GUEST DOODLEWASH: Doodlewashing A Story

Today’s wonderful doodlewashes come to us from Nancy Lemon in Charleston, South Carolina (follow her blog by clicking here!). Nancy grew up in a small town and has been drawing ever since she can remember.

“I used to try to copy my favorite cartoon characters,” Nancy says, “and once I got to about 5th grade started creating my own.”

Her first major in college was animal science, as she thought she was going to be a veterinary, but as it turned out, she was “better at drawing animals than learning their biology!” So she ended up with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Nancy then completed her postgraduate work in Illustration at The Portfolio Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Since then, she’s painted pet portraits, murals, “dipped her toes into the world of faux finishing,” and now works by day as a graphic designer/web person/newbie videographer for a local university.

Nancy says, “by early morning, lunchtime, and after the baby is in bed, I am an illustrator. Whew! Illustration, especially children’s illustration, has always been my very favorite. I love telling a story with my pictures. And narrative is possible to include whether in a spot illustration or a 32 page book.”

Her process always begins in the sketchbook where she “feels free to make mistakes and decisions” (love that!).  From there, she will usually “draw” with watercolor then add a bit of colored pencil, and very occasionally some ink or charcoal. It all gets cleaned up in the computer before hitting the blog or getting to a client.

She says, “perhaps I’m a little ADHD (perhaps we all are these days), because I enjoy experimenting with all types of medium. Lately I’ve been bringing my ‘portable studio’ to work.” Her inspirations include nature, animals, yoga, walking around, and seeing other artists’ “awesome work.”

“At lunch break,” she says, “you’ll typically find me walking somewhere to hide out and draw. Luckily I work in downtown Charleston, so wherever I go there is plenty of beauty!”

For more of Nancy’s beautiful world, be sure to check out her website or blog, or follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. You can also buy some of her wonderful creations in her Society6 shop! Thanks for being part of the Doodlewash family, Nancy, and we’re excited to see what stories you’ll tell us next!

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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