Written by One of my favorite things about the heat of the summer is that it also brings the joy of fresh tomatoes. I love tomatoes, but really only when they’re fresh and full of flavor. Not the mealy watery kind of tomato that shows up in bulk at supermarkets, but the earthy and delicious kind that you might only find proudly displayed at the local farmer’s market. As a kid, tomatoes held little interest for me. I would scowl at them if they appeared on a sandwich or heaven forbid, my cheeseburger. But as an adult, I’ve grown to love them. I would later discover heirloom tomatoes, in those fascinating colors and awkward shapes. Each one slightly, different, and all of them perfectly delicious in their own unique way. Fresh fruits and vegetables are definitely my preference, but more than any of the others, the tomato demands to be fresh grown, altering its flavor drastically if it isn’t born under just the right conditions. It’s still a few weeks before tomato season, but I’m already dreaming of that first bite.
I love the changing seasons, but actually summer is not my favorite. It can get so hot here that you’re stuck indoors for several days, just like you might be in the chill of winter, only without the lovely crackling fire in the fireplace. Just a view of a beautiful sunny day that you can’t quite participate in properly. It’s like a big tease. But then, I start to remember all the amazing things that happen during the summer months. The way the menu in our home changes and new dishes begin to appear. And, of course, the return of World Watercolor Month, which is probably the best part of all! There is definitely much to love about this time of year and change is always a fabulous thing. In honor of all the changes, I’ve even altered my style a bit and ditched my ink pens for awhile. My doodlewashes are still quite rendered, as I’m prone to do, but all done with just a touch of pencil and lots of lovely watercolor. Between this, and all the changes here on Doodlewash, it’s definitely a brand new season.
Sometimes, I get into a bit of a rut with my art. When you paint every single day, you get a lot of practice, but you also form a lot of habits that become like comfort food. I was rather reliant on ink to create my contours and make all of my shapes pop. So jumping right in with watercolor was both an exhilarating and terrifying experience. Posting each day is a bit like performance art. My audience is all of you and I’ll know immediately if my performance was well-received or a complete dud. At times, this can make me a bit reluctant to make a change. It’s not about counting “likes,” but about delivering on the expectations that made someone interested enough to follow me in the first place. I don’t want to let you down. That’s why I work tirelessly to make this the best destination I possibly can. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized change is actually the best thing I could do. So now, I’m determined to create exciting new things here on this site for you to discover each season. Something you might find unique and engaging and perhaps almost as thrilling as the feeling of finding fresh tomatoes.
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About the DoodlewashM. Graham Watercolors: Gamboge, Pyrrol Red, Azo Orange, Permanent Green Pale and Ultramarine Blue. Alvin Draft-Matic Mechanical Pencil in an A6 Hahnemühle Watercolor Book. |
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Charlie, you could never, ever let us down! Your blog is such a highlight and inspiration. And, of course, now I’m craving some wonderful farm-fresh tomatoes. So your blog is also a source of food cravings for many of us! ( :
You’re so sweet!! Thank you, Ellie! 😃💕 This is a wonderful hobby, but it takes quite a lot of work to keep it going. Knowing that you appreciate my posts makes me so happy!
Your tomatoes are gorgeous – lush and so red. I sure Philippe made something fabulous with them. Charlie, I’m so impressed how well rendered your tomatoes are – you don’t need to rely on the pens unless you choose to use them. New skills, new viewpoints, new habits – all good news as summer approaches.
Aww thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 I’m so thrilled you liked them. And yes, Philippe always makes something amazing!! (must make him write down recipes so we can do that illustrated cookbook!! hehe). Yeah, I think using ink made my inkless watercolor better. I’ve learned where to place contrast to get that more graphic look I love. It’s been a fun change!
Wow! Your tomatoes look like they were picked fresh off the vine! Bravo Charlie!! ❤👍🍅
Thanks, Jill!! 😃💕 So happy you liked them! I’ve been having fun playing with a slightly new style. Happy you liked the outcome!
It’s funny how loving the subject shows – these are beautiful! We have a tiny yard, but we grow tomatoes every year – we start in January from seed since it’s so hot here and the season is so short. But it ruins you for other tomatoes – I can’t eat them from the store – it’s just not the same. I have yet to see a dud, btw. 🙂 I look forward to these every day and introduced everyone who came to my art retreat this past weekend to you. 🙂 There’s even a hilarious Facebook post about it.
Aww, I’m so glad you liked these, Lydia! 😃💕 And yay to the folks in your art retreat for introducing us!! But wait… what’s the Facebook post! Now I want to see it! hehe
You really rock the tomatoes! Another allergy for me, though thankfully, I can eat a small amount before I start breaking out in rashes.It’s strange, the whole family is that way. Makes me wonder if you can learn an allergy – as you say habit can be a strong force and not always to the good.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Oh no! Not Tomatoes! I can’t imagine being allergic to them… they’re so good and in so many things! I just have mangoes to avoid which is much easier.
This painting is wonderful.
Thanks so much! 😃💕