Written by For our prompt of “Narwhal”today, I opted for a quick little illustration of one decked out for the holidays. I’ve always been fascinated by these creatures. What appears to be a horn is actually an elongated tooth, which just makes them even more endearing. Though it looks like a handy weapon in real life, it’s not used for hunting and its actual purpose still has scientists a bit baffled. Of course, from the Middle Ages through the Renaissance their tooth was much sought after. A rather nefarious trade developed around the act of selling unicorn horns. These sea unicorns were often killed for their horns which were passed off as genuine unicorn horns for incredible prices. Queen Elizabeth apparently purchased one of these unicorn horns for a price that was much higher than the cost of a castle at the time. And like unicorns, they are rather elusive creatures. All attempts to hold them in captivity have failed as the narwhals die within months. But, left alone, they have a life expectancy of up to 50 years. While I’m not sure if they celebrate the holidays, it’s fun to take a little moment to celebrate them.
This particular rendering of a narwhal is a much looser, quicker and more animated style than my usual fare. That’s because my own little narwhal tribute had to be completed in less than 15 minutes. But, when the idea of narwhal popped into my head, this is what appeared there. Something a bit smaller and cuter. Even if they were very tiny, of course, you couldn’t really carry a narwhal around in your pocket safely with that long tooth. But, as I’ve mentioned, this is one creature that refuses to ever be held captive. That spirit of freedom at all costs makes them even more alluring. And even a bit magical. And as the holiday season creeps forward to its amazing finale, I’m in the mood to believe in all sorts of magic. In reality, I’m about to head into a long vacation from work, which I plan well in advance each year so I can enjoy the holidays properly. I still have that little kid feeling that the holidays should involve a bit of an extended break. Yet, even with all of the pre-planning, it’s a race to get everything done before I leave.
So pausing, even very briefly to splash around some paint and make a little narwhal was just what I needed today. I’m still not quite sure how I’m going to get everything done in time, but for just a little moment I only had one little sketch to worry over. That to me, is a wondrous thing indeed! I’ve yet to find anything I could possibly DO that’s more magical than sketching stuff. Instead of spending time worrying over adult deadlines, I stole some time to sketch a sea unicorn. And this bit of stealing is one that even Santa would approve of, I think. One doesn’t lead a bunch of crafty elves without understanding the importance of creating things by hand. That’s why you’ll always find me returning to my little sketchbook each and every day. I just show up like I hope you show up to these posts. Simply taking a moment to see what happens next. And if you too want to start a daily sketching habit, therein lies the secret. It’s never about making a masterpiece, but simply about making something appear. It’s a gift to make something materialize out of nothing but white space, and today’s little offering was humbly inspired by the wonder of the narwhal.
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I bet they celebrate being free. Adorable painting, Charlie, your imaginary narwal all decked out for winter festivities. Fifteen minutes to paint, huh? I’d still be clearing stuff off my table.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, I kind of like the outcome sometimes when I don’t have time to obsess over all the little details. Normally, I’m spend longer than that figuring out what the heck I’m going to make! 😊lol
Your narwhal is beyond adorable! And I thank you for stealing a few minutes this morning to get my post launched after I messed up on the date. I’m glad it did work out to be a good fill-in.
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕Glad you liked him! And no worries at all… it’s a laid back and fun world here at Doodlewash! So, everything usually works out just fine! 😉
He’s wonderful Charlie! It’s so fun to see how different all our posts are each day. That’s part of the fun. But the actual Doing is the past part. Thanks Charlie for this little oasis in our day.
Thanks so much, Karen! 😃💕 Yay to the DOing! And I agree… it’s so fun to see what everyone comes up with for the prompts!
I love narwhals! It’s wonderful how elusive they are. Adorable sketch – he looks playful and ready for Santa.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Glad you liked my little narwhal. They’re such cool creatures!
What a sweet little guy. At one point I didn’t realize narwhals were real, I guess because I’d never seen one at our zoo’s aquarium. I’m glad they are elusive and hopefully can live their full 50 years of life happy in the sea! I love your magical creations each and every day, Charlie, and I hope you have a terrific extended vacation from work! 🎨😍
Thanks, Carol! 😃💕 Yeah, seriously… it’s one of those creatures that you just can’t see in captivity. So, I’ve never seen one either. And thanks… looking forward to a long extended break!
Excellent, as always, Charlie! Something like this would take me an hour or more.
Thanks, Darlene! 😃💕 hehe… something like this would have taken me much longer in the past, but these days, I just sort of go for it. Not always the outcome I’d like, but I rather enjoyed how this guy turned out!
He’s fabulous!
So precious!!! Thanks for the prompt. It is always fun to learn about the different animals or plants etc that show up in the prompts. 🙂
Thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 Yeah, this was a fun prompt. I thought I’d sketched everything, but first time for a narwhal! hehe
I love all the narwhale trivia! I have our annual Xmas book group party this week. We eat, drink, and make merry. Fun times.
Thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this one. And your book group party sounds like a blast!! Enjoy!!
What a fun picture.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕
This is a first time I’ve known this amazing creature. Love your painting, your narwhale is so lovely, Charlie 😍 I love it and want to have one sketch about it 🤩
Thanks so much, Loan! 😃💕 Thrilled you enjoyed my narwhal. They’re such unique creatures… fun to sketch as it turns out!
This is the cutest narwhal ever!!
Aww thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 Glad you liked him!
Your narwhal left me with a smile! (K)
Yay! That makes me smile to know that, Kerfe! 😃💕Glad you enjoyed him!
Nice Narwhal!! I am sure the Narwhals are up at the North Pole right now about to help Santa Claus in his flight around the world. joke.
I really like the hat and the scarf. I think in real life their tusks are even longer, but that would look awkward in a drawing so it is probually good that you took a bit of creative liberty there and didn’t make it as long as the body.
Thanks so much, Shawn! 😃💕 I love the idea of narwhals helping Santa! hehe… and yep… that’s the fun of a more illustrated sketch, you can sort of do whatever you want as long as it looks roughly like the subject. I’m often more realistic so this was fun! Though the length of the tusk was mostly just dictated by the width of my sketchbook page. 😊lol
Another cutie!
Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕
Cutest ever💚 this is great
Thanks so much! Thrilled you enjoyed him! 😃💕
I had heard of Narwhals but I think I had never seen one, until
your lovely illustration. What a magical creature. They truly
are unicorns of the sea. Your pen and brush ( in conjunction with
Big and Little Charlie mindsets) make incredibly enchanting things.
Thanks so much, Sarah! 😃💕 Yeah, I’ve no seen a narwhal in real life either, but that just makes them even more magical!