Playful Splashes – Sketching Stuff Activity Books

Charlie from Doodlewash has written two activity books (for people of all ages) called Sketching Stuff Nature and Sketching Stuff Food. I’ve always admired Charlie’s “coloring book illustrations” and his watercolor style, leaving in so much white for brightness. He is a master of illustrating and painting transparent objects like glass, ice, etc. Although our painting styles are quite different, I enjoyed reading about his process and how he creates his artwork.

Scribble art is something we all probably did in elementary school. The goal is to scribble on paper without lifting the pencil and then find objects in the abstract shapes. When I started scribbling on my watercolor paper, my husband looked at me like I had gone mad! Right away I saw Mary holding Baby Jesus, so I painted those images and then decided to paint all of the sections hoping to make it look like stained glass. Honestly, this was a fun project and very relaxing, too.

Scribble Art

Charlie does his drawings in waterproof inks and then colors them in. I usually draw with pencil and then add watercolor, but I liked the look of my paintings outlined with waterproof pens.

Pen and Watercolor Flower
from Sketching Stuff Activity Book Nature

Pen and Watercolor Acorn
from Sketching Stuff Activity Book Nature

Pen and Watercolor Bananas
from Sketching Stuff Activity Book Food

Pen and Watercolor Onions
from Sketching Stuff Activity Book Food

These paintings were done by following the tutorials in the Sketching Stuff books, and I wish I had this knowledge when starting out. Honestly, if you or your children want to learn to make fun and interesting doodle and illustration artwork, these books will get you started. With so many people under the stay-at-home orders, now is the perfect time! All you need is some paper, drawing and coloring mediums of your choice, and your imagination. Stay well!