View-Master Doodlewash
By Charlie

Stories in 3D

Written by Charlie O'Shields

One of my favorite little things when I was a kid was a View-Master. That little red wonder that allowed you to view miniature worlds and your favorite Disney characters like they were actually living inside the viewer. You could go on amazing adventures or see places that you never hoped to see in person. Not that you could spend a ton of time there, as the journey only lasted for 14 images, but that was a perfect complement to my short attention span.

I would have never imagined at the time that entire movies could be viewed in 3D. Last week, on New Year’s Eve, Philippe and I finally went to see the new Star Wars movie (in 3D, of course!) and my inner child almost passed out. This was the franchise of my youth, barring the three super boring and weird movies that came out after the originals. It was amazing to see the characters I had every action figure of on screen again. Granted they had gotten a lot older, which also made me feel older. Though I still have slightly less gray hair than Chewbacca and no where near the level of Han Solo yet.

I’m still fascinated by the original View-Masters to this day though. With all the technological advancements, being able to view 3D stories on something that doesn’t even require electricity is just super cool. And pausing to explore a single frame of three-dimensional goodness is an amazing form of storytelling. Rather than rush through and wait for the next big explosion, you get to explore every nook and cranny that exists. I never needed 3D for this actually, as I was always equally enamored with picture books. Still am, come to think of it.

Today was my first day back at work, so this doodlewash was fast and furious and I’m a bit late posting because I realized I hadn’t written anything yet. I hope everyone who went back to work today had a rather peaceful day and it wasn’t too stressful. Re-entry is tough! But if you need a way to unwind, then grab a glass of your favorite beverage and a View-Master. There’s usually never images of an office, so you’ll be astounded and suitably transported to somewhere far more magical. Particularly if your favorite beverage is wine.

About the Doodlewash

M. Graham watercolors: Pyrrol Red, Sap Green, Dioxazine Purple, and Neutral Tint for the viewer. Nearly every color in my palette for the little cells in the View-Master, but many bits of Cobalt Teal to evoke scenes with a sky. 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!

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54 thoughts on “Stories in 3D”

  1. Wonderful, Charlie!!! Oh my gosh, I’d forgot all about these things. hehe! Love how you used so many colors for the little images. Yeah, hardly ever an office in those view things. I wonder why?! Why wouldn’t people wanna gaze in there and see chairs and desks and cubicles??? What is wrong with them?? LOL This is so cool, like a time machine to the past. Thanks, Charlie! <3

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  2. What a wonderful memory, Charlie! I never did have one of these but remember looking at a friend’s. Amazing how you can get lost in them creating stories.

    I loved the Force Awakens! And you are right, brought back so many fond memories of all the old characters. Even at 72, I thought Han looked pretty good.. 😊

    My kids were a bit slow getting ready this morning.. Re-entry into the everyday world is hard.. 😊

    Reply

    1. Thanks Kari!! 💕😃Oh my gosh! You never had one? It’s not to late!! Hehe You should definitely get one to play with! And I liked Force Awakens as well….aptly named, it’s like they woke up and decided to finally make a real Star Wars movie again! Lol Han looked darn good for 72…wait…I couldn’t believe it so I looked it up…he actually turned 73 this summer! And re-entry just be outlawed…it’s horrible! Hehe😊

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  5. Super cool! I spent many an hour laying in the sunbeams coming in through the living room window with my View Master! My favorite reel was one with Disneys’s Cinderella, especially the part where the mice helped sew her dress! Thanks for digging up such great memories!

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  9. How wonderful! I had to zoom in to try and see if any details could be made out on the little pictures. I never had one of these dealies, which upsets me hugely as I’m positive after this that the experience is superior to any 3D film. It also says a lot about your art and commentary that I’m getting excited and weirdly nostalgic for something with which I have no connection. Delightful stuff!!

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    1. Thanks Jacob!! And yay! It worked then! Though I imagine you were disappointed to find a bunch of impossible to decipher blobs of paint. 😊 And I love taunting you with toys. But I also got weirdly nostalgic for Citrus Polos that I’ve never tried so you’ve managed a similar effect on me as well. But unlike Citrus Polos, you could still buy one of these!! 😉

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      1. I admit I am now left wanting a View-Master, quite badly. It’s the sort of thing mini me would have loved. And yes, they better get their skates on and revive those darn Polos, or I’m going to feel bad for life for mentioning them!

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  10. Oh Charlie O! Back to work for me too! But this view master does not look hurried! Wowsies! another amazing doodlewash! I used to love the magic of the view master too!!

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  11. Wow! Another AMAZING Charlie doodlewash! I would never imagine you were short on time on this painting! It looks really fantastic to me. And I love the colors in the little pictures. You are brilliant! 😃🌟👍😍 I loved the viewfinder as a kid too. I bought one for the “toy box” for little kiddos who come with their parents who are getting a mortgage with my hubby. I always enjoy hearing the parent’s explain to their children how the viewfinder works. 😄 Makes me smile like your painting, my friend! 😊💜

    Reply

    1. Awww you’re too sweet Jill!! 💕😃 Glad you liked this! And that’s awesome!! A definite must-have for any respectable toy box I say!! And I bet the parents are thrilled to have something they can actually explain to kids how to use instead of the other way around! 😉lol

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  12. That’s very nice! It’s just got that perfect vintage feel. Discovering your choice of subject today brought a smile to my face, a smile that sort of meant “indeed”….ah ah ah…good choice!

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  13. Tom and Jerry “All for one and one for all”, Sang the two mouseketeers. Such vivid colours!
    Fond memories that has called up thank you.
    That very one is for sale on eBay too. But I think it’s better as a memory so I won’t buy it.

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  14. Great memory Charlie. As children is was much simpler and life challenged us to use or imagination and creativity more than todays kids; Great drawing and love the detail and color in the little film screens.

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  15. What a happy memory, view-master! I was a big fan! I loved Star Wars and seeing the original crew too. Lots of happy nostalgic moments in this post. It was all good up to re-enrty and the Sunday blues. I saved Star Wars for Sunday just to soften the push back into reality.

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  20. A happy belated new year Charlie! Just catching up with your brilliant blog after a short break. I also had a View-Master as a child, I’d completely forgotten about it until I saw this 😊

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