Written by For our prompt of “Rusty” today, I made a sketch of an abandoned antique car, once again discovered by bunnies. I’ve always wondered what animals must think when they stumble across something massive like this that we humans have simply left behind. I’m sure this car had a story of its own and was once something that was part of many wonderful memories. Yet now, ravaged by time, it’s been reduced to a bit of rusted junk. This particular car wasn’t something that was kept and cherished. It makes me think about all of the stuff that I’ve acquired over the years and what truly matters. While I do have several keepsakes that create a strong emotional connection, the rest of the stuff is simply taking up space. Each year, I break a promise to myself that I will go through the entire house disposing of things I no longer need. But, that seems like a lot of work so I usually just skip it and move on to my other projects that seem like a lot more fun!
One of my recently completed projects was actually something I had also been avoiding. I had a concept for the third book in my Draw Upon A Time series that would be great for Halloween. This is a collection of books where you add your own drawings to help tell the story. Last year, however, I didn’t get it started before it was too late, and was a bit stumped on how to approach it since all of the illustrations would have to be at night. But this year, I was determined to make it happen! And I did! I’m pleased to announce the 3rd book in the series, which called One Little Ghost!
The book is currently available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover versions, so I hope you check it out and grab a copy for yourself, and as a perfect Halloween gift for a child in your life. Or, tell anyone you know who might be looking for some super cute, interactive, spooky fun for their kids during the Halloween season. I would sure appreciate it! I’m very proud of this one, and think it turned out really nicely. If you do pick up a copy, please be sure to leave a review on Amazon, as that’s a huge help. And, well, I always forget to ask.
My hope with this particular series is that they’ll help capture memories, become a sort of keepsake, and be something fun to look back on later in life. Particularly if they’re full of a child’s drawings, but also fun for people of any age to capture what they created once upon a time in the context of a story. This is actually the 7th Sketching Stuff book that I’ve published and that feels like a lucky number and a nice accomplishment. Kudos to Philippe, of course, for putting up with all of my constant projects and wild new ideas of things I’d like to try next. Also to my puppy Elliott as he is always happy and excited to start every single day. Some days, I don’t even feel like getting out of bed. Yet, Elliott insists that everything is better when you smile and take the time to play more.
As ever, I just had news to share so I’m not entirely sure what a book about a little ghost has to do with a rusted car and bunnies. Yet, I think that sharing what we create by hand is definitely one of the most valuable things we can add to life on this little green planet. There’s lots of stuff out there, but things created from the heart are always worth much more. Each creation is another bit of goodness that gets added to the world. In the end, it’s not just what we do each and every day that counts, but also, what we leave behind.
Click Here to Check Out My NEW “One Little Ghost” Book!
About the DoodlewashSketching Stuff Coloring Set – Da Vinci Watercolors: Charlie O’Blue, Quinacridone Red, Yellow Ochre, Leaf Green, Terra Cotta, Ultramarine (Green Shade), and Indigo. ZIG Cartoonist Mangaka Pen with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note and I’ll add it to my shop! |
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I stumbled on your new book by happy accident, and already have it in hand! You did an absolutely fabulous job with it, Charlie and I’m quite pleased to have it sitting next to the other ‘One Little’ books.
Aww thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 I love seeing what you draw in these books… it’s so cool!!
Charlie I think our car was like that when I was a kid. A Pontiac. From the juxtaposition of the rabbits against the car I assume this was a toy. I think I saw one of those too. Maybe my brother’s?
Congrats on your book!!
I’m not sure what kind of car this is actually.. hehe… I just sort of placed things quickly in a sketch! 😃💕 Thanks on the book! It was great to get this one done in time for Halloween this year. I hope people will check it out!
What’s not to love about rabbits and a cool, old car!! Congrats on your 7th book, Charlie! I will be adding it to my collection of your books!!!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 I really appreciate the support!! If you get a chance to leave a review on Amazon, that would be fabulous!
Hello Charlie,
That Doodlewash makes you pause for a minute and think back on stuff. Many congratulations on the 7th book my friend! And whoaaaa… this last paragraph… every sentence is quote-worthy! I read and re-read it several times. You’re an old soul Charlie… a very wise old soul. Loads of love to you 🙂
Love,
Mugdha
Aww thanks so much, Mugdha! 😃💕 I’m happy you enjoyed this post! And thanks on the book… it’s been a year in the making in my head at least, but thankfully I focused on it for real so I could finish it in time for Halloween this year! Much love to you! ❤️
I love you rusty wreck, Charlie. Congratulations on your new book.
Thanks so much, Gary! 😃💕 Rust is rather fun to paint! And thanks on the book… it’s fun to have something for Halloween!
I love the idea of a rusty old relic that can rust! It will return to the elements and become art, a rabbit warren, a place where people stop to remember history and the impermanence of it all. I think the bunnies are fabulous as they stop to ponder, sniff and have lunch🤗
CONGRATS on #7!!🎉 I hope the three of you go celebrate!-some more-sounds like an 🍦🍰🥧 sort of event! Have fun!
Thanks so much!! 😃💕 Yeah, I think the bunnies definitely ponder these rusty relics when they find them. And thanks on the book… tell anyone you know!! hehe… it’s so tough to promote these, but they are super fun to make and I’m really proud of this latest one. Just in time for Halloween!! 😉