Golden Retriever Watercolor Illustration - Doodlewash
By Charlie

Each Day Is A Golden Opportunity

Written by Charlie O'Shields

With our prompt of “Gold Opportunity” today, it got me thinking about the phrase’s definition, which is a chance to get something valuable or be really successful. I feel this way each time I sit down with my sketchbook every day. Today, it was a perfect opportunity to sketch a Golden Retriever, simply because I think they’re rather lovely dogs. This one has that wistful look I get most days when I’m dreaming that next big dream or thinking about a particular opportunity. But what strikes me most is that first bit of the definition about getting “something valuable.” This could really mean anything at all as it’s different for each and every person. What we personally consider to have value isn’t always the same as others. For me, I feel like making something new each day is always the act of creating value. Even if, it doesn’t feel “really successful.” Some days, I think to myself, well, I tried at least! And others, like today, I feel like I managed to produce a rather convincing facsimile of whatever it was I attempted to recreate in my very short time to sketch and color. But, each and every day, it’s the very act of creating something that creates real value. That’s why I’m always trying to get people to sketch stuff with me.

By the way, Episode #24 of my Sketching Stuff Podcast is available now, so I DO hope you’ll have a listen and leave me your comments. My little podcast that could is nearing its one year anniversary. It launched at the start of last year’s World Watercolor Month. To be honest, I wasn’t sure at first how long the podcast would continue, as I didn’t know when I started it if anyone would be at all interested in listening to me ramble on in an audio format. And though I thought people might be somewhat intrigued to hear what I sounded like at first, I didn’t think they’d stay interested after that. But, your comments and support have been so kind and encouraging, so I keep showing up to produce more episodes. And will continue to DO so as long as I know folks out there are still listening! (reviews and/or ratings on iTunes are indeed helpful and appreciated as well!). What I’ve discovered on this wonderful and often crazy art journey is that showing up is everything. If you have an urge to create something, then don’t let anything stop you from showing up to DO just that! The value is always in the DOing.

So, as I move forward on my journey, I’m excited to see what happens next! I’m not sure I could have predicted much of what’s happened along the way when I first picked up that pen and paintbrush back in July 2015. And I’m thoroughly thrilled to see what each of YOU create next as well! Our community of artists, art lovers, hobbyists, and generally awesome people has been the most exciting part of this experience for me. Sketching and painting together has made every single moment feel extremely valuable. Each day we get the chance to learn not only from ourselves, but from hundreds and even thousands of other artists out there as well. Okay, not all at once, but over the course of our journey, we get the amazing opportunity to experience art through the eyes of so many other people. Yes, many that seem way more talented than we are, or at least felt that day, but that shining star you enjoy isn’t meant to blind you, but merely there to help you unlock your own potential. I’ve been humbled daily on this journey as I know my own art isn’t as exceptional as many of the artists I feature here. But it’s always exceptionally me, and so I adore what I create and I think you should adore whatever you create as well. Embracing every line, splash of color, and each little flaw you see that appears. It’s an amazing thing when we show up to do nothing more than be ourselves. And, with each step we take, it’s the beauty of never once forgetting that each day is a golden opportunity.

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About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Yellow Ochre, Terra Cotta, and Cobalt Blue. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia 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!
 Day 23 - Golden Retriever Watercolor Illustration_IG

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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29 thoughts on “Each Day Is A Golden Opportunity”

  3. “…it’s the beauty of never once forgetting that each day is a golden opportunity….” And I know if I forget that on occasion, I’ll remember once I read your daily ramble! It’s as good as ‘happiness’ pill.

    Reply

    1. Aww thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 That makes me so happy to hear! It’s a crazy thing to sketch and write an essay each day (I would have never done this in school! lol), so I’m thrilled you know you’re enjoying them!

      Reply

  4. What a beautiful face your dog has! I’ve gone through many phases of dog lust. Golden retrievers definitely made the list. My latest obsession is basset hounds. If you spend an hour or two watching basset puppies on YouTube, you’ll want one too. So cute and floppy and the best ears in the kingdom of dogs. And they are kind of built like a hassock , where you can just put your feet up and relax. Of course now there is a new commercial out with a beagle puppy in it and they are awfully cute too. Joe and our cats are not interested in having a puppy in the house, so this is just a fantasy dog for now, but at least I’m prepared just in case there is a puppy in my future.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Lisa! 😃💕hehe… love your dog fantasies! Yeah, I don’t think the cats would approve. But I love every one you listed. Philippe and I do that quite a lot. It’s going to be very interesting to find out what we end up with for our next dog after Phineas. (who is thankfully going to be around for a few more years!).

      Reply

    1. Thanks, Mary! 😃💕And yay! That makes me so happy to hear on the podcast. It’s tougher with something like that as I can see the listens, but it’s harder to know if people are still actually enjoying it.😊 hehe

      Reply

  9. He is most lovely. I am glad you show up each day. Where would I get my dose of inspiration? I would be one of many, wandering around. I have enjoyed doing my Disney theme colored prompts, but I am ready to go back to practicing real life images. I want to better my sketching skills. See ya tomorrow! 😉

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much, Lori! 😃💕 I’m so thrilled you drop by with me daily… it’s so wonderful! We would definitely hang out and be fast friends in person! hehe I’m sure of it! Hope you’ll join the June art challenge I just sent out in email… it has more direct prompts to help with real life sketching.

      Reply

  12. This golden boy – girl? – is a beauty. But don’t downplay your own golden persona, Charlie. You’ve created a welcoming platform here for so many people. As for your art skills – take a look at your early work and notice the increased mastery and passion. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Enjoy what you create each day. Look at the face of this gorgeous Golden Retriever – looking back at you with such adoration.

    Reply

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