Episode #60: Watercolor Stories
Hello! It’s Charlie O’Shields, back with another episode of Sketching Stuff! Looking back on my own art journey, there have been so many twists and turns along the way. Sometimes, I thought I might head in one direction and ended up taking an entirely different path. But, one thing has always remained the same and that’s my love of art and stories. Indeed, it’s always been my own hope to write and illustrate my own storybook someday. This goal has always been in the back of my mind from the start, and so no matter what crazy path I take or things I try, I’m always working toward that goal. So, every little thing I create each day is just another page in my own story and a way to progress toward my goal… one little sketch at a time.
This diligence has gotten me closer and closer to my goal. And, there are some days when I DO something with a sketch that sort of surprises me. Sometimes, it’s adding something entirely from memory. This isn’t something I could have done when I first started sketching. I didn’t have a visual library in my head. To get that, it’s taken lots of practice and there are still many things that I simply can’t sketch without a reference. But, little by little I’m learning how to put my imagination on paper and that’s a wonderful thing indeed. And though the process can seem slow sometimes, it’s worth the time it takes. An art journey is less of a short fable and more of an epic tale of adventure. So, I just take it one page at a time, as I tell my watercolor stories.
Wonderful episode, Charlie! i especially enjoyed your telling the story of Snow White. A year or two ago I decided the only versions of Grimm’s Fairy tales that I knew were the Disneyfied versions. So, I went out and bought a book of the Fairy tales and was somewhat horrified by the stories. I am sure that there must be some social or cultural reason why those tales were so grim (no pun intended) and one of these days I will do some research to find out. Have a great weekend!!!
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 hehe… yeah, the Grimm’s Fairy tales are rather grim indeed! And certainly made for the times. The basic stories have survived, but yep… they really needed the updating they received! lol
Thank you! In this time of turmoil, you bring calm and inspiration to me and my studio.
Aww that makes me so happy to know, Lin! 😃💕 So thrilled you’re enjoying the podcast!