Paddington Bear Doodlewash
By Charlie

Paddington Bear

Written by Charlie O'Shields

One of my favorite characters when I was a kid was Paddington Bear. He first appeared in 1958 and has been featured in more than twenty books written by Michael Bond. He also got a new movie a couple years ago, simply called Paddington and a bit of an update to his look which I rather liked because he looked more like a real little bear. This depiction is of the newer, limited edition movie version of the bear by Steiff because I wish I had him, but unfortunately didn’t purchase it in time. So I figured a doodlewash was the next best thing.

I had about ten of the Paddington Bear books when I was a kid and my mom recently sent them back home with me in her ongoing effort to declutter her house of my childhood “treasures.” These books were wonderful, but the best part is how it all begins when a little bear arrives as a stowaway coming from “Darkest Peru”, sent by his Aunt Lucy. With only a note that reads, “Please look after this bear. Thank you.” He’s taken in by the Brown family and the adventures begin. But seriously, who could say no to this little guy if you found him with that note around his neck?

There were so many things I learned from Paddington when I was young. Paddington messes things up a lot, but no matter what adventure he finds himself in, he always comes out on top and in a way that everyone can laugh about. Best of all, when he gets annoyed with someone, he often gives them one of his special “hard stares” (taught to him by Aunt Lucy), which causes them to become flushed and embarrassed. This later helped me survive a stint in corporate America and is truly wonderful advice really. Thanks, Aunt Lucy!

Though I haven’t read the books again that I took back from Texas with me, I love having them. They are like little trophies from a time when I would get lost in worlds that had animals and weren’t so serious and disturbing. And later in life, when I finally made it to Paddington Station in London, I have to admit looking around very carefully. Just in case, there was a little bear waiting there, sent from a faraway place, who just needed someone nice to look after him.

About the Doodlewash

M. Graham watercolors: Gamboge, Quinacridone Gold, Cobalt Blue, Cobalt Teal, Ultramarine Blue, Burnt Sienna, Pyrrol Red, and Neutral Tint. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink in a 5″ x 8″ 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!

See author's posts

Recommend0 recommendationsPublished in By Charlie

66 Comments

0 Shares

66 thoughts on “Paddington Bear”

  3. Eeek!!! Excuse me while I go worringly hysterical. He is absolutely adorable!!! I too loved Paddington – I had a few of the books and a teddy which my grandmother knitted for me. I remember a cartoon series aswell.

    The fur on your doodlewash is ridiculous. It IS the real bear, and I want want want him! <3 I agree with Teresa – this should be somewhere children can marvel at it.

    Reply

    1. Haha!! I love it when I can make you squeal! That’s always a good sign! And love that you’re also a fan of Paddington! Yay! Yeah…I want this version of the stuffed bear, but it’s now a collector’s piece and too expensive. There’s a smaller one and it’s equally pricey. But in the end…. I want a real Paddington Bear too!!! Hehe 😊

      Reply

      1. A good sign for you – maybe not so good for me if the neighbours hear me squealing at 2 in the morning. 😉 But of course that’s by no means a request to tone it down… quite the opposite!

        It’s a shame about the prices! I might have to organise a whip-round… or ask mumsey for an extra-special birthday present?

        Reply

  7. Lovely doodlewash and lovelier story! I remember reading Psddington books to my children when they were younger. We always laughed at the silly predicament Paddington got into. But great lessons learned. You really captured the texture so well!

    Reply

  10. I’m looking forward to the new movie. Your doodle makes him look definitely ready for new adventures…I wonder if his duffle coat is waterproof?! I also wonder if anyone would notice, when down the street, if I had a sign around my neck reading “Please look after this little Miss Piggy.” ?!! Or would the men in white coats just come and take me away….hahaha.

    Reply

      1. hahaha…I just might do the sign thing, just to see what happens, as a form of social research (I have done sillier things in the name of research)! And, don’t worry, I’ll get it all on camera, for the record! Then I’ll post it. 😉
        PS: Do you like my new avatar? New Year, new gravatar, Charlie…*hint hint.

        Reply

          5. Excuses, excuses…!! Tsck!
            Well, then, send me a latest photo and I’ll have a go with my software on the phone. Write me a note from my About page, and we can go from there! 🙂

    1. Thanks Michael!! And yeah…I was dreading what they’d do to my little friend so I waited to watch it at home instead of the theater. But the movie made me love him even more! Hehe…. I love this version because it’s how I always imagined him looking. 😊 Now if I could just get my hands on a Steiff version my live would be complete! Lol

      Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Sharon!! 💕😃I’m actually really fond of this one too! hehe… I loved Paddington so much growing up and this movie version was exactly how I pictured him so I was thrilled when they came out with it and made him look like this! Movie was super fun too! hehe

      Reply

Leave Me A Comment!

Discover more from Doodlewash®

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading