Written by Today’s perfectly polished doodlewashes come to us from Cynthia Maniglia in Pennsylvania. These mixed media doodlewashes include a fun and unexpected medium – that’s right, nail polish! Cynthia’s fearless approach to art is both fun and inspiring, so be sure to follow her blog for more at Sand Salt Moon.
Cynthia says, “My dad’s a commercial artist who specialized in airbrush, and I grew up with art, paints, and brushes in the house and hung out a lot in my dad’s studio. He always encouraged me, and both of my parents gave me constructive criticism. I like to play a lot with paints and other materials to express myself. I am a big fan of color. I also like photography and because I can always take a great photograph, I want my artwork to be something other than photorealistic.”
She has always loved mixed media. Cynthia used to make handmade cards in mixed media that sold on Rodeo Drive in California, at Longwood Gardens gift shop in Pennsylvania, and other high-end shops across the country. “I did a lot of custom orders, too,” she says, “I must have made well over a thousand handmade cards. Many people framed them.” Some of these can still be seen on her older blog – Five Months Until Paris.
Though Cynthia now likes to focus on watercolor she still finds herself delving back into other mediums. For the pieces shown here, she used:
- Watercolor
- Markers
- Graphite pencil
- Nail polish!
- Pressed flowers and leaves
- Elmer’s glue (as a resist, the watercolor glides over it and the glue acts as a kind of permanent mask over the paper that gets lightly stained)
Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful work with us, Cynthia and giving us a glimpse into your world. This a great example of how much fun doodlewashing can be when you just use your imagination and any materials you feel compelled to include to create something new and beautiful! And be sure to follow her blog, follow her on Facebook and check out her shop on Society6 for a wonderful array of beautiful products!
Cynthia’s work is vibrant and unique…no wonder people love it so!
Isn’t it, Teresa?! It’s just so cool…I was excited to feature her!
I love Cynthia’s blog. Didn’t realize she lived in PA – my home state! Hey Cynthia – maybe we’ll get to meet up some day! Thanks for sharing another great artist, Charlie!
Yay! That’s cool! Seems like there’s a lot of talent in Pennsylvania! 😉
That’d be a hoot. How far are you from Bucks County?
Oh boy – that is about as far across the state as we could be haha! We are clear on the other – Western side – so a good 300 miles or so!
Cynthia is one of my favorite artist on WordPress too. I enjoy her free style and experimental use of supplies. Thanks for sharing Cynthia’s story with us Charlie.
Beautiful art Cynthia!!
You’re quite welcome, Sharon! Cynthia is fantastic! So happy to feature her here!
Beautiful and fun! My girls loved that she uses nail polish! Following the blog now! Thanks!
Awesome! Yay, Kari! And do your girls doodlewash also?
My girls, unfortunately, don’t share my enthusiasm for art. And at 14 and 12 they’d rather be out with friends than to hang out with mom. 😥
Oh no!! They need to stay home at least one night and doodlewash with mom! Tell them they can use nail polish! 😉
Cynthia’s work is always inspiring me to pick up a brush! Another nice feature, Charlie!
Thanks Laura!! And I know!! Nail polish?! Yes please! DO it! So cool! 😉
Cynthia’s work is tremendous! I always love the background stories–fun to hear her dad was a commercial artist. Great story and great image!
So glad you like it Kirk! She’s incredible!
Thanks Charlie for interviewing the AMAZING Cynthia! Love her playful style of art! And love her experiments with fingernail polish – YAY! Cynthia! 😊🎨💖
I knew you must be a fan! 😉 Her work is so great and inspirational!
Thank you for introducing us to another fearless artist. Love the images shown, they have a nice light free-spirit feel about them. Beautiful.
Yeah I’m so inspired to try some different things and experiment with medium more after “meeting” the talented Cynthia! 😃
Thank you for another great introduction to our fearless artist blogger friend Cynthia! That girl sure does paint up a storm of goodness!
She’s so cool! I want to be that free with trying new things too! She inspires me!
Wonderful portrait again!!! Love how Cynthia plays with the different media! Thanks for sharing, Charlie! 😊
Isn’t it cool, Ann?! Never thought of adding nail polish to a doodlewash and wow…super beautiful!