Written by It’s hard to believe we’ve come to the end of another month and the end of yet another Doodlewash Adventure. I purposely made the last prompt a favorite place to relax, because I figured if you made it this far, you’ve earned a little rest. My favorite place to relax is at home, perhaps with this mug of hot chocolate and my favorite of all desserts, homemade whipped cream, but also with something even more important to me, my sketchbook. Actually, my favorite place to relax is inside my sketchbook, which you see here. I was rushed and running late today and yet, when I sat down to quickly sketch, everything faded away for the precious little 40 minutes I had to sketch and paint this. I was recharged. Sometimes, I’ll sketch for 10 minutes on a lunch break just to unwind during the day. No matter what I’ve been facing, when I face that wonderful blank page, everything falls to the background and I’m at peace for a lovely moment.
So painting and sketching have become my favorite place to relax. Sitting at the end of my kitchen counter, which is where I’m at now as I rapidly type this, I’m content. The chair I’m sitting on is rather hard though, and built more for aesthetics than for comfort. That’s partially because I don’t have much cushion on my backside, but that’s another story entirely. And it’s all just proof that the ultimate comfort, for me, is resting my mind. I typically think of thousands of things at once and I’m in a constant mental motion. To sit and study an object for a moment relaxes my mind and helps me unwind and disconnect from all of those thoughts. There’s just me, my sketchbook and something in front of me. And the three of us are in harmony and only connected to each other in that blissful moment.
This is my 425th consecutive day of sketching and painting, and it’s become a ritual that has enriched my life in more ways than I can imagine. On the days I think I can’t possibly squeeze in time for painting and it sort of stresses me out just thinking about it, I know now, that’s exactly what I need to do next. It’s the painting itself that will fix everything I’ve been facing during the day. I need this time, in those times, more than ever. I consider it a treat to take that little bit of time to make something new. A wonderful treat, almost as good as hot chocolate with whipped cream. Okay, maybe even better.
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About the DoodlewashM. Graham Watercolors: Gamboge, Burnt Sienna, and Ultramarine Blue. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink and second pen with sepia ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal. |
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Seems like the perfect place to relax to me too. If nothing else ones sketchbook is an escape from the rigors of everyday life. To focus on something else for just a few moments. You are right, Charlie, it is a wonderful treat. 🙂
Thanks, Susan! 😃💕 Yeah… sketching is such a wonderful escape. I really don’t know what I would do without it now!
So interesting that you used two Lamy pens in two colors for this wonderful Doodlewash. At the end of the day, a great place to sit, a favorite activity to help you unwind – yes, perfect life strategy.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Sometimes I use black for manmade and sepia for more organic things. No idea why I do that, but it just feels right! hehe
You definitely deserve a rest after these last two hectic months. And this is perfect! Thanks for all you do.
Thanks, Teri!! 😃💕 Yeah… it’s been a bit crazy this last couple months, but a lot of fun as well. Haven’t quite rested yet, but have at least settled into the pace better! hehe
A delicious hot chocolate at your own home is a beautiful way to relax! And you Charlie are well deserved of some relaxing time! Lovely watercolor today I posted something too just pure creativity! 😉 Have a great evening! And I love what you choose for September <3
Thanks so much, Carolina! 😃💕 So happy you like the choice for September! I literally decided it at the last moment in my typical fashion. I won’t be following the prompts the whole time this adventure, so I’m curious to know what comes out!
Well Charlie I am curious too each month is a beautiful adventure and leave us great memories! 🙂
Your favorite place has become a part of our lives in a wonderful way, sharing you and your life and doodles have brighten all of our lives. By the way, I LOVE whipping cream, I have to watch it because I could easily forget the coffee or hot cocoa and just have the whipping cream….lol Oh, have you ever had an Irish Coffee? yum! I usually have double whipping cream just because.
Awww.. thanks, Margaret! 😃💕 What a wonderful note to receive!! And Yes to Irish coffee! Delicious! And I’m Irish so it all just seems to fit! Whipping cream should always be doubled! lol
hehe…..of course! cheers to the Irish! 🙂
Ooh, you can’t beat a nice hot chocolate. Now there’s one ever waiting for you in that relaxation space! Long may you relax! I don’t believe I’ve ever put cream in mine, though… the prospect is almost as tempting as the doodlewash!
Very much looking forward to the next series!
Thanks, Jacob!! 😃 You should always add whipped cream whenever possible, I think! hehe I haven’t actually had a chance to relax yet though… not sure I’m even very good at it. 😊
I do so agree with your daily ritual – it has become mine as well, thanks to you, darling Charlie! And I also love the hot chocolate with whipped cream!
Awww thanks, Marina!! 😃💕 I wish we could all meet up some day and have hot chocolate and whipped cream together! hehe… that would be the most wonderful way to relax and have fun!
Definitely! Your next project – a Doodlewashers Symposium!!!
Hmmm… something to consider! 😃(though it sounds even harder than creating a worldwide holiday month somehow! hehe)
Um that’s a nice hot chocolate, what a super a out if paintings you have completed….I said you were a super hero! How many books have you completed? 😀
Thanks, Rebecca! 😃💕 Hehe… I don’t know if there’s even one full book in these blog posts yet. Beyond that I’ve only ever completed one book!😊 Lol
I think many people would say the same, if I used sketchbooks I would too, I like very large, usually A3 so I put mine all in a clear sleeve wallet…at least the smaller A4 fit in that too.
Yum,yummie; the water running out of my mouth though it,s morning here a quarter after eight. Too early for the whipped cream for me but you have paint it so deliciously!!
Yes sure, my studio is my perfect place to relax and when painting I forget everything , my mind is IN my painting and nowhere else, the perfect state for relaxation!
Actually my studio is a mass at the moment, have to clean up in a couple of days but cleaning up is less painting time😀 so tomorrow, tomorrow.
Other relax places are my coach at home and places with water, bathtub, the sea and the meander!
So I choose the meander, love it there and love painting water, I often do.
Time to try something else this month, thank you for the new subjects, it can be an inspiration for some days! Like the freedom as well for own subjects as you proposed.
Thank you for the August month and looking forwards at new original paintings from your hand Charlie.
Today you did (again) a very nice watercolor! I love it!
Awww thanks so much, Margriet!! 😃💕 I’m so thrilled you’ve joined in and are playing along on these adventures! I think September will be really fun! But I have fun every month I’m painting! And hmmm hot chocolate on the couch or in a lovely bath sounds good too! 😉
A fitting finish to the month. Looking forward to your September adventure. (K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕 September begins today… hehe… wow… where did August go?
As they say, the seasons, they go round and round…
Very nice. I find creating very relaxing… most of the time. I enjoy the quiet time with myself and it shuts out all other thought, which is a welcome relief.
Thanks! 😃💕 So true, Casey! It’s wonderful to just get lost in a creative zone for time.
Wow…425…when you put it like that, it feels like a marathon…no wonder you need a rest, Charlie! A well deserved rest. I wish I had your talent. Looking forward to what’s coming next on this adventure of yours, and ours. 😀
Thanks, Janina! 😃💕 If I’d actually been running a marathon I’m sure I would be in better physical shape, but I’m in tip-top mental shape so that’s good at least! lol
Beautiful delicious warm and cozy!! ❤️
Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 I may add a bit of whiskey sometimes… but don’t tell!
Wooooo! 425th! That’s Awesome! Love this doodlewash 😀 Excited to particopate in Sep!
Thanks, Snehal! 😃💕 Yeah… it’s been quite lot of doodlewashing this past 14 months. So excited to keep going! Glad you’ll be joining in!
Sorry I am a bit behind in commenting, Charlie! 😉 I have to return to work in my hubby’s business unexpectedly… So less time to blog and create. Still trying to understand it all. But I do not like to complain. So sorry if I’m a bit scattered – more than normal! Lol! 😄
hehe… I just commented the same thing on your blog! Crazy times lately, but the good news is, us crazy people can handle them just fine!! 😉lol
I hope so – I may have to create more silly stories with lemons! Still laughing over that one! 😂🍋🎨
I totally “get it” with your favorite place. Ditto.
Yeah… I think there’s so much to be said for making things in a sketchbook. It’s truly the best way to relax! 😃💕
Sounds like a great way to meditate!
JP
hehe… it totally is! Can’t imagine life without it! Thanks, JP! 😃
I think it is a great way to relax,and in my case it’s not always anything great just pushing the pen around on the paper then adding watercolor..
Pushing the pen around on paper and adding watercolor is always fun… even when the results aren’t what we expected! hehe 😃💕
Hello Charlie, I can relate how fun and relaxing it is, with the pen on paper and a water color. You are a great artist, been following all your awesome sketches. I’m a freelancer, working from home and painting is my source of pleasure and relaxation,
Hey there, Ghie! Thanks so much! 😃💕 So happy you’re enjoying my sketches. Yeah, I agree. painting is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy life!