Fox Snow Scene Watercolor Illustration
By Charlie

A Fox In The Snow

Written by Charlie O'Shields

For our Doodlewash prompt of “Fox,” combined with the Inktober prompt of “Snow,” we have a sleepy little fox in the woods. There used to be a little red fox that lived in the cemetery next to our home and we could watch him from our window. Seeing that familiar pop of bright rusty orange in the white snow, was always a wonderful sight. Sadly, the little fox disappeared and we haven’t seen one in a couple of years now. I read once that red foxes were “edge species” who like to be on the boundary of two different habitats, like where woodlands meet grasslands or open areas. As it turns out, much of the way we humans like to develop our parks and cities creates a rather perfect habitat for these foxes. And I love the idea of being an “edge species” as it’s like having the best of both worlds. Indeed, I think I’m similar in that I love being out in the open at times, but really enjoy being able to retreat back into my den whenever I want.  Yet, as the weather gets chillier this time of year, you’ll find me seeking a much warmer spot by the fireplace, likely with a mug of hot chocolate.

I love the cozy feel of the cooler weather, and in truth, I might be part fox as the cold doesn’t really bother me that much. I actually far prefer it to the hot, humid days of summer. Both Philippe and our dog Phineas, on the other hand, get cold quite easily. Today, a huge cold front moved in dropping the temperature by 20 degrees overnight. My guys were not happy about that, but I totally adored it! Phineas came back from his walk sniffing disapproval and Philippe was hugging himself like he’d just crossed the Arctic tundra.

Day 11 - Fox Snow Scene Inktober Illustration

The heat had kicked on in our house and I made a point to check it to make sure it was at a reasonable temperature. The thermostat in our house has become a bit of a game. Philippe will raise the temperature on the sly, and then I’ll slyly lower it once more. If I’m able to outfox him during this time of year, he’ll often give in and just wander through the house wearing a fleece blanket like he’s coming down with a cold. Phineas just disappears under various blankets throughout the house and we have no idea where he is most of the time.

As much as I love the cold, I doubt I could sleep on the snow as contently as the little creature I sketched today. But, it’s at least nice to know we do share things in common. I’ve felt like I’ve been staying in the woods much of the time when it came to my art. I wasn’t quite bold enough to venture out into the grasslands. They say that “living on the edge” means one has an adventurous sort of life. But, in truth, the real adventure comes when you travel past the edge and dare to move into something totally new. Nothing dangerous, of course, simply the exciting chance to free oneself from that silly burdens of fear and habit. That’s something I’m striving to do in these most recent sketches. Trying things that feel a lot less comfortable, without that safe feeling of knowing I’ll actually be able to do it successfully. But, my real goal isn’t even the art, it’s simply conquering that fear of trying. And then, seeing where that takes me next. Best of all, each sketch makes me a touch more confident, so my art can grow even bolder and more discernible, like a fox in the snow.

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About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Aureolin, Vermilion, Benzimida Orange,, and Ultramarine (Green Shade). Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen (Broad Nib) with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note with a link to this post, and I’ll add it to my shop!
 Fox Snow Scene Watercolor Illustration Sketchbook Detail

Charlie O'Shields

Creator of Doodlewash, founder of World Watercolor Month (July), World Watercolor Group, and host of the Sketching Stuff Podcast. Sharing watercolor illustrations and stories while proudly featuring talented artists from all over the world!

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27 thoughts on “A Fox In The Snow”

  3. I love foxes. I wish I could afford on of Belyaev’s domesticated foxes (have you ever heard of his study in domesticating them? It’s fascinating) but even if I could afford the $8,000 or $9,000 plus air fees to have them shipped, I don’t think they would be legal in Oregon.

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  6. He’s a fine fox! What does the Fox say? 😂😂 I think in the whole time we have lived here, going on 20 years, I have only seen one fox. That seems odd to me living here in the country and kind of on the woods/field edge. There are coyote around, so maybe they don’t mix well with fox?

    Any way, stretch those painterly muscles. You’re doing great!

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    1. Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕 haha! Oh now that what does a fox say song is in my head!! lol Yeah, I don’t think coyotes get along well with most other animals. And thanks for the vote of confidence… I’m gonna keep stretching those painterly muscles and see what happens next!

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  10. Oh my gosh! He’s so cute. My brother has a female fox that comes into his yard. He leaves her food occasionally. (He lives out on the edge….lol). She also brings her babies through during pup season. Cool thing to see and that she trusts him.

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    1. Thanks so much, Lori! 😃💕Glad ya liked my little fox! And yeah, the one that used to live nearby would come right over to us as well (for food of course, not conversation… hehe). They’re such lovely little creatures!

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  11. The fox is gorgeous. One of those pieces of art that keeps calling you back and I keep going back, as if I expect he’ll lift up his contented head at any second. I love the word-
    picture you painted with the last couple of lines. I can see it as clearly as if you had painted it with a brush or drawn it with a pen.

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