Christmas Brass Candle Holder And Ornaments Watercolor Illustration
By Charlie

Glowing Bright

Written by Charlie O'Shields

For our prompt of “Candle Holder” today, I made a sketch of an antique brass holder and some shiny ornaments. When Philippe and I were visiting an antique store recently, we bought a candle holder like this one, but have yet to shine it up or indeed incorporate it in with our Christmas decorations. So, through the magic of watercolor I was able to envision how it might look were we to actually make the effort. I have several objects like this. They seemed like something I just had to have in the moment, when my mind began to imagine the possibilities. Yet, instead of ever becoming something as grand as I imagined, they sit along with other acquired bits of ephemera and quietly collect dust. This doesn’t mean that I no longer enjoy them. Each one is a fond reminder of a moment in time. A moment of possibility that didn’t quite live up to what I imagined, but still makes me smile. In fact, this is actually how I feel about my sketches. And, I still adore each one simply for having the audacity to appear in the first place!

Philippe and I returned last night from visiting my family in Texas over the past several days. My mother doesn’t have Wi-Fi or reliable cell service where she lives, so it felt like going back in time. We put together puzzles, watched movies, and ate an endless array of various snacks and drinks. Since we visit in between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we have a “Thanksmas” dinner with the whole family one day while we’re there. We had a wonderful time! The night before we left, my mother pulled out various things from my childhood. There were programs of shows that I was in as well as the entire script of a murder mystery that I had written and directed. As I flipped through the pages, it was like reading something written by a stranger as I struggled to think back to that period of time. They say that life is short, but it’s actually really long when you stop to think about all of the moments that you can’t quite remember.

Now we’re home again and back to our usual holiday routine. Our pup Elliott is exhausted from playing with his friends at the pet resort, but I think he’ll suddenly burst back to life sooner than expected and demand that Philippe and I take over as his playmates. Last night, we had to do a bit of catch up with our advent calendars, putting together various little Lego sets and eating bits of chocolate. It was really quite fun! This year, we’ve added a calendar where we split a tiny piece of imported cheese before dinner each night. And, this week, I’m getting the last of Philippe’s stocking stuffers and finishing up projects before taking the next couple of weeks off to simply relax and enjoy the season. It’s an exciting time of year and I’m thrilled for the days ahead. Though there will be lights twinkling on the Christmas tree and candles burning in every corner of the room, in the end, it’s truly our hearts that will be glowing bright.

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About the Doodlewash

Sketching Stuff Coloring Set – Da Vinci Watercolors: Charlie O’Blue, Gold Ochre, Hansa Yellow Medium,  Quinacridone Red, Opus (Vivid Pink), Vermilion, Leaf Green, Terra Cotta, Ultramarine (Green Shade) and Indigo. ZIG Cartoonist Mangaka Pen with black ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. Want to purchase a print of this doodlewash? Send me a note and I’ll add it to my shop!
 Christmas Brass Candle Holder And Ornaments 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 “Glowing Bright”

  2. My brother just showed up and will be here until after the New Year. That’s good, but he forgot to tell me he’d changed his plans — originally he was only going to be here for Christmas week. Augh! He isn’t staying with me this time, but it’s still going to be a busier month than I expected! Fun surprises!

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    1. That is the thing about this season isn’t it! I was planning so much today but had visitor after visitor – but bearing yummy baking treats so no complaints (there would not be any anyway because they are both lovely friends). Sounds like you are in for “family” time Sandra, I hope that it is wonderful and full of laughter. May you all have a Merry Christmas and make wonderful memories. 🙂

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  3. So beautiful Charlie – I can feel the warmth. Its funny I have those same antique brass candle holders and mine have never been used either. But I see them tucked in with my other candles and incense and, like you, they make me smile. They remind me of my Grandmothers house (she did use hers) and memories flood back and make me happy. I kind of thought Elliott would be exhausted after his shenanigans at the puppy spa 😉 lol. He will be bouncing back in no time. How fun two have two types of advent calendars. I absolutely love advent calendars – I have not had one in forever. But I even get excited watching other people open theirs – lol. Its funny you mentioned where you are in your Christmas planning. This year I decided to do the exact same thing. All my presents are wrapped and ready to go. I just have a couple of cards to finish and I think about 3 presents to wrap that are still coming. So I am already settling into relaxing mode and loving it. Merry Christmas to you, Phillipe and Elliott and to ever single person in your wonderful community. 🙂

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    1. Thanks so much, Zoie! 😃💕 Oh wow… I’m not quite that advanced on my Christmas planning. I have the gifts all ordered, but haven’t wrapped a one yet! I assume that will be my usually made dash the day of Christmas Eve. But I might do it sooner and hide them downstairs as I’m super ready to rest and enjoy. And we actually have 2 individuals advent calendars each, Elliott has 1 of his own, and then Philippe and I share the cheese one. We get so excited for the holidays. A very Merry Christmas to you and yours! ❤️

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  5. Hey Charlie you make everything sound cuddly and fun. Just for that I just might light up all those battery operated candles. I have one or two that flicker.

    You know this is the first Christmas in years that I did not spend a month or more editing the tree and getting madder by the minute because it would not align. I gave it a week and called it done. It is lovely. Or maybe my mind is just more relaxed.

    Enjoy your time off.

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    2. Thanks so much, Linda! 😃💕 I’m SO ready for some time off… it will be nice to decompress and figure out what the heck I’ll come up with to DO next year. And yay for a more relaxed mind… I bet your tree is just perfect now! ❤️

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  6. Wonderful painting, Charlie!! Glad you had a fun time visiting with your family and cruising down memory lane.; your Mom must be so very proud of you!
    Started the holidays with a get together with three friends today…good food, laughter and we all surprised each other with little gifts. A very sweet and lovey couple of hours.
    A busy time of year for us; my husband’s birthday and our 50th anniversary all just a couple of days before Christmas….it’s going to be a busy week next week! Enjoy your time off and your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations!!!

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  8. Very festive, Charlie! I’m going to have a great time trying out your newest paints and Charlie O’Blue from Da Vinci this week as well. Merry Christmas to you and Phillipe!

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  11. What joy Charlie! I have lots of ephemera after so many years on the planet!😆 I mostly pick up rocks, glass and wood now. I’m considering throwing some back for the next lucky kid😄😁 As far as my “antique finds” go, I finally had to stop because the discussion of finite space came up, and I found out I really, really enjoy an annual, sometimes bi-annual round up and either redistribution or donation at the local thrift that works in our community. My serious treasures from sacred places and people, well they have a tiny closed glass cabinet-where I don’t have to dust them!😂🤣

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    1. Thanks so much! 😃💕 Yay for ephemera! I think that’s an awesome plan. Philippe and I were talking about returning to a thrift store we visited recently with donations of our own. We have lots of things that aren’t really keepsakes, but they might become that for someone else! Happy Holidays!!

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