Written by Hi, I’m Micah Bremner! For the moment I live in Virginia, but will be moving to Warsaw, Poland in the summer. I make a mean strawberry shortcake. I can find my way in and out of a Philippine street market or the Japanese subway. I have curated a library to sustain my family as we move around the world. I have taught my six children both how to read as well as how to handle any toilet they’re confronted with.
I mention all of this to say that there are a great many things at which I am competent. But, art is not yet one of them. I picked up a brush for the first time since middle school just over two months ago. I’m new here. I only occasionally create things that are exactly as I want them to be. It’s hard to be a beginner. But, I’m willing to occupy this space for now, because I intend to find my way to the other side of it.
Three things have been the most important for me as I pick my way through these awkward first steps. The first is an unending commitment to play. I play with the materials I use, with the subjects I paint or draw, and with styles. When I get frustrated that my pieces don’t turn out the way I want, I remind myself that this is all about playing.
The second thing that has been so critical for me is a willingness to make mistakes. So many mistakes. I am committed to failing at this. Over and over again. Now these failures don’t come as a surprise to me. I remember that I agreed with myself to fail – but not let those failures stop me.
The last key for me has been to create every day. I’ve recently begun a project to paint one page in my sketchbook every day. Although it is still in the early days, I can already see the potential impact this is going to have for my learning. But, I also create outside of that project. I doodle, I scribble, I just pick up my pen or brush and make some mark. Every day.
I am just at the very beginning. I can’t give advice on the intricacies of doodlewashing, or any other art technique for that matter. But, if there is anyone out there who is on the fence – who feels a nudge to make art, I can give them courage to pick up a brush and give it a try.
I love Charlie’s attitude, that this doesn’t have to be an intimidating process, and that it’s available to anyone. I’m willing to be the example of that. I’m happy to show my unschooled, wonky, humble attempts in order to encourage someone else to believe they can, too.
Micah Bremner
Lead Adventurer Website
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Such heartfelt words to captivate & catapult the “beginner” in anything….lovely Doodlewashes too 🙂
So glad you liked this feature! Thanks Nicole!😃
Such wonderful thoughts and encouragement! Thanks for sharing your Doodlewashes and your adventures!
So happy you liked this feature Ellie! Thanks for commenting! 😃
I was very touched by your genuine and earnest commitment to art and journaling your day to day world – I sense that you are a beautiful soul and I just want to say Thank You for revealing yourself through art in a most endearing way! Looking at your paintings and drawings made be happy. May the muse always be with you.
Thrilled you liked Micah’s feature! Thanks for the lovely comment! 😃
Love these beautiful thoughts and drawings/photos from Micah. So inspired by your lovely work and enthusiasm for art! It truly is for everybody. Thanks for sharing, Charlie!
Thank you Annie! Glad ya liked this one! 😃
I have to say (once again) that you need to say good things about your work!
OOps, I’m always pressing send without meaning to. Even though you are a beginner, your work has a lot of wonderfulness to it, Micah. You can share your journey, and we can enjoy it, and you don’t need to present yourself as incompetent, because you are not! (K)
Thanks for commenting Kerfe! I agree… Micah is a wonderful artist! 😃
Ah, that everyone in the world KNEW they saw through a beginners eye . . . when we think we “know” that’s when we all are in trouble. Micah, you have inspired me to just “do it”.
Awesome! Love hearing that Judy! So glad you were inspired by Micah’s post! 😃
This is very inspiring and I really resonate with u. I just started painting using acrylics n I’m so glad there r so many free resources online n likeminded people like you to exchange ideas with. I have 2 young boys, moved fr Singapore 8 years ago to Switzerland. I still see myself as a housewife trying to paint, I hope soon I can believe in myself enough to say I’m an artist! 🙂
You are an artist! Anyone who paints is an artist! So happy you were inspired by Micah’s words! 😃
I admire Micah her many abilities…I personally could not find my way out of a closet with only one door. As for art, no one actually perfects it. Even the masters would tell you that they were learning the craft to their dying day. Good for Micah for persevering and Charlie for showcasing her!
Thanks so much Teresa! Glad you liked the feature! 😃
I enjoyed seeing your art, Micah! I like your attitude about art. I see my art as an experiment and it does take the pressure off. I enjoy “playing” like you! I am now following you on IG! Thanks Charlie for the introduction. 🙂
Thanks Jill! I think “playing” is the best way to do it! hehe Glad you liked Micah’s post! 😃
Thank you for sharing your inspirational story and lovely art, Micah! Thank you Charlie.
Thanks Sharon!! 😃So happy you liked Micah’s feature!
Thank you, Charlie, for inviting me into such a supportive community to share my story and art. I’m so excited for all the new artists I’ve found here. And, thank you each for your kind words. I’m so grateful if my words resonated, and appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Thank you, Micah for being part of Doodlewash! 😃💕 It was an honor to share your story and fabulous art. You’re going to go far…can’t wait to watch what comes next!!
Micah has a wonderful attitude about art and raising kids. His sense of play is evident in all his paintings. Well done.
oops, so sorry, I meant to write “HER” sense of play….
I agree! So happy you liked Micah’s post, Sharon! 😃
Wonderful start to the creative journey, great attitude and perspective. There are all sorts of twists and turns, there is no fail, just lessons to be learned. Encouraging feature post, thanks Charlie.
Thanks so much Haunani! Glad you liked this feature! 😃
You have a great attitude and your work is nice.