Written by Today’s doodlewash was destined to be an Australian animal as there seems to be a penchant for “K” names there. Beating out the kangaroo and kookaburra by a hair is this fluffy little koala, which I doodlewashed with a very limited palette since I was primarily focused on recreating all the fluff. I’ve always thought these little guys were cute and when I was a kid I wanted one. I was assured this wasn’t an option and had to settle for a plush version instead.
The Koala is one of only a few mammals who can survive solely on eucalyptus leaves. This diet, though fibrous, is actually a toxic, low-nutrition diet, much like eating at McDonald’s. Unlike humans, however, koalas have the ability to limit their energy by sleeping 20 hours a day in order to cope with such a crappy menu. Though their eyesight is rather poor, they have an excellent sense of smell, so they can always choose the tastiest toxic leaves to eat.
While super cute, koalas have one of the tiniest brains for their size making them well, rather special. Apparently though, when early European settlers first encountered koalas in Australia, they thought the tree-climbing animals were bears or monkeys, as these are such similar creatures. So koalas can rest easy knowing that brain size is not always a strong predictor of cognitive skill. Later, they would continue to be inaccurately described as “koala bears,” which, I guess is somewhat better than being called koala monkeys. Next up is “L” so if you have a suggestion, please shout it out in the comments!
About the Doodlewash
M. Graham watercolors: Burnt Sienna, Ultramarine Blue, Neutral Tint and Titanium White Gouache. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink and second Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon sepia ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal
Hahahaha! You know what just occurred to me? You are like a gentler, less neurotic David Sedaris! OMG, you have to write books…you could be the next Sedaris!
Also, I want to adopt your doodlewash koala! It is cuter than cute! I never had a plus one as a kid but I lusted after the one that my dad’s friend’s wife had. 🙂
Haha!! You’re too funny! Thanks Teresa! 💕😃Gentler and less neurotic? Not sure if that’s the case, but glad that’s how it comes across in my writing! Lol But what a compliment as I love Sedaris! 😊 And they should have a koala adoption agency! They’re so cute and pretty low maintenance when you consider the 4 waking hours you’d have to actually deal with them! Lol
They would make pretty good pets that way, wouldn’t they? The problem would be finding eucalyptus leaves for them. That stuff is nasty. Did you know that smoke from burning eucalyptus can really damage your lungs, more than regular smoke?
And I’m serious! You need to write books! I would love them as much as I love his books. <3
Yeah it sounded like eucalyptus was crazy toxic from what I’ve read. I wouldn’t want to ever breathe it in if it wasn’t burning! 😳 And thanks!! I’ve always wanted to write books, but never seem to find the time to devote myself properly. 😊hehe
You totally captured the fluffiness! So cute too
Awww thanks Teri! Glad you think so! 😃
Hahaha, oh, such a mischievous-looking character you’ve doodlewashed Charlie. I love it! And excellent job on the fluff too!
L is for Leopard. Lion. Lynx. Lemming. Lemur. Lovebird? 😉
Lion in profile; Madagascan Lemur, the kind that has those black and white striped tails, so cute — they look like John Cleese (he won’t mind this apt description…he’d revel in the similarities of looks).
Haha! They do look a bit like Cleese. But some of them have freaky looking eyes! 😳
Thanks Jacob!! I can’t help but inject a bit of how I’m feeling into these creatures. 😊lol And the fluff was fun to try, though a bit challenging. Excellent L list! I can definitely confirm that it will be one of those! 😉hehe
Charlie, this is a 4G blog – Great illustrations; Great writing; Great comments; and Great energy! Bravo, my friend!
Awww thanks Fabio!! You made my day with this comment!! Thank you so much!! 😃😃
so lovely Charlie! great fur and texture ! with an almost wave to his hand, looking charming indeed 🙂
Aren’t they cute?! I couldn’t resist trying one even though kangaroos are pretty cool as well. Glad you liked him Debi!! 💕😃
Another adorable creature and great information. One never does hear much about sleepy Koala Bears. Bet they are never congested!! 🙂
Haha! I don’t think they’re ever awake long enough to be too bothered by anything! Lol Thanks so much Susan!! 💕😃
So cute and adorable 🙂
Turtle Hugs
Thanks so much!! Hugs back at ya!! 💕😃
Love it! You’ve captured my favourite animal of all time perfectly, Charlie… fluff and all!
Awww that’s high praise indeed if it’s your favorite! Yay! I’m thrilled you liked it then Tom! 😃
Kute!!! 👍👍❤️💜
Hehe!! Thanks Jodi!! ❤️😃 Stay Kool! 😉
K!
Kuddly! Hehe! 😃 Super doodlewash Charlie! Looking forward to seeing a pair of Lovebirds tomorrow! 💖💕😜
Thanks so much Jill!! 💕😃 And I was starting to sketch lovebirds, but as ever, ended up getting distracted so we’ll have plan B instead. 😊lol
Thanks so much for sharing! I have always ALWAYS wanted to be an artist. I just don’t have it in me. I can’t draw stick figures! So, I enjoy the artistry and skill of others, like yourself. Can’t wait to see what you come up with for L!
Awww thanks Angie!! That’s sweet of you to say! But I doubt you actually don’t have it in you. I believe it’s in all of us! Just takes a bit of practice and whole lot of fearlessness to actually go for it! You should try it!! You’ll surprise yourself! 😉💕😃
Superbly Doodlewashed, Charlie. I love it! ❤️💕
Thanks so much Sharon!! Hope you’re having a lovely day!! ❤️😃
This is especially cute Charlie, your work is amazing❤ Maybe L for Llama?
Thank you Deb! I’m thrilled you like my work! 💕😃 And yeah…I looked at llamas but ended up moving to something else. Hehe
Somehow I knew the cuteness of koala would win out.
Are lovebirds too corny for Valentines Day? But great colors! (K)
Yeah…I was staying through references of kangaroos and this little fluffball kept popping up and stealing attention. lol And I don’t think lovebirds are too corny…hehe…but I ultimately went another direction.
Beautiful sketch. They truly are a beautiful in real life. So sleepy. So for ‘L’ leopard!
Thanks so much Carmel!! 💕😃 Yeah…they are amazing creatures!!
Nice! Love the texture.
Thanks! So happy you like this! 😃
IF you take away their ears, they look exactly like a hairy-nosed Wombat! (getting in real early…lol). 🙂
They are very soft to touch, in person, and I too had a stuffed koala which I cherished until it disappeared (my mother always removed anything that I truly loved…monster extraordinaire!).
As to their exclusive diet, I like the McDonald’s link to extinction…so clever and so apt! hahaha
Great doodle, Charlie; you’ve got the details and facial expression so well! <3
Thanks Janina!! 💕😃 And oh no!! Can’t believe your koala disappeared. But that happened to me a lot as well when my plush animals started stacking up. Hehe
Plenty of eucalyptus in my garden, so I’ve always wanted a koala as well! Llama, lion, leopard, lemur? Gaaah, spoilt for choice. I love ’em all!
Hehe…you have the perfect spot!! You need one of these!!! And I know! L is tough…too many great choices!! Arrghh!😊hehe
They are cute but apparently they bite!
Great pic.
JP
Lol….why is it that all the cute animals either bite or spit at you?? Seems unfair! Glad you liked him! Thanks!
Oh yeah, great job on this one, Charlie! L is for Lepidoptera! Hehe. I also thought of llama, lion, lizard, even locust (but I really don’t wanna see that lol). This one is one of my favorites so far. He is really beautiful! Wonderful underdrawing as well! Happy Valentine’s, Charlie! ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Laura!! So happy you liked this one!! Hope you’re having a wonderful day!! ❤️😃 Yeah…you know I’d totally do a locust!! Lol But yeah…probably a little too creepy for Valentine’s Day! 😊
so cute!
Awww thanks! Glad you liked this one! 💕😃
I am going senile because I thought I had already commented! Charlie, I just love the way you doodlewash the fur! Not just on this cutie, but so many of the furry friends! Sometimes I feel like that koala as my lunch is the same almost every day.. A spinach salad! 😊 hehe..
Lol….I’m pretty sure I’m already going senile. I can’t seem to remember anything lately. Doodlewashing fur is fun! I know it’s not very abstract and watercolor-y the way I do it, but it’s fun to get the bits of detail in. Hehe…and you ARE just like a koala! That’s so cute!! ❤️😃 Just stick to spinach and don’t switch to eucalyptus, it’s poisonous!! Lol
Wonderful work as always Charlie. I agree with remarks above that you have a wonderful way to paint the fur.
Thanks Corinne! 💕😃It’s been a fun challenge to try to get a more furry feels with watercolor. Glad you like it!