Charlie O’Shields - Creator of Doodlewash®
Welcome to our new artist profile series, where we dive into the minds and creative processes of inspiring artists from around the world. Every now and then we'll bring you stories, insights, and personal journeys from some of the most talented artists in the industry.
Meet Charlie O'Shields
Kicking off our series, we have the incredible Charlie O'Shields, the mastermind behind Doodlewash. Charlie is known for his vibrant and whimsical watercolour sketches that capture the beauty in everyday moments. Through Doodlewash, he has built a global community of watercolour enthusiasts, encouraging artists of all levels to share their work and passion for the medium. Join us as we explore Charlie's artistic journey, his inspirations, and the story behind Doodlewash.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background in art?
Charlie O’Shields
My name is Charlie O’Shields, but I also go by Charlie O. I’m an author/illustrator and passionate dreamer who loves to tell stories. In truth, I’m really just a big kid at heart.
I graduated with a degree in Studio Art, with an emphasis in computer graphics. I originally thought I wanted to be a 3D animator, but quickly realized it was way more technical than my messy mind would allow. I ended up becoming a Creative Director instead and worked in various fields including website design, online gaming, advertising, photo direction, product development, and now packaging design.
For over 20 years, though, I was only directing others and I didn’t draw or paint a thing.
What inspired you to become an artist?
I originally wanted to be a writer and always dreamed of illustrating my own books. The thing about dreams is that they can often seem unattainable if left only in one’s imagination. Then back in 2015, my husband Philippe brought home a little set of watercolours. I watched him painting with them and thought that it looked like quite a lot of fun. So, I tried them as well. I painted a tree that looked rather like a tree, and it suddenly made me feel like an artist. So, from that moment on, I simply kept painting every day. For 2,000 consecutive days I posted a new watercolour illustration along with a personal essay online. I don’t even know if I considered it art or if I thought of myself as an artist. I just had a passion to create and share stuff. I’ve now published 7 Sketching Stuff™ books so far and hope to inspire other people to create like a kid again!
How would you describe your artistic style?
I think my personal brand is also how I would describe my style – Sketching Stuff. My method is always ink and watercolour. I just doodle an idea into existence and then colour it in a style that’s a touch messy and maybe a bit like a nostalgic storybook. I think everyone has a unique style that’s inherent to them and it’s there from the moment they start to create something. It’s inescapable. And I think that’s a beautiful thing!
Your Artistic Process
What do you love about the medium of watercolour?
I love mixing colours and watching colours blend together on the page. It’s a fast and fun way to colour ink drawings and even “mistakes” can turn out beautifully. I tend to use a bit less water so I’m never waiting too long for layers to dry. I have the patience of a six-year-old child. In art school, they only taught acrylic painting and I didn’t like it at all. In fact, I decided I was not a painter and painting just wasn’t for me. Thankfully, watercolour came along and changed my mind.
Pink Donuts And Coffee Mug With Spoon Watercolor Painting Illustration
Do you have any specific techniques, subjects or tools that you favour?
I refer to my own approach as Scribble, Doodle, Colour. I start with a quick pencil sketch of my idea and then I use waterproof ink to doodle my final drawing. I adore using fountain pens as the scratch of the nib on paper is a very satisfying sound. Then I use watercolour to colour my drawings. I’ve used the same 12-colour system for years and recently released it as my Sketching Stuff™ Colouring Set with Da Vinci Watercolours, a non-toxic pan set of 12 professional watercolours. I also worked with them to create a non-toxic version of Cobalt Turquoise that’s a touch more sky than ocean. It’s named Charlie O’Blue and is, not surprisingly, my current favourite colour.
Cat In Tree Twisted Branches Perspective Watercolor Palette Illustration
Inspirations
How do you stay inspired and motivated to create?
Sometimes, creating can feel like I’m working in a vacuum and get a bit lonely. Even though I’m an introvert, I very much enjoy painting things with others online. I host monthly prompted challenges on Doodlewash and I’ve found these to be super inspiring. It’s fun to see what others come up with for the same prompt each day. I only show up weekly now, as I have too many other projects going, but each time I’m always excited and motivated to create more.
Projects
Are there any upcoming projects or exhibitions you’re excited about?
I always have several new projects that I’m working on at any given time. Most recently, I participated in National Novel Writing Month last November. I ended up with a first draft of a cozy mystery novel, which has always been a dream of mine.
Next up, is the 9th year of one of my other passion projects which is World Watercolor Month in July. I founded July as World Watercolour Month back in 2016, just a year into my watercolour journey. It’s also a 31 watercolours in 31 days art challenge to inspire the world to create with watercolour, though it’s really just a jump in when you can and participate event. It’s made possible by brand sponsors and there are also limited-edition souvenir products for sale thanks to our Artist Ambassadors. The shop is only open during June and July and 100% of profits go to the International Child Art Foundation (of which I’m also on the advisory board). I’ve always been passionate about supporting artists, especially our future artists!
Day 17 - Goldfish Jumping Out Of Bowl Watercolor Painting Illustration
After that, I’ll be appearing again in the 2024 Sketchbook Revival Workshop coming in late September. I rarely do workshops and almost never make appearances on video, so it’s something rather unique for me that’s always fun to do.
Advice and Insights
What advice would you give to aspiring artists?
Make something new every single day. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece. Art is simply a practice. It’s a journey that’s filled with amazing insights and unique reveals along the way. Sometimes, you’ll create something amazing and other times, not so much. The goal should always be to simply show up and create.
How do you handle creative blocks or challenges in your work?
If I’m feeling blocked or particularly uninspired, I stop whatever I’m doing and start doodling. I set a timer for one minute and doodle like a maniac, letting my mind wander so I’m barely thinking about what I’m drawing. Then, once the timer goes off, I always find I can’t stop. I just keep right on doodling. And, in those scribbles of thought I’ll find a little something that’s sure to ignite my creativity again.
Octopus Holding Phone Coffee Mug Looking At Laptop Computer Watercolor Illustration
Personal
Can you share a fun fact about yourself that people might not know?
I was a professional singer/actor, tap and jazz dance instructor, occasional clown for restaurant openings, newspaper editorial cartoonist, and licensed real estate assistant during college to pay for my art degree. I didn’t get a single “real job” until I was 26 years old and became a Creative Director.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating art?
I love to read books most of all. Fictional stories are my favorite as I adore jumping inside a writer’s imagination. I also enjoy playing games on my Nintendo Switch. I prefer story-driven games. Additionally, I love to attend live theater shows. I guess you could say that if I’m not in the act of creating my own stories, I’m always enjoying the stories of others.
Website: sketchingstuff.com
Watercolour Website & Community: doodlewash.com
World Watercolour Month (July): worldwatercolormonth.com
If you are interested in learning to paint in watercolour, I have over 170 online, voiced over watercolour tutorials for all skill levels.
