Written by And so begins a brand new journey. Today is the first official day of a new tour! I’ve left France in exchange for a little exploration of the Paris of the Plains, my hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. I’m starting with a little doodlewash of KC’s urban nature inspired by a photograph taken by my good friend and original KC Chronicler, Jeromey Bell (follow him on Instagram @the_kansascity_chronicles). His photos of Kansas City are brilliant!
I’m also taking a big flying leap outside my comfort zone by not starting with architecture (though I did consider a portrait to really push the envelope, but that will have to wait a bit as I’m terrified). This is only my second attempt at nature and my first real flower drawing (the previous one was hiding in a Baby Banana Tree). But, as summer comes to a close soon, I wanted to capture something sunny.
I also wanted to move back to light pencil and mostly watercolor for this doodlewash. This time I grabbed only my Quinacridone Gold, Sap Green, French Ultramarine Blue, Cobalt Turquoise, and Neutral Tint (the last is my new M. Graham color, and I’m determined to collect more! Really great paint! I wanted the M. Graham Cobalt Teal, but they were out when I went to the store). The sky would have used Cobalt Teal, but in this one I used Winsor & Newton Cobalt Turquoise with a hit of French Ultramarine Blue to calm it down.
Summers in Kansas City can get really hot and humid, but this year has proven to be much more tolerable. I’m honestly ready for fall, but Philippe and the dog love the sun so I’m not wishing too hard for it yet. I’m hoping to get outside and sketch plein air soon, as there are several places I’d like to show you. Hope you’ll join me for another trip! It’s so much more enjoyable with friends along for the ride!
Awww, the flower of the Sunflower State… So nice! I know that this is Kansas and not Missouri – isn´t it strange that Kansas City is located in Missouri and not in KS? Or am I wrong? Anyway, your sunflower is really beautiful!!! There´s so much light in this picture!!! 🌻🌞
Thanks Ann! You’re right…Kansas City’s main urban core is on the Missouri side, although there is a Kansas City, Kansas. But these little flowers cross the line. Nobody told them they couldn’t! Hehe Glad you like it!! Thanks!! 😃
Ah, thanks for the information! 😊
Very nice. I’m really attracted to the edges of that leaf: white, green and deep green. The sunflower is really good. Good job with the clouds
Thanks!! I wasn’t sure on these clouds as first, even they’re different from what I’ve done. Glad you like the leaves…I just used Sap Green but watered it down to make it really transparent for light green. Wasn’t sure how to simulate the light shining through so tried that. Hehe
You nailed it
Thanks friend!!!
I love that perspective of looking up at the sunflower which is reaching for the sky!
It’s cool right? That’s what inspired me!!
I love your sunflower. It is my favorite flower it represents my businesses brand as well.
Glad you like it Damita!! That’s a great image for a brand!! This sunflower is thereby dedicated to Ujima Magazine! (And it was inspired by a local African American street photographer…not in Austin though)
Thanks so much!! That makes me happy. Looking forward to more of your work. I’m learning to use watercolor it’s the easiest for me to learn. Thanks again!!
Awesome! And that makes me happy!! So glad to know you’re learning watercolors. When you want to be a guest doodlewash post here, just let me know! 😃👍🏻
I sure will. Thanks!
I love sunflowers! I did one in paper collage last year and used a wood burning tool for the seeds in the center. Yours is awesome! May have to try painting one too! 🌻🌻🌻
Thanks Jill! Oh my gosh…that sounds incredibly awesome and super hard! I can only handle a pen or pencil, and a few watercolors! Lol And you should definitely try!!! Would love to see it!
Really different feel without the ink. I think the clean look complements the subject. Reaching for the sky! (K.)
Thanks Kerfe! Yeah…ink didn’t feel right for all those soft lines. Fun to break out and try something different!
Beauteous!!
Thanks so much Jodi!! 😉😃
Charlie, you have a wonderful appreciation and affinity for the soft lines subjects. Really love this without the starkness of the pen. Love the sky too and your beautiful color choices. Rock on with your awesome self. 👍👏😊🎨
Hehe… Thanks Laura!! ❤️Who knew I could pull off soft lines! Though I still love architecture and my pen. I got a new brush pen that’s begging for action. Don’t worry…I still owe you a portrait at some point! 😉😃👍🏻
You’re unstoppable!! :))))
Pretty much!! But that’s why you love me!! Lol 😉
Lovely! Lookin’ forward to seeing the wide open spaces and the urban as well. 🙂
Thanks!! And glad you’re coming along for the trip Janina! Wouldn’t be the same without you!! 😉😃
…I’ll carry the drinks… 😎
Perfect Janina! Lol …I knew I liked you!! 😉
Nice blues, and viewpoint here. It’s as if you are a little bug, looking up the sunflower. Nice!
Hehe…thanks!! And everyone gets to be little bugs for a moment?! Awesome!! That’s sooo fun!!!
Yes, I’m pretending to be a tiny spider, spinning my web amongst the leaves below. What a view! 😄
Hehe! You make me smile Nancy!! You’d be fun to sketch with! 😃👍🏻
Aww, thanks, Charlie! If you’re ever in Charleston…😉
Never been actually! But who knows one day! And if you’re ever in Kansas City… 😉
Maybe Hallmark will finally recognize my artistic genius…😅
They definitely should! You’re amazing!
Shucks. 🙂
This sunflower is so light and airy, I love it! I keep seeing sunflowers on the roadside as I rush to and from work. I keep thinking I should stop and spend more time observing them and ultimately painting them.
Thank you for sharing this delightful flower, a perfect start to a new visual journey!
Thanks Cathe!! You’re so sweet! And yes…pull off that road and sketch one! Hehe…you should definitely paint one. I’d love to see it!! 😃👍🏻
Beautiful welcome to the start of a new journey. The lack of ink seems to give it a lighter feel, very upbeat. Love the perspective, gives it a positive feel. Nicely done!
Thanks Haunani! It was quite a change for me, but I like how it came out! Glad you do too!!
Awesome painting! Such bright colors, I love the angle you painted it at!
Thanks so much Megan!! What a wonderful compliment! I’m so happy you like it friend! 😃
🙂
Ah, your sunflower is a welcome bit of spring on a cold winter’s day!
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕