A LOT!
Why thanks Jodi!! But you’re right…I can’t see it! Lol…I’ve always struggled with abstract because of that. But super happy you like it!! Thanks so much!! 🙂
Honestly, Charlie–that is really cool. I love the colors you’ve chosen, especially the subtle peach/orange/cream that seems to sit behind the bright bits. That could go on the wall. Really. Or a shower curtain.
Thanks so much Kirk…It was just red yellow and blue until I broke out the burnt sienna out of frustration. Guess it worked as that’s what created the bits you like. and Hahaha!! Yes!! I’d vote shower curtain over wall art on this one. 😉
I would be pretty happy with that. I really like it.
Kirk! What do you think? Fireworks in the Snow? Love it!
Haha! With that title…I might actually like this one Laura! 😉
Right? I got so mad at a painting I was working on one night that I rinsed it off, re washed it and then splattered all over it. It still had me mad the next morning when it posted…..and Kirk named it “Fireworks at Dusk”, which made it so much more appealing to me! See how the title totally changes it? It’s wonderful! :))
So true!! I was getting irritated with the three I tried and I think it shows. I may update this post to show the other two, but still find them ridiculous and haven’t gotten the energy to bother scanning them! 😊
Fireworks! Yes!
Done…this piece is officially now “Fireworks in the Snow” – Shower curtains coming soon! 😉
Good move.
Please post the octopus and the pinecone.
Lol…Seriously… the names are good, but the work will disappoint. I may add them to this post in an update though. Didn’t even scan them. Hehe
Charlie, I like it! And my daughter (graphic designer) is home for the weekend, and she likes it too! It’s cool, and I’m glad you did it! And I agree with Memadtwo, I hope you post the other two! Love your titles, they made me LOL, which I really needed tonight! Thank you, Charlie, I’m so glad you accepted the challenge! :)))) Look out, tomorrow morning, I’ve got another abstract posting and I’m dying to see what you think of it. And with new art supplies, to boot. Tune in tomorrow lol. Anyway, I think it’s wonderful that you KNOW what kind of a painter you are. I really don’t. I’m leaning toward abstract realism, I think. I wish I could skip to the end of the book and just read the ending. The journey makes me a little impatient at times. 🙂 It was fun seeing your abstract painting tonight.
Thanks!! And thanks to your daughter as well! I wouldn’t say I definitely know what kind of painter I am, but I do know it will involve representational painting. I want to sketch looser and faster as I’m not looking to go photorealistic with things. But it’s a journey and I think I’ll be on it with you for quite awhile! Thanks for the challenge and can’t wait to see your new abstract (and new supplies!! Yay! I don’t feel guilty about my new watercolor pencils now….thanks! 😉
I hope my second comment posted (except now this one is my third). Lol I need some sleep. Night night, this was fun!
Haha! I think so…I’ve lost count! But fun playing comment tag with you! Sleep well!
Ok that was my fourth and now this one was my fifth! I miscounted! And I swear I’m not drunk lol.
Hmmm… I’m not one to judge. Lol This was awesome!! Cheers!! 🙂
This would make great collage material! And I like it too! 😊
Thanks Jill! Would be cool if you used it in a collage! Feel free! Glad you like it! 🙂
Really?! Oh, I’d love to! Thank you! 😊
Absolutely! Let me know if you need something higher resolution. Just post what you make with it and link to me! 😉
Of course!
Wonderfully expressive. One of my favorite ways to paint is to start with an abstract background and then find shapes and forms within the chaos. Usually these paintings are wildflower fields.
Yeah…it was a new experience for me for sure! I think I’ll try it again to see what happens. Love watching what others can do with an abstract background!