Written by Today’s doodlewashes come to us from Christa Mulder who lives in Zeist, a town in the center of Holland in the province of Utrecht. (Follow her on Instagram by clicking here!) About 10 years ago, she decided to change her busy job as a project manager and switch to a job at her local bookstore.
“I always dreamed of working in a bookstore,” says Christa, “because I love reading! With this new job I got much more free time, so I had the opportunity to pick up an old love again: drawing and painting. I began painting so-called ‘book portraits’: A painting of the favorite books of a person. For these paintings I use only fine liner and gouache.”
About 4 years ago she came across the book of Lou Niestadt. “This book is completely handwritten and illustrated by her. It looks fabulous! I invited her for a lecture on her book at our shop. She inspired me to make my own daily journal. From that moment on, I started drawing almost every day.”
Christa loves to draw the everyday ordinary things most. “I took a few courses online at Sketchbook Skool with Koosje Koene. There I learned a lot. And also by practicing daily, I learn more each day!”
She draws mostly with a waterproof fineliner STAEDTLER (0.1) and watercolor paints from Daler Rowney. At the moment she uses watercolor journals by Moleskine and Stillman & Birn. “In September I started giving lessons on how to keep a daily journal in our bookshop. At first I doubted whether I’d like teaching, but I found out that it’s very nice to share your enthusiasm in a group!”
Thanks, Christa, for sharing your story and doodlewashes! It’s so inspiring to hear that you’re now pursuing your true passions! Be sure to follow Christa on Instagram to see more of her wonderful work!
Oh, Christa is following her passion and passing it on to others. How wonderful this profile is – so glad to meet you, Christa!
Glad you like this, Cynthia! 😃I was so inspired by her story
Love it! Looks like Christa does something similar to what I do in my daily journal.. I thinking sketching everyday things and events is fun! Will check out IG!! 😊
Definitely check her out!! 👍🏻 Thanks Kari! 💕
I am so inspired by people who paint everyday objects and make them into works of art! (Like YOU, Charlie, dear!)
Awww…you’re too sweet! 😊💕😃And so glad you liked Christa’s feature!!
Hi Christa – I just bought a new journal today. You have inspired me! Thank you Charlie.
So wonderful to hear that. Thanks so much Sharon!! 💕😃
I really like Christa’s journal pages. 😊
Awesome! So happy you do! Thanks!! 😃💕
Thanks for sharing, Charlie, and so look forward to getting to know Christa and her amazing talent
Thanks Jodi!! ❤️😃So happy you liked Christa’s feature!!
This is really neat! Great Guest!
Yay! Happy you like this one, Nicole!! 💕😃
Beautiful artwork and such an inspiring post. Thank you for sharing.
So happy you liked Christa’s story, Haunani! 💕😃Thanks!