Ghost Crab On Beach Bottle Watercolor Painting
By Charlie

Beach Break

Written by Charlie O'Shields

For our prompt of “Beach” today, I thought back to my younger days when I’d have a drink nestled in the sand next to me. Back then it was usually a beer, but today it would probably be sparkling water. Okay, maybe champagne. I added a little crab, because I just think they’re kind of cute, though I don’t think crabs would be able to hold, much less drink, an ice cold beverage in a bottle. So, it likely just comes across as more of a reminder to recycle. It’s now been so long since I’ve spent a day lying on the beach that my memories are starting to fade a bit. What I remember is that glorious feeling of pure relaxation, where time seems to slow down and the world seems peaceful somehow. The sound of the waves rolling up to the shore lulls me into a dreamlike state as I think about everything and nothing at all. It’s a little like the way I feel when I’m sketching. I sort of lose myself in the moment and just enjoy playing with color as an image begins to appear.

Today wasn’t spent on the beach, although that would have been lovely. But, the weather was gorgeous with bright sun and warmer temperatures, so it was still quite wonderful. While walking outside in the city today, I was stopped by an older gentlemen and his son who looked to be in his 30’s. They were a bit lost and asked if I knew where a certain business was located. Even being totally lost, they were both in a great mood because of the lovely day. I also found it charming when the man said, “My son’s Google told him it was on this street.” I pulled out my own phone and found the info they needed to call the place in question. The older gentlemen smiled brightly and then said, “thank you and have a blessed day.” It was such a brief and simple interaction, but it took my already wonderful mood and elevated it even more. I was happy to be a helpful part of their day, and it’s always encouraging to meet nice people. So many who steal the headlines are of questionable integrity, so it’s nice to be reminded that there are still many people are genuinely wonderful.

And, I couldn’t be more thrilled to be heading into a weekend. This one is without plans, so I’m rather excited about that as well. It might just give me a little extra time to sketch or try something totally new! Or, even engage in a bit of nothing at all. What I do know is that I’m going to take this good mood and carry it through the weekend. This evening Philippe and I are having pizza night and it just might include some champagne. I think a lovely day like this one is certainly worth celebrating. I’ll also likely suggest that it’s such a great moment that Philippe should seriously consider baking a cake. He’ll smile that sideways smile without an audible response. It’s a way of saying, “you’re cute to suggest that” without committing to actually doing it. But, it never hurts to suggest such things. Sometimes he’ll be inspired and I’ll actually get that cake. But, no matter what happens, I’ll still be reassured of just how lucky I am. It’s a beautiful thing indeed when a mood glows bright like the sun. It warms the heart and turns each and every moment into a beach break.

Want To Sketch Stuff With Me? Check Out My Activity Book!

About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Hansa Yellow Medium, Quinacridone Red, Cobalt Turquoise, Terra Cotta, Ultramarine (Green Shade), and Indigo. 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!
 Ghost Crab On Beach Bottle Watercolor Painting 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!

See author's posts

Recommended6 recommendationsPublished in By Charlie

33 Comments

0 Shares

33 thoughts on “Beach Break”

  1. I hope you get your cake. When I can’t sleep I imagine myself on a sunny beach, sinking in the sand feeling the warmth on my body – works every time. But I never go to the beach too sun sensitive 🙂 – but memories of my teen years work well. Have a great weekend – love your crab!

    Reply

  7. I love that little crab! Being a beach bum is perhaps the biggest thing MS stole from me. I miss that feeling of languor from swimming and lying in the sun all day. And afterward, I was always ravenous. Grilled chicken, sweet corn, and watermelon were my favorite after beach foods. I feel so privileged to have grown up in Door County surrounded by water.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕You should feel privileged! That was a wonderful thing indeed! And Philippe is sun phobic… it’s a hotter sun with bad UV… much worse than when we were young. If we ever do make it to a beach, he’ll be in a full body suit and carrying a parasol the entire time! hehe

      Reply

  8. He’s such a cute happy crab! I am looking forward to our uneventful weekend. Next week is the big repiping of our home so no doubt I’ll start thinking of things I need to do for it. For tonight, there are no plans ahead of me as far as I am concerned. Lol! I am looking forward to our week of rain however. Makes me giddy.

    Reply

  10. Here’s to walking on a beach, watching crabs and enjoying nice weather. Great post Charlie! I’m late tonight as we went to our local theater to listen to a music group from Quebec and another from Ireland. Good music! I have also been trying to figure out my point of sale app. I received payment for a painting and it took too long to enter it. Note to self “Don’t do this late at night”! Tomorrow is another day. 😴

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Karen! 😃💕 So cool you listen to a group from Quebec and Ireland! French and Irish… sounds a bit like Philippe and I! Fun! And yeah… the tech stuff of today is a lot to figure out… hehe… best done in the morning when we’re fresh!

      Reply

  11. I hope you get your cake Charlie! As it happens, I have a chocolate cake to icing and bring over to friends tonight for dinner. I am going to convince myself I am eating healthy because it was made with avocados. Tomorrow, I am making a gingerbread cake for a family get together. So this is a weekend of cakes! I haven’t had cake since my trip to a resort last month; it isn’t something I usually make or keep around the house so this weekend is an exception.

    Your little crab is delightful. Reminds me of a family trip to Mexico and a crab found on the beach and lots of photos as a sandcastle was built for it.

    Your posts always trigger different memories for me! Have a great weekend Charlie! Enjoy your cake…😉

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Louise! 😃💕I’ve haven’t gotten my cake yet, but there’s always tomorrow! hehe And I’m so thrilled these posts trigger wonderful memories for you! That’s always my hope! And yeah… I’m just a wee bit jealous of all of your desserts! lol

      Reply

Leave Me A Comment!

%d