Hello! My name is Choo Ruizhi (follow me on Instagram!), and I’m a third-year History undergraduate from the National University of Singapore and I like to listen to stories. I think every rock and tree and creature has a story, and it’s pretty cool to sit and listen to the universe sometimes.
I’ve never actively thought of my “creative process”, because sketching and painting was something I did simply to clear my mind, and to slow down an often harried, anxious spirit. I gave it some thought, and I think instead of inflicting on readers a soppy life recount, here are just some things that are central to my doodles!
1. I am messy… am messy and wild as you can. How are supernovas going to blossom if you’re only forever concerned about drawing a perfect circle and colouring within the lines? Chaos has a beauty unto itself.
2. Make mistakes! Technological revolutions happen because people experiment, and find new ways to think and make and see and do new things
3. Slow down, observe, take note: of people; of that lizard sneaking up to that fly; the stunning emerald green of sunlight through a fan palm; the curvature of a mosque’s dome in the early morning glow…it doesn’t just make my paintings fun to do, it makes life a lot fuller and richer too. I simply sketch and draw things that take my fancy.
4. Simplicity: I take a weird pride in still using the cheap watercolour set my mum got me when I was 13. I think i’ll invest in a good set when I get better at my craft but for now I’m quite happy using whatever materials I can find around me! (…including coffee, once)
I picked up sketching whilst travelling on a semester abroad in Europe, in June last year, after many years being simply too scared to make mistakes and produce ugly works. I cannot pretend to be an artist in any formal, elitist sense though! I just believe everyone has a right to enjoy, embrace and exult in the visual splendour all around us.
Ruizhi
Instagram
Creator of Doodlewash®, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group™, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing daily watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world! If you’d like to be a guest artist on Doodlewash.com, contact me!
Love the work. Love the lessons. I’m following on Instagram!
Yay! So happy to hear that Kirk! 😃
Choo, thank you for sharing your life lessons and energetic drawing style. Thank you Charlie.
Thank you Sharon! 😀💕So glad you liked this feature!!
I agree with Kirk…definitely following on IG!
Yay! Thanks Teresa!! 😀💕
did you draw that picture, if you i would like to share your work on my blog page if that is ok with you. thanks
This picture was created by Choo Ruizhi, if you’d use just the picture, you can send him a message on Instagram requesting permission (@messy_lines). If you’d simply like to reblog the article, that’s just fine.
This is a really brilliant lesson for anyone, especially artists. Honestly, this is what I was needing to hear about my own art. Thank you 🙂
Love hearing that! So thrilled you enjoyed Ruizhi’s feature! 😃
These drawings are so energetic and gorgeous! I’m very inspired to be messy and try new things. 🙂 Thanks to Choo and Charlie for sharing!
Thanks Annie!! So happy you enjoyed this!! 😃
I am messy too so I totally love Choo’s style!
Isn’t it wonderful? So happy you liked this Cynthia! 💕😃
Wonderful energy! (K)
Glad you liked this Kerfe! Thanks! 😃
Those are some of the most glorious messes I’ve ever seen Choo, I love your drawings!
messes should be in parentheses above!
So happy you liked this feature!! Thanks for the comment Margaret!!
Hey everybody! Thank you for these kind comments. I am really very encouraged and affirmed and touched! 🙂
Well deserved… Your work is awesome and it was such a pleasure to feature you!! 😃
Reblogged this on Messy Words and commented:
That one time I was featured in an art website. i was really humbled and astonished to have been chosen! It’s been a while and I’ve gotten a little better since….thank you once again to Charlie for this privilege!
I like your attitude towards making art. Your work is wonderful.