Written by The favorite place in my home is without a doubt the kitchen. Not because I’m a cook or anything, but because that’s where we spend most of our time in the early evening and also the location of my nightly pop-up art studio. These two residents of my kitchen are dear to me because the KitchenAid mixer is used for making waffles and ice cream and the French press produces coffee. The mixer is used for many other things as well, but the fact that it aids in the creation of such wonderful things puts it at the top of my list. I’ve established in earlier posts that I can’t cook at all. I did try really hard to cook a few times, and felt good that what I made was indeed rather edible. But all it served to prove was that I wasn’t meant to be a chef, so I’ve become the kitchen help and just take care of the cleaning up.
Philippe is truly a chef. He can do that seemingly magical thing of taking random ingredients and turning them into cuisine. Like those people on those challenge shows who only have bacon, squid, and ketchup, yet manage to produce something that looks like it could be served at a fine restaurant. Sometimes, I look in the refrigerator to find what seems like completely empty shelves and yet, he manages to create something incredibly delectable. Cooking is indeed an art form and he is an artist. I try not to think too much about the fact that he can also draw and paint with equal aplomb, and just rest easy in the fact that I at least married up.
And each evening, as I grab my paint brush, music is playing and we’re singing along to whatever comes on. Lunging for the keyboard of the computer to fast forward Spotify when some drunk rap star uncermoniously stumbles into the middle of a lovely pop song. I lose all since of time, though I know I need to quickly finish before the food arrives. Somehow, once again, I’ve managed to make something just in the nick of time, even though this time, much like last time, it seemed impossible. That’s the magic of our little kitchen. And that’s why it’s my favorite place in my home. It’s less about making memories and more about just enjoying each little moment. Sometimes it’s the simple little routines in life that matter the most.
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About the Doodlewash
M. Graham Watercolors: Burnt Sienna, Pyrrol Red, Cobalt Teal, and Ultramarine Blue. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal.
Awww Charlie you managed to paint the KitchenAid and the lovely French Press I love the coffee made with it! I can relate with Philippe because when I cook I love to to create dishes with what I find…creativity in the kitchen 😉 <3 these days I haven't painted much but soon I will come back…<3
Thanks, Carolina! 😃💕 Glad you liked these… and yay that you love to cook. I just never got the bug for it like painting. And hope you’ll paint more soon! Your work is so lovely!
Thank you and yes I will painting more soon I had to take a break is almost school time and my daughter want to go to the pool and beach and of course I don’t mind, I love it too! 😉 <3
In one year you can do these?
You can cook.
And you can bake.
No question about it.I have been trying to perfect teacups all afternoon..not even close.
Baking and cooking way easier
Hehe… thanks, Monique! 😃💕 I’ve just never really gotten into cooking like I have painting. I’m sure I could do it, but it’s not something I’d ever try to master. I like eating way more! 😊
Squid, catsup, and what else – bacon? LOL. Sounds like a fun time in your kitchen. Cooking, art, music, love, fun – it all goes together. And the shine on your mixing bowl is to die for.
Thanks so much, Cynthia! 😃💕 hehe… we never actually had anything with exact menu… thankfully! Lol Glad you liked this one!
Wonderful art! I love the reflections! Kitchens, they are always the gathering place. That’s where I spend most of my time, too.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah… kitchens are the best! It’s no surprise that’s where everyone ends up at parties. Hehe
Those two pieces are really wonderful with their shine. WOWZERS!
I think more art is made in the kitchen than any studio. It’s the place to be. And I so envy you having someone cook and be so creative about it. Cooking has never been my forte. Phillipe sounds like an angel!
Thanks so much, Teri! 😃💕 I like it shiny! hehe… it’s so fun to paint! Philippe is definitely that… and I’m kind of spoiled.
Wow, Charlie this is a masterpiece. Machines of any kind are really a challenge.
The kitchen is the center of my home too, even when not cooking. When family is around, this is where we congregate. I can hear you singing from here…(K)
Awww thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕 Yeah, it’s really such an awesome place… it always becomes the favorite when people are gathered together. And oh dear… didn’t realize we were singing that loudly! Lol
Wonderful doodle…..which colors did you use? outstanding job depicting silver…..my goodness, I am astounded. I have to admit the kitchen is one of my favorite places as well, there is something special about cooking, food and eating it that brings it all to a wonderful mash of good living.
Thanks, Margaret! 😃💕 I always list the colors at the bottom of each post. For this I used primarily Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue and then dabbed in some Cobalt Teal and Pyrrol Red in the reflections. The blue is actually the blue wall that’s on one side of my kitchen! hehe
oh I guess I didn’t see it this go around, my eyes scanning too quickly…..thanks!
No worries… I’ve also been known to post too fast without editing back to the proper colors! Lol 😊
Wow, great KitchenAid doodlewash! Like you, I enjoy the little things, like drinking coffee in the mornings with my honey or enjoying a glass of wine on the patio while we watch the hummingbirds fight over their feeders. True bliss. We are blessed, indeed 😊
Thanks so much, Carol! 😃💕 Yeah… that sounds like a truly wonderful life you have! So fabulous… love it! But the wine is not in the morning as well is it? hehe
Wha… bu… I just… how is that even possible!? Ha – I actually don’t know what to say anymore. Me! That’s quite an achievement, Charlie. Incredible. <3
As for favourite room, I think I'd have to go with the bedroom – it's not an especially nice space but it does have my bed in it. I tend to enter the kitchen only in emergencies!
hehe… thanks, Jacob! 😃 That’s so sweet of you… all this practice doodlewashing shiny things is starting to pay off a bit I think! Lol And yes, a bedroom is a close second for me as well. I lived in a studio apartment for some time where that was all there was. It works fine! (except then you actually have to make your bed each day… hehe)
I enjoy cooking as long as I don’t have to clean-up and my hubby is good to help me out with that!! It sounds like YOUR kitchen is a fun place to be💕🍴🍷 AWESOME Doodlewash, Charlie! 💕🎨
Thanks, Jill! 😃💕 Yeah, the kitchen is a super fun place to be! hehe… it’s also fun with friends as well!
Amazing. What a fab doodle,I love it. You are so clever.
Thanks so much, Georgie! Glad you liked this one! 😃💕
Wonderful metallic surfaces!
Thanks, Nicola! 😃💕 I really love painting metal and glass… they’re my favorite thing to paint!
Marvellous metallic, gosh so much shine, beautifully captured, I’m impressed my friend 😀
Thanks, Rebecca! 😃💕 I learned you can never actually have too much contrast with metal… just jam a lot of darks next to white and make some shapes and poof! Shiny as hell! hehe
I will remember that if I come upon a shiny animal 😀
Amazing doodlewash and love the magic of your kitchen time. So charming. ❤️
Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 Glad you liked this… hehe… it’s a super fun place to be. It’s also where we hang out with guests, when you finally pop over for a visit. 😉
Your KitchenAid mixer looks a bit like E.T. 😊 I love how you captured the shiny feel of it, it´s really wonderful to look at!
haha! I wonder if a stand mixer was where they got the inspiration fro E.T.?! Lol Too funny! And thanks! Glad you liked this, Ann! 😃💕
Great image! We have an old mixer like that from my mother-in-law. I use it to bake bread. Hey Charlie, I’m thinking of getting one of those Lamy fountain pens. What nib do you prefer? Are you a fine or extra-fine nib person?
Thanks so much, Kirk! 😃 Fresh baked bread is the BEST!! I highly approve of that use! hehe… as for nib… I have Extra-Fine on all my pens. I had one that was Fine, but didn’t like it as well. I can make quick marks with the Extra-Fine that are lighter… almost like a pencil sketch. (that’s how i did the reflections on the lid of the French press in this one. I very lightly sketch in the shapes I see in pen)
Georgeous work, Charlie, on my favorite pieces of kitchen equipment. I live in an RV now, so the Kitchenaid is down under but when I long for it, Michael gladly hauls it up, Too hot here in the Florida Keys to bake, but winter’s coming, I think. Thanks.
Thanks so much, Martha! 😃💕 Yeah… baking pretty much stops in our house until fall and winter come back. Thankfully it’s close!! Yay!
I love the reflections! Amazing doodlewash Charlie!
Thanks so much, Snehal! 😃💕 So glad you liked this!
Your evenings sound wonderful! You are very lucky to have a talented cook whipping up your dinner. My husband is a pretty good cook, I must say, but a) he makes a complete and utter mess in the kitchen any time he cooks and b) he is never home early enough in the evenings to cook. Nowadays he makes Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner and that’s that. I am a pretty good cook, even if I do say so myself, but I always think the food would taste better in my mouth if I had not been the one slaving over it.
The way you have rendered the metallics of the objects and the reflections are fantastic. I am always in awe of your attention to detail.
Thanks, Laura!! 😃💕 I’m so enamoured with the details of things. I’ll never be fully abstract and loose I think. And Hehe… yeah… I definitely think food tastes best when you’re served it. And the few times I did attempt cooking I made a complete and utter mess! Lol So I can relate to your husband! 😊
Sounds like your kitchen is a place of fun. Singing, cooking, painting, enjoying life.
Totally fun! That’s pretty much how life should always be…no matter where you are, I think! 😉
😊
I discovered “doodlewash” just a few weeks ago, and I already look forward to each new post. I’m not sure what I’m enjoying more – your gorgeous paintings or your stories of life – both so well done.
What a wonderful message to receive!! Thank you so much! I’m thrilled you found Doodlewash and enjoy my posts! Thanks so much! 😃
This is a masterpiece.
Wow! Thanks so much! 😃
Yes, many wonderful memories are created in the kitchen. The reflections on the the mixing bowl are amazing.
Aww thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕