Day 4 #WorldWatercolorMonth Fourth of July Dessert Blueberry Cheesecake With Strawberries
By Charlie

Day 4: #WorldWatercolorMonth

Written by Charlie O'Shields

It’s Independence Day here in the United States, a day to commemorate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Happy 4th of July to those of you out there celebrating! I figured I needed something red, white and blue in honor of the day, but didn’t really feel like painting a flag. Then I thought I might try our national bird, the bald eagle, as I rather like drawing birds, but changed my mind because eagles always look a bit pissed off about something. Likely the economy. So, in the end, I just opted for a somewhat patriotic dessert that contained roughly the appropriate color palette. I figured even eagles couldn’t scowl when it comes to dessert.

I have mentioned before that I share a birthday with Thomas Jefferson who drafted the Declaration of Indepence, which is kind of cool. Though sharing a birthday with someone is akin to sharing an eye color and not particularly notable when you think about it. Despite this, it’s often fun for people to look up what celebrity they share a birthday with, but I’ve never had to as my celebrity was always Thomas Jefferson. As a geeky little chubby kid I was proud to receive my 2 dollar bill each year, emblazoned with what some artist decided his face looked like. It didn’t make me cool to the other kids, of course, but in my heart, I knew I must be totally cool so I didn’t care much that they failed to notice.

Sure, Mr. Jefferson had a dark side which every politician had at the time and continues to have to this day. But the ideas were strong enough to last over 200 years. It would have been amazing, of course, if he’d thought to write that “everyone is created equal” rather than just men, but that was a side effect of the times. I like the idea of everyone being equal and so I’m going to just assume that’s what he really meant. And since we share a birthday, I’m going to salute that idea on this 4th of July. If you’re one of the thousands of watercolor painters out there celebrating World Watercolor Month, I hope you know that you’re all created equal as well. Equally awesome! Much love and happy painting!

Join us for World Watercolor Month in July! Click here to learn more! 

About the Doodlewash

M. Graham watercolors: Ultramarine Blue, Pyrrol Red, Quinacridone Gold, Gamboge, Burnt Sienna, and Neutral Tint. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon black ink in a 5″ x 8″ 140 lb. (300 gsm) Pentalic Aqua Journal.

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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44 thoughts on “Day 4: #WorldWatercolorMonth”

  2. I think the eagle is scowling because of all politicians and their antics from day one. However, I won’t talk politics because that is impolite, so I will simply say that your doodlewashed dessert looks scrumptious, you ARE totally cool, and I’ve never before seen a face with a blueberry eye in a piece of patriotic cheesecake. 😉

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  5. Nobody is equal to you Charlie O! You are in a league of your own. The All-Star League – of kindness – friendship – artistic talent – doodlewashedness! 🙂 I want that dessert right now pleeeeeze!

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  7. I saw the face too… now I can’t unsee it. Ha! Happy Independence Day, and here we are with another scrummy treat! I’ll quite happily put on an American accent if it means I get given Independence cake.

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  12. Beautiful work, as usual and really enjoyed the comment about the eagle and the economy, Charlie. Politics were discussed so freely when I was growing up, that I never learned not to talk about it. Happily there are many around me who share my views, so it’s a common subject, particularly this year when things are crazier than usual. Really love your work always, but this one is one of those special pieces, even better than your average super to spectacular, my friend. Roll on and inspire the rest of us! 💙❤️🇺🇸💃🏻🎨

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    1. Awww… thanks so much Laura! 😃💕Yeah… things are so crazy today, it’s been a joy to have World Watercolor Month so we can all be distracted by something beautiful instead of the ugliness of politics! So happy you liked my dessert and hope you had a wonderful 4th!

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  13. What a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July with delicious dessert! I love your doodlewash! Great post today, equality is so important. Umm, I share my day with Mickey Mouse.

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  20. I share my birthday with George Washington which was so cool when I was kid cause it use to be a holiday, What kid doesn’t love a holiday to get out of school and have a birthday party? My parties were so popular, probably cause working parents appreciated not having to get a babysitter since they were coming to my house, lol Then in 1971 they formed that stupid Uniform Monday holiday and I lost my special day off. I still resent them for doing that! Anyway, seems we share a February birthday month and now I feel special again! 🙂

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