Written by Today’s phenomenal doodlewashes come from Esther BeLer Wodrich who lives near Phoenix, Arizona (follow her @estherbeler on Instagram! and check out her website!). Esther’s intricate line work combined with just the right splashes of color, make her pieces truly unique and wonderful.
Esther has loved creating art as long as she can remember. She attended art school at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago years ago, but ended up creating only a few pieces a year for many years as she became busy with career, life and then having 4 kids. This all changed 4 years ago when she was diagnosed with cancer.
She says, “I was very fortunate that it turned out to be treatable but it placed before me the challenge that I was wasting my God given talent and love. I had spent many years over-analyzing who I was as an artist that it paralyzed me in creating much of anything and left me disatisfied with my work. Once I accepted that I am an analytical representational artist and love the challenge to recreate what I see I was able to enjoy the process.”
Esther has been working on an architecture series since last August. She begins her pieces by sorting through her personal photos from trips and places she’s visited in the past. For instance, “Little Venice” was of a photo from her honeymoon. 
Esther says, “Because I prefer things to be crisp, I typically measure out in pencil using rulers, t-squares, french curves and such to achieve clean lines. I then go back over it with varying weights of pen, and finally end with watercolor washes to add the appropriate colors. Although I do have a formal art education, I’ve never taken a watercolor class . . . I kind of make it up as I go along which sometimes adds a bit of fear to the mix.”
Be sure to check out Esther’s website at estherbeler.com and browse her amazing gallery (tip: be sure to hit “View Full Size” in the lower right when viewing her gallery images. The detail is stunning!) She does private commissions which would make for a truly personal gift (for others or to treat yourself!). You can also follow her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram! (or all 4!)
Love your watercolor work Esther! Thanks for sharing a piece of your art journey here on doodlewash.com. And so happy you decided to share your amazing gift with the world!
Whoa! Thank you so much for bringing Esther’s work! Wow! I’m off to her website this very instant.
Excellent!! Mission accomplished. Esther’s work is amazing! 🙂
Wow. I agree with Kirkistan.
Yay Kit! 🙂 Definitely check out the rest. It was impossible to choose. They’re all so good!
“Phenomenal” is the word. Thank you for introducing us to this amazing artist!
Great word!! Isn’t she amazing?! I was speechless!
Oh, she is wonderful! I just visited her site and was amazed at the detail. Some of them look like Christmas cards. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome, Nancy! Definitely follow her everywhere. She’s something special this one! 🙂
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How did she DO that!?! That’s… incredible. I am speechless. Well, no, I’m not speechless, because I’m talking, but that’s INCREDIBLE!!
Yes you are talking…glad you noticed! Lol sometimes I don’t, which can be awkward. But yes…she IS incredible!! So happy to have discovered Esther and I was honored she agreed to let me share her wonderful work! 🙂
These are so so detailed, tiny, and perfect bits of architecture. Love them!!