# Pulling Earth #22: Orbinges and water colour

By [Pulling Earth](https://paragraph.com/@pulling-earth) · 2022-02-17

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![Orange sketch water coloured. Feb 2, 2022.](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/55dc3ccbb84b50609930059a1c14185ccddd42beebaea8de385948c655905237.gif)

Orange sketch water coloured. Feb 2, 2022.

_Previously posted on_ [_pullingearth.substack.com_](http://pullingearth.substack.com)_. Feb 2, 2022._

I have been thinking about a few ideas for my sketches recently. Today looks like it’ll work to try one out. I begin by sourcing the thinnest watercolour paper I can find—I need it to fit in the printer—and print almost 20 of my [Christmas Eve oranges](https://email.mg2.substack.com/c/eJxVkMtuwyAQRb8m7GLxTPCCRTf9DcRj4qDY2IUhkf--JKnUVoxgcYcZnRMcwrSW3SBUJNta0eK-gcnwqDMgQiGtQrEpGhKNjEwrTVK1lwKwuDQbLA3I1vycgsO05menoieuObkaqqIbxTkK7rg_-XFUgToGwXMlAOT4XuhaTJADGLhD2dcMZDZXxK0exMeBf_ba2jynPIEreB1q8xVduA1hXZ7Zb358NRyZJMlwyntR0Q8TdOADlxoYD_2CziDHYbqFrwuEx0HSZeL_xpJiPITgorvD3vPpifoKOqnt79Jywt1Cdn6G-JaAb4cvLXaCDKW7jdahYScptDrzkUnxw9wtSc2YlmdF-ua49l_Z_OX8Bub1i6o). Next, I need some usable watercolours—I am sure there is a stray paint set in the crafts cupboard. Nothing. I ask Violet if she would let me use one of her kits. Nope! Apparently, I am not responsible enough . . . I didn’t return her set the last time. To the local art shop I go. This feels exciting. When was the last time I purchased a paint set for myself? Have I ever? All this leading to an afternoon of painting.

![](https://storage.googleapis.com/papyrus_images/5313b246b6a324911d309a00b5dee4315d2a05847fc5838aa19bd69a93c8b9fa.jpg)

I lay out each orange print. My vision is simple: one colour per orange. Despite a desire to paint them all in one sitting, I am relaxed and content with a brush in my hand. I am caught with how colour changes each one. How the brush strokes add depth and life. So much better than painting a wall!

I tell each family member that these are orbinges not oranges. I am harkening back to an early pandemic Sunday cafe I would run called “Himiney Orbinge”—we needed something to mark the weekend. They are moderately interested. Violet wants to paint her own. How can you not want an orbinge?

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*Originally published on [Pulling Earth](https://paragraph.com/@pulling-earth/pulling-earth-22-orbinges-and-water-colour)*