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Hello there, fellow doodlewashers! My name is Jackie “Watercolor Gypsy”. I am a 24 year old nursing student from Long Island, New York in the United States. I’m thrilled Charlie has asked me to be a guest artist on Doodlewash. I love seeing Charlie’s daily sketches. It inspires me to do at least one artistic thing a day.
My blog is fairly new. It’s a place for inspiration, art product reviews, and for me to share my passion about watercolor. I love how Charlie has brought people from all over the world together to rejoice in art. It inspired me to share my artistic journey with others.
From when I was a child, I always had a creative hobby. I was into acrylics when I was very young. As I got older, I decided to start scrapbooking, and crocheting, but nothing ever really stuck with me. It wasn’t until my stint working at a tattoo shop that one of the artists introduced me to the love of my life: Watercolor.
I love the way color flows on wet paper. From the first second I saw it, I was filled with joy and excitement. I love this medium because it has a mind of its own. I like how I must compromise and work around what the color feels like doing in that moment.
When I first started painting I would put all this pressure on myself to create a masterpiece, little did I know I was missing out on the beauty of this medium. Now when I sit myself down to paint, I paint with feeling.
I use colors for how I feel, or what I want to feel. I love painting birds, florals, and landscapes. Since I have discovered painting, I look at the world around me in a different light. I see beauty everywhere I go. The natural world is filled with exciting contrasts and compelling color combinations.
My favorite paints are a mix of M. Graham, Daniel Smith, and QoR watercolors. I use many other brands as well. I’m a bit of a palette/paint addict, so I own all different brands, colors, and types of watercolor. I’m sure many of my fellow doodlewashers can understand my obsession.
When I paint I get lost in relaxation. Being a nursing student can get stressful. I don’t want my painting time to be stressful as well. I usually have an idea in my head of what I want to paint when I sit down. I always have a refence photo in front of me, but once I touch brush to paper the reference photo is just a thought in the back of my mind. I used to be a slave to my reference photos. Now, not so much. Sometimes my paintings come out, sometimes they don’t. The end result doesn’t matter to me as much as it once did.
For me it’s about enjoying the process. When I’ve had a long day, don’t know what I should paint, and frankly don’t even have the energy to think about it, that’s when I refer to my lovely youtubers. I will pop on one of Lindsay Weirich’s (The Frugal Cafter) tutorials, and paint away while listening to her. I’m also a big fan of Angela Fehr, Steve Mitchell (The Mind of Watercolor), Carrie “Watercolor Misfit” and more! You can find a list of all the people I visit for inspiration under the “Inspiration and Resources” page in my blog.
Along with watercolor, I use a variety of water-soluble media. I use Inktense pencils, watercolor sticks, Caran D’ache watercolor crayons, inks, and FineTec mica watercolors. When I want to just have fun, or maybe just add a little pizazz to my artwork, I use these.
Whatever the media I use, I just need to create. It’s a priceless outlet for me. Painting keeps me sane most days when life just gets a little too much. Watercolor has done so much for me the past two years. It has taught me how to lose control, and accept whatever happens. On the paper, and off. It has forced me to look at the world around me with excitement, and awe. It has connected me with people I would have never known otherwise. I am forever thankful for artists, such as Charlie who continue to connect and inspire artists all over the world. I hope I can inspire you as well!
Thanks again to Charlie for asking me to be a guest, and creating this lovely little world of Doodlewash!
Happy Painting,
Jackie “Watercolor Gypsy”
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What lovely paintings! I love the daisies, and the little duck!
Thank you!
i LOVE the style & technique used in the kitten painting. i do ink painting and am exploring different techniques. the messier the better <3
Thanks! Messes are more fun lol
I like your style – especially those daisies!
Thanks! The daisies were a lot of fun.
Thanks, messes are more fun lol
My very favorite is your kitty – talk about FLOWING COLOR, he’s perfect.
Thank you! She’s a beautiful black and white tuxedo cat. I decided to replace the black with an assortment of colors! I’m glad you like it!
I loooove the cat, how special with the flowing colors and popping eyes! ( and I am not even a cat person;o)) Cheers, Johanna
Nice work ! I love the daisies too…
have I told you how happy and joyful I become when I see you growing beautifully through all your atistic adventures!!! congratulations on being ‘doodlewashed’ I love you so much and love all your watercolors! you inspire me! <3
Jackie, your art is so joyful, the colors bright, and the painting style loose and free-flowing. Well done.
Your work is amazing! I especially love how you painted that cat, but you also have a great way with hard edges as your little mouse shows.