Gizmo from Gremlins Doodlewash
By Charlie

Gremlins

Written by Charlie O'Shields

Another little thing that grabbed my heart in the 80s was a little guy named Gizmo, a lovable little creature called a mogwai from the 1984 comedy horror film Gremlins. Here’s a little doodlewash of him in case you haven’t seen it. This was an incredibly weird movie that was also incredibly fun. And I, of course, wanted a little mogwai of my own after watching it.

Unlike Tamagotchi, these little guys were super simple to take care of as you only had to follow three rules: do not expose it to bright lights or sunlight (which will kill it), do not let it get wet (it will multiply), and never feed it after midnight (it will spawn evil creatures who will try and kill everyone in sight). Granted, they are three rules that we discover are super hard to follow and all hell breaks loose.

I thought the movie was awesome but it was criticized for its more violent sequences. An image of this little guy standing cutely on the poster made people think it was fun for little kids. Which it was, of course, but many parents disagreed. Two months after its release the PG-13 rating was created, so we can thank Gremlins for this worthless extra rating from “moms that aren’t yours and don’t know what’s best for you.”

I’m still traveling and head back to Kansas City tonight, but my doodlewash addiction can’t be stopped apparently. Somehow I’ll always find a way to sneak in a sketch. It’s fun to enjoy something so much that it feels as important as breathing. I’m sure I would have felt the same about my mogwai had I ever been able to acquire one. But unfortunately I’ve never found a Chinatown antique store selling live pets, much less these. I guess I’ll just have to settle for this quick little sketch of my impossible dream.

About the Doodlewash

M. Graham watercolors: Burnt Sienna, Quinacridone Gold, Ultramarine Blue, and Neutral Tint. Sennelier L’Aquarelle: Opera Rose. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink and second pen with Platinum Carbon sepia ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal

 

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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53 thoughts on “Gremlins”

  4. Oh, that’s absolutely perfect, Charlie! It’s like a shot from the film itself. I can say this with some authority, as, yes, I think I’ve actually seen not one but *both* of the Gremlins films! I’ve certainly seen the second one. I’ll wait for you to pick yourself up from the floor… 😉 But indeed, such love for this. I still want one!

    Nothing gets in the way of doodlewash – what a force to be reckoned with. I love it.

    Reply

    1. I’m sorry…can’t reply as I’ve seem to fallen on the floor and can’t get up!! 😳😳Wow!! Finally something you’re familiar with!! Lol that’s awesome!! I imagine that mogwais are currently being sold in a mysterious shop that also stocks Citrus Polos. 😉

      Reply

      1. Sorry Humpty-Dumpty, shan’t shock you again 😉

        Ooh yes, a mysterious shop, where nothing is the way it seeeeeeems! We must track down this shop immediately.

        I kinda want a second edition now, where Gizmo is sitting and munching on a tube of Citrus Polos.

        Reply

  8. Oh Charlie – such an amazing Gizmo Gremlin Doodlewash! When I think there is no way you can be better, you amaze me again! And I ADORE that you want to do this even while traveling – as important as breathing! That is AWESOME! I hope you feel that way for a long time, as you not only bring yourself joy – but so many others of us too! Safe travels buddy! It’s a winter wonderland around here! Warm hugs!

    Reply

    1. Awww you’re such a sweetie! 😃❤️ I’m thrilled that anyone at all likes my silly little doodlewashes. I’m a bit random in my subject matter! Lol But I can’t thank you enough for always showing up to cheer me on my friend. It means the world to me. 😊❤️❤️

      Reply

      1. Oh quit being humble LOL! (though that is part of your boyish charm! 🙂 ) – seriously – any one at all!!!??? …. You have quite the fan club – and I am at the top of the list! 🙂

        Reply

  14. Who could resist this little guy?
    Yes, I remember when movies were unrated, and my mother would take my brother and me to the movie theater and drop us off for the day, paying no attention to what was playing. They just kept alternating movies and cartoons; cheap entertainment with plenty of junk food to keep us out of our parents’ hair for a few hours. (K)

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