Written by After seeing today’s prompt of “barbecues and bonfires” my mind went inexplicably to pickles. More specifically, a giant jar of pickle slices as these used to always appear at my summer family gatherings. So I quickly rendered one hear with just a couple colors and a bit of neutral tint. I’m not entirely sure if hamburgers even had to be part of the menu, the jar would be there for anyone who wanted a slice, because, apparently, pickles go with everything. I’m not personally sure this is true and I’m rather picky about my pickles. I don’t like the sweet kind, often called bread and butter pickles. I prefer them tangy, when I actually have them. It occurred to me that it’s been ages since I’ve had a pickle slice. But the memories of that jar are super special to me. It’s funny that sometimes, the things you remember most are least significant things of all. At least in the moment. But, over time, those little things become the very fabric of our memories and these are the things that always make me smile, and why I love to paint them.
As we reach the middle of this 31 watercolors in 31 days challenge, I hope each of you are hanging in there with me! I’ve done this every day for over two years, and know just how tough it can be to keep going as the middle of the month hits. I still struggle to come up with something to paint each day. Even more so, something to actually say about it that makes any sort of sense in these posts. Bless you for reading these little rambles by the way. Unlike most sites, I don’t pre-plan my content on a chart and try to deliver things that a search algorithm might love. I just paint and write as I go from the heart and hope that what I have to say that day is something that might be interesting to someone. From the way I paint to the way I blog, I’m doing everything perfectly “wrong” according to the experts. But, I truly believe that the world needs a little dose of reality from time to time. A real person, writing a real blog with stories they care about, is a truly beautiful thing! A huge hug and shout out to all my fellow bloggers out there who simply share what they love each and every day!
And for those reading all the way to the end of my posts, I have something to give to you again today! Today, I’m changing it up a bit, and this one is only available if you’ve not yet gotten a free sample from me or won a prize in an official World Watercolor Month giveaway this month. (by the way there are tons of giveaways this month, so I made a page here for you to check, that lists the current ones so you can enter!) So, if you haven’t gotten anything yet during this most festive of global celebrations, then now’s your chance! I’ve got 10 Cheap Joe’s American Journey Sample Sets to give to those first 10 people who comment on my site and let me know they want one with “Watercolor Is Wonderful!” Thanks to each of you for making this year’s World Watercolor Month an amazing event. I love seeing people posting their first-ever watercolors online in July! I have all of my first attempts housed on this site and in a stack of sketchbooks in the corner. They’re very special memories to me, even the ones that weren’t particularly wonderful. They remind me of the moment, and that’s the most important memory of all, like a big jar of pickles.
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About the DoodlewashM. Graham Watercolors: Azo Green, Cobalt Blue, and Neutral Tint. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with black ink in an A6 Hahnemühle Watercolor Book. |
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Watercolour Is Wonderful! So are your pickles!
(even though I’ve already won a prize)
Thanks so much, Susan!! 😃💕 Yep you have already! Yay!!
I guess you are sweet enough but mean ole me needs that sweet stuff! Bread and Butter pickles are my favorite!!
Awww… hehe… I get plenty of sweet from desserts! And yay to loving those. Many in my family did as well! 😉
You’re the best, Charlie, for hosting this site and World of Watercolor Month. Thanks so much for all you do for this community.
Thanks so much, Sharon! 😃💕 I’ve thought I’ve had passion projects in the past, but I’ve never been more passionate about a project before. It’s my honor and pleasure to host World Watercolor Month and create this site for all of us to enjoy!
“Watercolor is Wonderful!”
It is!! 😃💕And so is getting a free sample! hehe Send me a note here with your name and address and I’ll have one sent: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Watercolor is wonderful!!
I’ve already got you down for a prize this month, Pat, so you’re not eligible for today’s, but keep checking back! 😃💕
And so is Charlie!!
Aww.. hehe… the prize for that comment is a BIG HUG!! 💕
Yipppeee! A hug is the best PRIZE of all!
Watercolor is wonderful
Yay! It is! And you’ve got a prize coming, Michelle!! 😃💕
Watercolor is wonderful! And so are you and the sponsors for these generous prizes!
I may already have won something so if I have, please disregard this comment!
hehe! Yes! You have one coming to you already now! Yay! 😃💕
It’s our pleasure!! 😃
Watercolor Is Wonderful!
It is!! 😃💕And so is getting a free sample! hehe Send me a note here with your name and address and I’ll have one sent: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Not sure if ive won anything.. Watercolor Is Wonderful!” .. And it truly is.. Charlie thanks for giving us a place such as this..
Yep! 😃💕I’ve got you down for something already, Tamiko, but I still need your address… send it to me via my contact form here: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Watercolor is wonderful! I already won this, but just saying!
Excellent, Lisa! hehe… I really don’t think we can say that enough! 😃💕
Watercolor is wonderful!! 😊
It is!! 😃💕And so is getting a free sample! hehe Send me a note here with your name and address and I’ll have one sent: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Your pickles are wonderful and so is watercolor! (just sayin’, I know I’ve already won stuff)
Thanks!! And it’s fun to say isn’t it?? hehe And couldn’t be more true! 😃💕
Watercolor is wonderful! And so are your blogs and your doodles. Thank you for the inspiration.
Aww thank you SO much, Mary!! 😃💕 And I already have you down for a prize, so I’m giving virtual hugs instead.
It is so refreshing that you don’t use some algorithm to give us what reads like canned content! Your authenticity is just wonderful and makes the community feel that much more like a real community in these crazy digital days 🙂 As for pickles, I love both dill and sweet mixed together on the same hotdog, hamburger or plain on a fork.
Thanks!! 😃💕Yeah, everything is sort of old-fashioned here on Doodlewash. Trying to bring back the good ole days when people just blogged and connected without having to game a system or have a ton of money. It’s it funny that now even digital has its good old days? hehe – And yeah, I actually just like a little pile of pickles on the side to jab with a fork! hehe
I have already won but just had to say I really like how you painted your pickle jar. Looks just like the real thing.
Aww thanks so much, June!! I’m glad you liked it! 😃💕
Hi Charlie, may I ask… are the giveaways only for US?? If so I’ll stop breaking my neck trying to read the blog within moments of you publishing, as I’m sadly all the way in Australia (and a bit disappointed). Loving painting, and the wonderful pieces everyone is sharing, nonetheless (but it would also be nice to be part of the excitement).
The samples I give out here can normally ship to most locations internationally! I’ll say if they’re only US and Canada. (Nothing this year is U.S. only for the official event! Yay!)
And so … you got a sample!! YAY! Send me a note via my contact form here with your address: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Also, you’re eligible to enter the Winsor & Newton giveaway and the Cheap Joe’s Giveaway on this page: https://doodlewash.com/world-watercolor-month-july/official-world-watercolor-month-giveaways/
Hi Charlie, that is fantastic news… thank you!!! I will happily keep reading, your blog is wonderful… so much information and I simply love your enthusiasm! (I need to know your secret!)
No secret! lol Lots of coffee, a bit of wine, and a fierce childlike optimism!! 😉
Watercolor is Wonderful !!! thanks Charlie, your site is wonderful too.
Aww thanks so much, Vicki! 😃💕So happy you like Doodlewash! And yay to freebie! Send me a note here with your address via my contact form here: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Watercolour is wonderful and your articles are so much fun”
Aww thanks, Tamra! 😃💕So happy you like the stories! And I already have you down for a sample, but need to know where to send it! Send me a note with your address via my contact form here: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Charlie you aren’t doing anything wrong at all. I love coming and ready your little stories. They put a smile on my face. The pickles cracked me up,because I remember them being at every picnic and BBQ too, not matter what we were actually eating. And watercolor is wonderful… it makes me happy to splash paint around every day and I know it does for you too.
Thanks so much, Sandra! 😃💕 Hehe… yeah, pickles were required at every event! And yes to splashing paint around each day… it’s soooo wonderful!! (and yep, you’ve already won prizes, so yay! hehe)
While I believe there is always something to learn and improve regarding art, there is no wrong way and no right way, just the way that works for you. You might some day like to take a class or follow a video, but if all you do is practice painting every day, you will learn a great deal on your own and you will improve.
I’m not qualified for today’s giveaway but I took a look at the offer – what a terrific idea, to provide sample sets of colors. Similar to the dots, but these are in refillable tins, Cheap Joe’s has a great concept here.
Totally agree, Sharon! 😃💕 Today’s guest artist has the same philosophy! And isn’t this a cool sample set? I think it’s awesome, though I don’t have one myself😊… hehe… I’m just haven Joe’s send stuff to all of you!
I never check my computer after cocktail hour so I’ll never sign on in time but I still think watercolor is wonderful!
Actually, I have you down for a prize already, Kaye, but I don’t have your address yet to send it! Send me a note with your address via my contact form here: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Watercolors are wonderful and I appreciate the inspiration! I have always used acrylics and only just started dabbling in watercolors a few months ago. This challenge is keeping me motivated to paint daily and if not paint, I at least sketch my painting for the next day. Thank you!
Yay! I’m so happy to hear that Jenn! Watercolor is SO fun! Glad you’ve started trying it! 😃💕 And so is getting a free sample! hehe Send me a note here with your name and address and I’ll have one sent: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Watercolor Is Wonderful!
I think Im late, but im so happy to find this page 😀 i look foward to see and share our art
You’re not too late, Vivs! You’ve gotten a sample!! 😃💕yay! Send me a note here with your name and address and I’ll have one sent: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Thank you so much 😀 I’ve just sent you my address 😀
Watercolour is wonderful! And fun, and so is your blog. I enjoy the leaps your mind makes from a given subject to what you produce.
Aww thanks, Andra! 😃💕hehe… yeah, I’m not always literal with prompts… it’s so much fun that way! And so is getting a freebie! I have one for you!! Send me a note here with your name and address and I’ll have one sent: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
Charlie, I cannot imagine an algorithm that could possibly apply to Doodlewash! Of course I love your paintings, but the best really is following your mind’s path both through memories and through the creation of each painting. Thanks for the unique light you are bringing into the world each day!
Aww that’s such a sweet compliment!! Thank you so much for that, Ellie! 😃💕 It makes me happy to know that people enjoy these posts. The painting has become second nature, but the stories and writing are often the hardest part. 😊 I’m so happy to have come up with an idea to paint and then think… what the heck am I going to say about this?! Lol Hence the rambling.
I think I’ve won a sample already, but watercolor is wonderful. Looking at those pickles makes my mouth pucker up and the insides tingle. I love the tangy ones, too. I remember jars of ‘Polski Wyrobi’ polish pickles. Yum. I have two home-grown cucumbers brought back from NC, by my neighbor. They’re sitting on my kitchen counter, begging to be painted 😀
Yep you already have a sample coming, Eliska! Yay! 💕😃 And you totally need to paint those! Slice ’em up a bit first to add more interest and then it’s also a perfect excuse to devour them immediately after! Yum!!
Watercolor is wonderful and so is your blog!
Aww thanks so much, Leada! 😃💕 Send me a note here with your full name and address and I’ll send you a sample: https://doodlewash.com/contact/
I love your artwork and you always have a good story to go along with the artwork.
Aww thanks so much! That’s such a wonderful comment! So happy you enjoy my posts! 😃💕
The experts can suck it. You’re putting out content (both painting and blog-wise) that is useful and beautiful. If that’s a problem to the experts, well…they can have their little markety blogs over there with the nerd table.
🙂
The pickles look so real.
Thanks so much! 😃💕