Balloon Animal Doodlewash
By Charlie

Les Petites Choses

Written by Charlie O'Shields

As we move into the New Year and the second half of the very first year of Doodlewash.com, it’s time for a new adventure! After the close of my favorite time of year, a time where I get to be a kid again, I realized I didn’t want to just leave that feeling behind. So this month we’ll be exploring Les Petites Choses or the little things in life that remind us of what it’s like to see the world through the eyes of a child.

2015 Best Nine Instagram - DoodlewashThis could be anything from baby animals, to nature, to fun or weird things. I sort of liked the hodge podge of things that cropped up during the last few months so I wanted a theme that allowed for such randomness. I tried out the site that pulls up your Best Nine of 2015 on Instagram and it came back as a hamster surrounded by treats and shiny things. So I guess, in some ways, this theme has already started and will simply continue by popular vote.

I like drawing random things that elicit emotions or memories and it’s been a good way to keep practicing my doodlewashing. For example, I’ve never doodlewashed a balloon before, and so I wanted to try it. But then I got to thinking about those cool balloon animals clowns used to make for me as a kid. Although I was terrified of the clown, it was worth it to get the little puppy poodle thing in the color of my choosing. It was magical that those little sausage balloons didn’t pop when contorted into all those wondrous shapes and watching one being made was so cool. It was also the perfect way to avoid staring directly into the face of a clown.

The only sad thing about it was that the little dog didn’t last forever and would eventually wilt. Not all at once, but usually one limb at a time as though it were aging right before your eyes. What started out as a pristine bubbly poodle turned into a puffy wrinkled mass of half inflated skin. As gross as the outcome was, it was weirdly fun to see it transform. Eventually it would become just a limp string of knotted rubber, unless, of course, my mother insisted I “throw that thing away” before I could see it happen.

So, I hope you’ll grab a lollipop and join me for another adventure this month. As we think through our big adult goals and resolutions and return to a month of work without all the days off, let’s take a little time to be kids again. The world is getting warmer and weirder, but if we look at it with the right eyes, it’s still a pretty amazing place. It’s full of wonders we hadn’t noticed before and things we might have simply forgotten. Those “petites choses” or little things that make us smile, laugh, and love the life we’re living.

About the Doodlewash

M. Graham watercolors: Azo Orange, Cobalt Blue, Pyrrol Red and Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink in a 3.5″ x 5.375″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal

 

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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39 thoughts on “Les Petites Choses”

  1. Aw, what a marvellous idea, and a surefire way to keep the Little Charlie in you shouting loud for a while longer. This is going to be such a lovely series! I used to love watching magicians make things out of balloons – indeed I still do, because I wouldn’t have a clue; it’d just end up with a deafening bang and kids in tears all around me… but I guess that’s why they’re magicians.

    What fun! So looking forward to this!

    Reply

    1. Lol…yeah, there was a defeating bang sometimes, like watching a dream explode. Sort of traumatic now that I think about it, but I guess we all survived somehow. Thanks, Jacob! We’ll see where this one takes us…hehe… not even sure yet what I’ll make today of course! 😊

      Reply

  11. Fantastic idea! I actually giggled out loud when I scrolled down and saw your splendid balloon pooch! He is so fun and unexpected! I can’t wait to see what you come up with.

    Reply

  12. Super creative AMAZING Charlie! I would not of thought of doodlewashing a balloon dog – love your imagination!!! Thank you for sharing your heART and bringing back wonderful memories of my childhood! ❤️🎨😍🌈

    Reply

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