Drawing Pen And Ink Watercolor Supplies Illustration
By Charlie

Doodling Art Supplies

Written by Charlie O'Shields

For our prompt of “Art Supplies” today, I sketched my usual watercolor, fountain pen and brush, but added my recent addition to my kit. This would be a set of fineliners, a couple of brush pens, and a handy rolled case. What I discovered during last month’s Inktober challenge is that I really adore drawing and doodling with different inking options. As most of you know by now, I’m certainly not a traditional painter. I simply draw and sketch my own coloring pages in ink and then use watercolor to color them because I adore watercolor and its so much fun to use! Finding the balance I enjoy most between ink and color, between doodle and wash, is still something I’m happily exploring. Mostly, it’s just my mood on a certain day. Some days, I just want to scribble and doodle a lot, and others, I’m drawn more to splashing color around. If I use sepia ink and fewer lines, it looks more like a painting, and if I use black in and more lines it’s more like a drawing. That’s the secret fun I’ve always loved about making my little doodlewashes. Is it a drawing or a painting? I’m never really sure myself, as it’s more like it’s either, neither, and both all at the same time! But what matters most is just that it’s super fun to DO!

When I first started sketching and painting with watercolor, I was immediately hooked. At the same time, I already knew I wouldn’t be able to commit to using these wonderful art supplies in a particular way. Therefore, I didn’t fit into any one of the popular art groups because I just couldn’t commit to a particular method, approach, or style. That’s why I coined the term “doodlewash” right from the start. And, I didn’t mind that I didn’t quite fit in. Still don’t. But, more importantly, I knew I couldn’t possibly be alone. Loving a medium for its unique qualities is one thing, but there’s really no right or wrong when it comes to how you use your art supplies. Sure, if you’re trying to emulate a very particular method, approach, or style, then there are rules that do apply. But, if you just want to play with your art supplies in whatever way comes naturally to you, then that’s fine too! I believe in doing it all! Take as many classes as you can and learn all you can from awesome instructors. But, always remember to play on your own and let your inner child lead as well. That’s where a sketchbook comes in handy.

Indeed, I’ve never left my sketchbook. I don’t create art on large sheets of paper or on canvas. I just visit my little playground each day and do what any little kid with a crayon might do. I play! I play with all of my heart and the result is what you see appear here each and every day. That’s why I refer to my own contribution to the art world as going to recess rather than to class. My hope is to teach people how to embrace and remember what they already know. What they’ve known since they grabbed that first crayon. And, yes, I sincerely wish they’ll be hooked like I was and be inspired to take a lot of real art classes. And then, when that new artist or even seasoned artist experiences a day where things just aren’t working out, I hope they’ll remember to be a kid again. Leave class for just a moment and go outside to enjoy recess. Experiment and do things with your art that you’ve always wanted to try. Discover new and novel ways to use the art supplies that you love. Come play and have fun with us here on Doodlewash! Recess is way more fun with friends, after all. Then, we can all return to class feeling refreshed, creative, and inspired. It’s super easy, and can be done by simply grabbing a sketchbook and happily doodling art supplies.

Want To Sketch Stuff With Me? Check Out My Activity Book!

About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Quinacridone Red, Aureolin, Ultramarine (Green Shade), Benzimida Orange, Vermilion, Yellow Ochre, Cobalt Turquoise, Opus (Vivid Pink), Terra Cotta, Gold Ochre, Indigo, Leaf Green. Staedtler Pigment Liners 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!
 Drawing Pen And Ink Watercolor Supplies Illustration Sketchbook Detail

 

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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30 thoughts on “Doodling Art Supplies”

  2. Love your DOodling kit, Charlie! My husband would be thrilled if my art supplies were so well contained. It depends on if I am sitting curled up with my sketchbook having fun with everyone here or if I am creating my watercolor paintings. That is where I have taken over the family room as a studio space. We shall see what happens over the holidays with grandchildren and grand dogs. Life is a series of compromises. It is fun to be here for recess time to just play! Thanks for creating this space for all of us.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Karen! 😃💕Thrilled you’re enjoying Doodlewash! Yeah… when I started I was painting more and that takes up way more space. I think Philippe was secretly thrilled when I got addicted to my sketchbook! hehe

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  4. It is really hard to believe the world you’ve created in.such a short amount of time. And really, the fact that you have all of your doodlewashes in little sketch books is so lucky! Not to mention, you have them all online too. And that you registered doodlewash was smart thinking ahead!

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    1. Aww thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕Yeah, it’s been quite a wild ride with Doodlewash! I hoped to create something compelling, but I’m thrilled that it’s taken off like it has. And love that I have a stack of tangible memories to go along with the journey!

      Reply

  7. I always love your sketches of art supplies! Little time for today, so I am going to recess first! Kind of like having your desert first! 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕 I think you’re at the same place I am when it comes to brush pens. I’m still just playing with them and figuring everything out. The Pentel one seemed a touch harder to get finer lines for me so I switched to a Kuretake Sumi Brush Pen for this post – https://doodlewash.com/ghost-in-a-bottle/ – it’s easier to control, but I’m still playing with it so I don’t have much to share yet. 😊

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  12. that leather pouch looks so real. It takes me back to
    the leather pouch that my dad kept his drill bits in.
    It looks just like it. You are forever brining back the
    grandest memories and I am forever grateful.

    Reply

  14. Nice set of supplies. After a few years I am still trying to settle on a set of supplies. In the process I have several i move between. Some with waterbrushes, some with pen and regular brushes. My palettes vary in size and shape. I would really like to settle on something as I want to make a leather case to keep them all together much like you have but I don’t want to end up making case after case to accommodate my changing my mind.

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