Written by Out of all the food sketches I’ve done, tomato and basil seem to reappear the most. There’s just something wonderful about this lovely herb paired with juicy tomatoes. Here’s a quick little doodlewash of this phenomenal pairing. So many things just seem to go well together in life. When you find that wonderful duo, it’s a fabulous thing to experience. Sure, with a little fresh mozzarella added you have the perfect trio, but this is a lovely start. In truth, life seems to be a quest of finding all the right things to put together in just that right order. As an illustrator, I keep playing with various techniques and supplies to find the right mix. What I’ve learned is that there are lots of wonderful combinations of paints, papers, and brushes, and each produces a very different result. I’m currently in love with Sennelier watercolors, but some artists swear by other brands. It’s not simply the tools that are used. The artist is also part of the combo. In the end, the perfect mix in food or art, is always a personal choice.
I’d love to try more things with my art. Be more adventurous and attempt things I’ve never tried before. Time is often against me as I go through phases where I barely have time to paint and write at all. But, I would feel such a loss if I didn’t make the time to paint and write each day. Today was insanely busy, for example, but I just took a deep breath and sat down for a moment to doodlewash a little something. The effect is always amazing. All the stress I felt from my day sort of disappeared and I was transported for a few lovely minutes. Afterwards, I always feel fantastic. There are so many things in life that I’ve tried, but painting is by far the most therapeutic thing I’ve ever encountered. It’s truly a wonder more doctors don’t prescribe it. When I’m faced with the thought of being too busy to paint, I always remind myself that medicine works better when you take it regularly. And so, I will always sit down to paint.
Sure, people around me have thought me a bit crazy to prioritize painting over accepting that invitation to happy hour. And I’m woefully unable to completely justify my actions. How do you explain a singular passion to someone who doesn’t yet have one? That one required thing that makes you excited to begin each day. There’s not really a good reason, just a wonderful feeling that you want to experience again and again. This is likely the same feeling that has managed to plague artists for centuries. While the “normal” people live their lives doing all the things that one might expect, we artists, take a little detour. Lost in our thoughts, and captured by the seduction of the medium that currently possesses us. Whether we paint, sketch, illustrate, write or all of the above, we do it not because we have to, but because we need to. It’s a crucial part of the recipe. And no matter what is happening around us, we know we must always make a little time to go on that elusive quest to find the perfect ingredients.
Join us for the April Art Challenge: Spring Things,
Click Here to Learn More!
About the DoodlewashSennelier L’Aquarelle: Red Orange, Sennelier Red, Phthalo. Green Pale, Phthalocyanine Blue, and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al-Star Fountain Pen – Extra Fine,
|
 |
|
with Platinum Carbon black ink in an A6 
You’ve doodlewashed the perfect snack! I was just discussing this very topic with a fellow artist, Jill. We don’t know where the need comes from, but we are happy to have it. It is so satisfying and soul-renewing to sit and create each day, even for just 10 minutes squeezed in. Maybe that is what keeps us sane, eh Charlie? 😉
Thanks so much, Carol! 😃💕 hehe… so true! or is it what keeps us insane? Much more interesting! lol Either way, it’s the reason to get up each day and enjoy life!
Yummy painting of a very healthy snack. All those tender little grape tomatoes nestled in their box.
If what you’d really like to do is take the time to experiment, may I suggest a few things?
You don’t have to complete a painting each evening – you can begin one and finish it over a few days.
We can take a sneak peek of your progress ever day.
You could also limit your comments to a single sentence and thus have more time to paint.
Just a thought – you’ll follow your own heart of course – and we’ll be here in the wings going, “Yay, Charlie!” whatever you decide.
hehe… Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah, I know! As a fellow word person, you know that limiting my comments is a nearly impossible task! Lol And as for painting over several days, there’s that horrible lack of attention span. I honestly couldn’t bear to face the same painting two days in a row. hehe… but it’s all good! I still manage to make a little something each time. 😉
I love tomatoes!! ^_^ And what you said about normal people not getting how much artists can be passionate about art is so true. I’ve got friends and family who sometimes tell me that it’s a waste of time and that I’m not taking my life seriously -_- It’s very hard to make them understand that to some people art is life, something that frees them from all the worries and stresses in the world and helps them to reenergize themselves. I wish people around me got that 😣😣
Thanks so much! 😃💕 And I know, right? Everyone has a hobby, but I guess art consumes us more than most. Maybe that’s what makes it seem different. Or, it’s simply that if you’ve never created anything, you can never quite understand just how amazing it feels!
I finally planted my basil…now I can look forward to this treat all summer.
Creation makes everyone’s life richer. So true. (K)
Yay! We did as well, Kerfe! 😃💕 I can’t wait until we can enjoy it more. It got cold here again and so we switched back to winter food briefly! hehe
The weather is like a Ping-Pong ball these days for sure.
I, for one, am glad you forgo the occasional happy hour to carve out time for your art! With this lovely drawing and post I think you’ve shown us the recipe not just for a perfect snack, but for a happy life: Set your own priorities, and follow your bliss. Happy Thursday to you, Charlie. 🙂
Thanks so much, Heide! 😃💕 Yeah, I think that following our own bliss is the real secret to a happy life. It’s definitely served me well so far. Happy Thursday to you as well!!
Yum! I actually had a caprese salad for today’s lunch. It was delicious.
Yum!! Well done!! Best lunch ever!! hehe Thanks, Laura! 😃💕