My Favorite Animal: #WorldWatercolorMonth Dog Cute Puppy laying on ground
By Charlie

My Favorite Animal

Written by Charlie O'Shields

Dogs are probably my favorite of all animals, but it’s really hard to choose because I love each and every animal so much. As an added challenge, I decided to use only 2 colors for this doodlewash: Burnt Sienna & Ultramarine Blue. Actually, I particulary love animal babies of all varieties. I’m immediately smitten when I see a tiny little baby animal, whether it’s a puppy or a rhinocerous. I don’t, however, have the same reaction to human babies which drives my mother crazy. Apparently, I’m supposed to erupt in a rush of sugary joy and excitement when confronted with a tiny toddler. This never happens. I just sort of smile and nod. Tiny humans don’t have the same immediate appeal to me as tiny animals. Perhaps this is why I’ve always have a dog by my side, while completely forgetting to ever have children.

Baby animals are adorable and an upgrade from baby children in that they can’t speak. Just kidding, they can, but you’re not expected to understand them which makes the communication go much smoother. I love smelling the top of a puppy’s head and yet don’t feel the same paternal instinct when smelling the head of a human baby. I’ve attempted to explain this to my mother who just looks back at me horrified as though I’d just told her I was dying of some horrible disease. I’ve always been a bit different, but I think she was hoping I’d be normal in at least one way and deliver a grandchild that didn’t pee outdoors and walk on four legs its whole life.

But that’s the great thing about life and art. We don’t have to follow in other people’s footsteps if that’s not what moves us. So, I’ll happily enjoy just looking at baby animals and feel comfortable in my reality. Even though I may be disappointing my mother, I’m being true to myself and in the end that’s all that really matters. We are uniquely who we are and that’s what makes us each so beautiful. If everyone did the same things in life, that would be terribly boring. Some of us are meant to go gaga for baby humans and others find that same satisfaction in the eyes of helpless little puppy. And it’s all good. No matter what we love most, it’s a beautiful thing when some little creature who needs us gets the love they need each day.

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About the Doodlewash

M. Graham Watercolors: Burnt Sienna and Ultramarine Blue. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon sepia 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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52 thoughts on “My Favorite Animal”

  1. And we need them as much as they need us! When I saw the title I was half expecting Phineas to crop up once more, but this little pup will do nicely! Delightful – the eyes are adorable, and I like the sharp focus on his innocent little face. Smartly done!

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  5. Ummm, I hate to admit it, but I saw my neighbor’s grandson get out of the pool today and walk partly in all fours as he scrambled to the grass to tinkle. Somehow it was much more offensive than when a puppy does the same thing 😂. Yes, Charlie, our differences are what make us unique and endearing, and thank God for that! PS: Your puppy painting is terrific! 💖

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  6. This is a beautiful painting, Charlie. The eyes are so appealing and engaging. I love the way you’ve made the body of the dog melt away into soft focus so that the gaze is concentrated on that endearing face.

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  12. Nice dog! I am the same too with baby animals, can never have enough of them. That’s nice to know you only used 2 colors here. Love that idea. I’d imagine it teaches you how to mix colors well too. Have a lovely Saturday!

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    1. Hehe!! Thanks so much, Laura! 😃💕 Yeah, I abandoned white goauche and Neutral Tint! hehe… feel so free!!! I’m so glad you liked this one. I’ve been feeling more confident about my color mixing… your limited palette prompt is so fun!! I can’t stop doing it! 😊

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  15. My gosh, Charlie. I wish your post had existed about 25 years ago, when I felt utterly defective for not wanting children. You so perfectly describe how I feel about babies — no matter how hard I try, the “rush of sugary joy” is never forthcoming. And what makes it even worse is the eager way in which the parents study my face for the delight I should be taking in their wrinkled, strange-smelling little offspring. It’s right up there with the agony of trying to fake excitement over receiving a single used sock on Christmas morning. But enough about babies. I can at least say with unbridled joy that I LOVE your painting! Not only is at adorable and beautifully expressive, it’s also astounding that you did it with only two colors. Bravo!!

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    1. Awww thanks so much, H.! 😃💕 So pleased you liked the painting! And also share the same condition when it comes to human babies. It’s so true when people look at your face for the “right” reaction… I can’t even fake it so I never bother! Lol There’s more than enough people who enjoy it, we can march to our own tune!

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