Written by When I think of cats (our Doodlewash prompt today), and Halloween growing closer, a black cat definitely comes to mind, but I always prefer to sketch a kind with a bit more color. In this case, I quickly scribbled a kitten, because the baby version of things are just so cute. I happily doodled with black ink, splashed some watercolor on top, and then scribbled with a white gel pen a bit, in honor of Inktober. I let my inner kitten just play a bit. It makes me think of all of those times as a kid when I would eagerly jump into creating some new idea. While some might plan everything out in advance and strive for a bit of polish, I would just eagerly jump in and complete the project, using whatever I had on hand and taking any shortcuts I could find along the way. This might seem like a perfectly sloppy way to approach things, but the thing is, I enjoy it more this way. It’s just more fun than feverishly planning out everything in advance. This goes for my posts, which are perfectly random, following the same carefree fashion. While planning is certainly recommended while attempting to create a masterpiece, if you enjoy simply practicing each day like I do, then skip the plans and just play on!
I actually have a confession to make. I’m amazed and envious of people who are organized and purposeful in their approach to everything. I’ve tried all sorts of methods and techniques to move my own scattered brain into this mode. But, as hard as I try, I get distracted when something shiny appears to lure me in a different direction. I go through bursts of getting everything done quickly to periods of aimlessness. One could worry that this is a highly dysfunctional state and that I would never be able to accomplish anything at all. But like many creative folk who have come before me, I’ve figured out my own approach that works for me. Oh, I totally stole ideas from those organizational methods, but I combined them with others to create something that’s personal and unique to me. It’s the same why I’ve approached my art. I take bits and pieces of things I’ve seen and learned along this journey and combine them. I read all of the “rules” and then happily choose which ones I want to break.
I’m not a rebel by any means. That always brings to mind people hell-bent on attempting to challenge the status quo. I’m not actually worried about that. I’m really just a kid at heart. I love enjoying life as it comes and while I do have goals, I don’t want them to get in the way of the sheer pleasure that comes from following pure instinct. It’s a fascinating and wonderful experience to see what my mind will come up with when I give it the freedom to do so. My mixed bag of posts over the past three years are very special to me. They’re the diary I never managed to write on a consistent basis before starting this blog. And more than that, they’re all part of my art. A combination of illustration and words that come together to create something new. Not something that could ever find a place in a gallery, but something, I hope, over time, has made a place in your heart. Thank you for reading my diary and browsing the pages of my little sketchbooks. It’s wonderful to know that I’m not alone on this journey. Showing up each day, wondering what on earth will appear on that page or what words might come out next. There are all types of approaches to life and art, but for me, I can’t think of a better way to spend a bit of free time than simply scribbling kittens.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Aureolin, Vermilion, and Indigo (my “Vintage” Trio!). Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Uni-Ball Signo Broad Point White Gel Pen. Photo Reference: 0x010C. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop! |
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This little kitten is truly adorable. Your courageous method effectively makes for wonderful art. No need for alteration at all.
Aww thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 I thoroughly appreciate that encouragement! hehe… I hope my devil may care style works in some way!
Kitty! So cute, I want squeeze her.
Aww yay!! hehe! 😃💕 So happy you liked my little kitty cat!
Oh, your kitten is adorable! You could have been describing my process when describing yours. Usually I have so many ideas flying through my head, and I know I’ll forget or lose interest in most of them if I don’t follow through quickly, so I’m always looking for ways to combine them so forget about any plans or orderly approach. My projects MUTATE!
hehe! YES to mutation! 😃💕 Which sounds perfectly odd when stated like that, but you know what I mean. I love the output of my plans that didn’t follow a plan at all! I think they’re somehow better that way.
Awww! So cute! I miss kittens! Since we had all the feral barn cats that lived around here spayed and neutered, I haven’t seen a kitten in a few years. We would catch all of the little ones and bring them inside so they would get used to people, then give them away to good homes. I loved having them in the house and I still adore that sideways hop kitten make when playing! It always.makes me laugh!
Awww … I love that sideways hop! 😃💕 Kittens are SO cute! That’s awesome that you fostered the little ones. I’ve never had a cat, since I have allergies, but I love seeing them!
Yes adorable kitten, i love them. I had wild family 4,5.they are mostly sourding my house and if start talking,,,,.
Super 🌸💐🥀 thanks
Thanks, Snehlata! 😃💕 And your wild family of cats sounds intriguing… hehe… they’re lovely creatures!
You and your blog definitely have a special place in my heart! I like the effect of the white gel pen on your kitten’s fur.
Aww thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 I’m so thrilled you enjoy my posts and can’t thank you enough for your wonderful comments! And yeah, the white gel pen was a gift from Philippe last Christmas and I’ve barely used it, so I figured it was high time! Glad you liked the effect!
Wonderful little kitten and delightful approach to life. Wish more people were in touch with their inner (or not so inner 🙂 ) child. Love your stories Charlie.
Thanks, Mary! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, my child is admittedly not so inner… lol… but that’s even a better way to be! I’m not sure what the allure is for adulting… it’s just way more fun to keep that glow we had as kids.
That precious kitten has stolen my heart. Even Bella is enamored of it
and meowed loudly something that translates to “Can we keep it?”
It is a new favorite…so cuddly and cute.
“I’m amazed and envious of people who are organized and purposeful in their approach to everything. I’ve tried all sorts of methods and techniques to move my own scattered brain into this mode.” Don’t you dare change. You are talented and real. Don’t mess with perfection.
Thanks, Sarah! And Bella! 😃💕 That’s awesome! Glad you both liked this one! And that’s so sweet of you to say! I don’t think anymore I could change if I tried, so it’s comforting to know you don’t think I need too!
This kitten is fabulous and exactly what I envisioned for one of the characters, Scamp, in my blog, although he would be a little older.
Thanks so much!! 😃💕 Glad you liked my little kitten… and Scamp is such a great name! Love it!
your scribbles sure create beautiful pieces!!!
Aww thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 Big hugs to you my friend!
Nice work with your white gel pen. I had enjoyed drawing with my white gel pen on a black sketchbook paper. I have felt many a times that I am reading someone’s personal diary when I read your blogs. He… he…I love the way you have organized your doodlewash website. It has blogs, friends, resources, challenges, personal touch, technology…even a shop !!!!! Your approach to everything is so endearing….
Aww thanks, Anita! 😃💕 That’s such a sweet compliment! I hope the random grouping of things is a wonderful thing in the end. I can’t seem to follow the normal path of sites like this, but I do hope people enjoy the ride!
The kitten is precious and I like that you stuck to color. You certainly seem organized to me. You accomplish so much each day and have accomplished so many great things with doodlewash. I really don’t know how you do it all.
Oh, thanks, June! 😃💕My ruse is working then! lol Yeah, I’m ambitious like a little child and constantly doing things, but they’re mostly out of order. I’m just pleased that I’ve managed to make them all happen!
Charle,
The kitten sketch is precious. Your method works and I love it! You inspire me!! Thanks for sharing.
Aww that’s such a fabulous compliment! Thanks so much, Cathy! 😃💕 I’m thrilled you enjoy my little doodlewashes!