Written by For today’s prompt of simply “orange,” I grabbed three colors, in the short 15 minutes I had to paint today, and made this little autumn leaf. I love the leaves here this time of year as they blaze against a blue sky, turning shocking colors for a brief and brilliant moment. Sometimes it all seems to happen too quickly, and I don’t get to enjoy it properly. Days can get so busy that stopping for a moment to appreciate the changing nature around you becomes rather difficult. And it’s true, I’ve been feverishly working on exciting new features for Doodlewash lately (a big new feature, just quietly launched today, in fact!). I’m so thrilled with the community that’s formed here and so thankful. On days like this, when it feels like I couldn’t possibly make that bit of time to paint, you all inspire me. No matter what is happening in my busy day, I show up because you DO! You make me want to create and try new things, and for that I’m so happy and grateful. Thanks for all you DO! You’re each amazing!
And if you read this far, then I’ll go ahead and share that awesome new feature that was added just today. Now the DO Shop includes a Watercolor Boutique where featured artists can create their own shops and sell their work as well! Three brave featured artists have agreed to jump in and test this new addition and though it’s not yet linked on the main site, you can visit these shops right now by clicking here! Yeah, why limit our community to just Facebook and Instagram features, when we can add a little bit of Etsy on top! And best of all, a portion of all proceeds in the Watercolor Boutique goes to help our future artists so underprivileged kids can get the art supplies they truly need. It’s always been my sincere hope and passion to help artists promote themselves, while simultaneously providing a little help and hope for the next generation of artists. And to also ensure there actually is a next generation as funding for art classes gets cut each year. This is a crazy BIG dream, to be sure, but I’m thrilled to see bits and pieces of it finally coming true!
So, if you’re a former featured guest artist who would like to open a shop here, please contact me and let me know! And if you’ve not yet been featured, let’s start there. Contact me and let me know that as well! Please note, this site is entirely community-driven, so although I host all these features, we’re really just building them all together. In the end, I truly believe that will make this little place on the internet one of the best places to visit on the planet! I’ve never been a fan of strict rules, as I prefer to let things build themselves organically. Sure, there will be bumps and issues along the way, but that’s all part of the process and fun. Much like watercolor, you just have to allow the colors to flow and let what happens next, simply happen. I DO hope you’ll join me on this next stage of the adventure! We’ve made something amazing together, and it’s just going to get even cooler from here. There’s lots of work to be done yet, to be sure, but as always, there’s still a bit of time to stop and make a quick little autumn leaf.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Da Vinci Yellow, Da Vinci Red, and Ultramarine Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. |
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The new feature sounds great! I love your BIG idea! Also love the blue against orange in the leaf painting.
Thanks so much, Sharon!! 😃💕 Glad you liked this one! And yeah, I’m excited for the possibilities ahead with the new gallery shop!
Will there be some Charlie O’Shields’ work in there?
hehe… uhmmm… maybe when I have time to jump outside my sketchbook! 😊💕
I’ll watch for it!
Great new feature. Does your mind ever rest? So many wonderful ideas.
Love your leaf also.
Thanks, Teri! 😃💕 Yeah, my mind never really rests… hehe.. often waking up at night because something bursts in there. 😊
Great leaf Charlie!Good color contrast 🙂
Also I’m glad for new feature.I never think to sell my paintings although I’ve done the exhibition once.It’s really a must have feature like doodlewash.I’ll try to be brave 😀
Thanks, Nay!! 😃💕 And yay! You should totally open a shop on Doodlewash!! Your paintings are amazing!!
Like the brief and brilliant moment of leaf change, your 15 minute leaf is glorious! Congrats on getting the artist feature going. It’s a fantastic idea and I’m sure it will be popular!
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 I’m just thrilled that the last super tough feature is launched! hehe… now I can just make tweaks and enjoy our fabulous community we have!
It’s fitting the leaf is ablaze as it is, ’cause Doodlewash is on fire at the moment! <3
hehe! Thanks, Jacob!! 😃💕 Yeah, Doodlewash is really firing up! But in the end, it’s still missing more zonkeys and Citrus Polos. That would send it over the TOP!
Beautifully done.
Thanks so much, Jan! 😃💕
Charlie, thank you for all you do for underprivileged children, including setting up this shop. 🙂 I grew up in an area like that, and art classes are always the first thing to get cut. And I was lucky enough that my family would buy me cheap kids paints and stuff to use, but not everyone had even that. It means a lot that somebody would do something.
Thanks so much, Kati! 😃💕 Yeah, I can’t believe how much art classes have been pushed to the side. It’s the very core of human creativity and making amazing things happen for all of us!
Well congratulations you awesome entrepreneur, you! Great new feature, you must be so proud.
Aww thanks, Jennifer! 😃💕 I’m currently just relieved it actually worked! LOL I’m still just an illustrator and have a new found respect for programmers everywhere! It’s all so complex! hehe
First of all, I love the autumn leaf, its brilliant orange contrasting with its blue shadow. We don’t get a lot of autumn look around here in California as most of the trees are evergreen or succulents – or in the case of our garden, inching toward dead in a very sad way. Long drought and poor gardening skills have a deleterious effect on the yard.
Second, I’m very excited about the new features on Doodlewash. You’re truly building a community around watercolor art, Charlie, and it’s a pleasure to see the entire venture grow. The best of all is helping provide kids with art supplies. Art is a great equalizer and a wonderful opportunity for expression for kids, yet most schools don’t provide art classes of any kind. So what you’re doing is generous in the very best sense.
Thanks so much, Shari! 😃💕 Yeah, as much as I’m passionate about helping our current artists, my heart hurts knowing that there could possibly be less artists in our future. I can’t and won’t stand for that! Something needs to change, and I hope that in my own small way, I can be a part of that.
Great job on the site as always. Love your leaf Charlie. Awesome job with the 3 primary colors!!
Thanks so much, Tom! 😃💕 Yeah, our big little site is bursting with new features! hehe
What a beautiful 15-minute Autumn leaf, a treasure of the most beautiful season!
I think the new DO Shop is awesome. You do so much to promote art and artists. Good for you! I already see a few faves in the shop that I would love to have!
Thanks so much! 😃💕 And yay!! DO shop then! hehe… so hoping I’m able to make this work. It’s a wonderful way to support our future artists and give back!
Beautiful job!! You leaf is awesome, so is the site. I’ve just been here a short while, and can’t wait to log in each day to be inspired. Thanks so much for all your efforts!
Wow Charlie! First for the fabulous leaf, and second for your wonderful new feature on Doodlewash. Having funds go to art supplies for children is a fantastic idea! Yay!! I’m off to check out those links…..
Thanks so much, Susan!! 😃💕 It’s a start! Will hopefully grow the boutique with many more artists in the future. And together, we might just be able to make a real difference and provide a means for future artists!
Great leaf…great ideas. Thank you again Charlie for all of your hard work. This is a really cool place.
Aww thanks so much, Laura!! 😃💕 I’m so happy you’re a member of this little place!
I like your little leaf. I’ve painted several and find myself getting lost in their complexity. Your leaf reminds me that simplified into a 15 minute sketch they are still beautiful. Every fall I find myself greedily gathering up and pressing these bright jewels. I tell myself I need to find a use for them, and that I don’t need so many. After many years, I am getting better at limiting my collection. I’m thinking about coating them with a varnish or shellac, and hanging them s mobiles, maybe making earings of a few. They’d make a nice collage.
I hope your new feature is a great success. And I’m hoping that you’ll still have time to paint your little gems, and share your thoughts.
Thanks so much, Elizabeth! 😃💕 I love your little gems! I think you should totally varnish or shellac them! And yes, I’ll still be showing up with my little doodlewashes and thoughts. Actually, that last feature was the toughest to complete, so I’m thrilled it’s launched now!
Pretty leaf. Makes me smile.
aww yay, thanks! Glad I made you smile, June! 😃💕
Charlie liked your beautiful leave . And congrats 🌸 to open new site for future artist.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 It’s been a lot of work! I’m excited to see what happens next!
I love your quick little leaf. Autumn is so beautiful with all the brights pops of color as the leaves change. Lol, it is a wonder that I don’t crash my car while running errands from all the rubbernecking of the brilliant reds, golds and oranges along my route.
LOL… I feel the same… it’s a dangerous time of year to drive for sure! hehe 😃💕
Lovely autumn leaf, Charlie. Complimentary colors always make a beautiful splash!
Thanks so much, Mickey! 😃💕
Fall! Sweatshirt weather = Love! As Wisconsin recently said on a travel ad “Get it while supplies last!” 😍 Today we are at 38 degrees. So much for Fall! lol
I love the Boutique! It’s brilliant!! **standing ovation** ❤️
Thanks so much, Von!! brrrrr, that’s too cold!! hehe… and thanks on the boutique! 😃💕 It seemed liked the logical next step. Hope more artists will join in!