Autumn Leaf Doodlewash and watercolor sketch
By Charlie

The Last Little Leaf

Written by Charlie O'Shields

It’s time to transition from our #NatureDoodlewash hike into World Watercolor Month in July! It’s been an amazing month and you created an amazing gallery together of the best things nature has to offer. And the incredibly weird things as well (that was a lot on my side though… what can I say, I like painting weird bugs more than flowers!). Thanks to all who participated in June’s adventure and I hope you’ll continue to doodlewash daily as we head into the biggest global celebration of watercolor ever! Remember, it’s super easy to participate in July as you simply tag any artwork that features watercolor that you make with the hashtag #WorldWatercolorMonth all month long – everywhere and every time you post it!

I’ve no theme for July which is the same way I started back in July, 2015. I simply experimented and tried whatever came to mind. The following month I started themes to keep me on track so if you like prompts and themes as well, please be sure to check out the creative prompts that Laura (Create Art Everyday) and I put together for the month! Feel free to dive into those whenever you feel stumped or if you want some theme ideas. I may end up doing the same from time to time. But mostly, I’m just excited to play with thousands of friends from all over the globe. I hope you’ll be one of them! Let’s paint the world with watercolor in July!

July is World Watercolor Month! Click to learn more!

About the Doodlewash

M. Graham watercolors: Ultramarine Blue, Azo Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Azo Orange, Pyrrol Red, Permanent Green Pale, and Sap Green. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon sepia 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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37 thoughts on “The Last Little Leaf”

  2. Beautiful leaf, Charlie, and although you are an expert at doodlewashing insects, I am glad I can now recycle my rolled up newspaper ;). Such an exciting month coming up, and thank you to you and Laura for making terrific lists of prompts. Let those brushes fly!

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  6. Haha, turning over a new leaf. I love it. It’s a beautiful doodlewash too! What a pleasure it is to trundle through the cornflakes/leaves as they start to fall (hmm, too early to start thinking autumnal thoughts yet?)

    I’ve no doubt you’re going to be as high this month as you are in the run up to Christmas 😉 and with every right to be. Go Charlie! I’m loving the no holds barred ‘theme’ – very excited to see what you come up with!

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    1. This was almost as good as Christmas!! hehe…. but that’s really hard to top! Lol Actually I’m so exhausted I’m not sure what I’ll even end up painting today. 😊hehe… but glad ya liked my changing leaf! It’s also an homage to the fact that I hate the heat of summer and can’t wait for Fall.

      Reply

    1. Thanks, sis!! 😃💕 Happy World Watercolor Month, Day 1! Yippee! I’m so behind on absolutely everything! Lol I haven’t been able to visit blogs or come up for air much, but I’m trying! And I’m excited to see how the watercolors flow for you this month!! 😃💕

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    1. Thanks so much, Jodi! 😃💕 I use a scanner to scan them in. I can never get the light right in my house and it was always coming up too blue or too yellow. So I just slap my sketchbook on the scanner, scan it, crop it and post! Lol It seems to work and is faster than futzing with ambient light.

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  12. What a beautiful leaf Charlie! Leaves were on my mind today as well. I was just looking at heart shaped leaves this morning while walking #1 Grandson to swimming lessons. I took photos with my iphone and said to him, ” I need to come back in afternoon light with a better camera!”

    I’ve thoroughly enjoyed all your bugs this month! There’s more to nature than flowers.

    I bought my first fountain pen which arrived today…unfortunately it has blue ink. I hope to use it this month, and join you just once for #WorldWaterColorMonth.

    Blue ink! Sigh…I’m really going to have to find creativity to utilize that with watercolor! 🙂 Black ink has been ordered and on the way!

    Reply

    1. Aww thanks so much, Deborah! I’m so glad you enjoyed this month! 😃💕 And yay to the fountain pen… I have blue, sepia and black ones. Blue is fun to play with! You HAVE all the creativity you need! Can’t wait to see what you’ll make! (And I’m just going to go ahead and request more than just one please… thank you! 😉)

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  16. Your leaf painting is beautiful and stunning. Love how you are able to be so detailed and yet maintain the lively energy so often found when layering watercolors. Brilliant start to a wonderful month painting the world with watercolor! Hugs and Peace.

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