Watermelon And Slices Watercolor Illustration
By Charlie

Watermelon Memories

Written by Charlie O'Shields

Welcome to a brand new month and our May Doodlewash art challenge! This month is a fun exploration of color, and first up we have a bit of watermelon. This always reminds me of family picnics when I was a kid. Truly, we didn’t have watermelon much at home so it was more of a special treat when everyone would gather together. And, since large gatherings are not something happening these days, it’s really wonderful to sit back and recall the ones from my past. Though, yes, watermelon is a wonderful and healthy treat, my mind also always wanders a little bit to that amazing strawberry bundt cake that my aunt always brought to gatherings. It was also a reddish pink color, though a touch brighter than anything one might actually find in nature. While I did enjoy chowing down on watermelon and having seed spitting contests with my cousins, I also saved room for a slice of that magical cake. Those times spent with family are truly my favorite memories of childhood.

As for watermelon, the true watermelon aficionados in my house are my husband and my dog. Philippe and Phineas are excited for the warmer weather in general, but adding to that excitement is the return of watermelon season. This would be the much smaller seedless variety and marketed as “personal watermelons.” Since I’m not a true fan, I usually just have a little bite and let those two share the rest. Actually, when I take my little bite, the dog always glares at me like I’ve failed to understand the meaning of “personal” and need to stop immediately. This, in his mind, is a special time shared only with he and Philippe, so I’m happy to just let them have their little ritual. It’s really Philippe who ends up devouring the whole thing and the dog only gets about three bites, but Phineas doesn’t seem to notice this imbalance and is always completely thrilled each time. And watching the two of them share this little moment is something I adore far more than actually eating watermelon.

And though it’s just our little trio these days, it’s still a beautiful family gathering that’s creating new lovely memories to enjoy. Though, yeah, I’ve suggested to Philippe that a strawberry bundt cake would complete the picture perfectly. This has yet to appear, but I’m still holding out hope that it might one day. Tonight we’re going to be having a video dinner date with a dear friend that we haven’t seen in ages. And though, we’d prefer to see each other in person, it’s lovely that we can still manage to connect in some way. That’s the amazing thing about love, it can always keep those connections strong no matter the distance. And as a fresh new month begins, I’m filled with the same burst of happiness and heaps of hope. The world may be a different place today, but we’ll all get through things if we stick together. So, I hope you’ll join me all month long as we add some color and beauty back into the world. It doesn’t take much to spread joy, sometimes it can be as simple as sharing a few watermelon memories.

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About the Doodlewash

Da Vinci Paint Co.: Gold Ochre, Opus (Vivid Pink), Cobalt Turquoise, Leaf Green, and Ultramarine (Green Shade). Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen 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!
 Watermelon And Slices 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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26 thoughts on “Watermelon Memories”

  1. Truly makes us think of summer. When I see whole watermelons I’m taken back to being little, sitting by my upstairs bedroom window and watching a truck load of watermelons being unloaded on our lawn. Our family owned grocery store was next door. I do not remember why they were unloaded on the lawn but it made an impression! 🤗

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  2. I love the look of watermelon – the red and green complementary thing going on, but the taste – meh. I don’t dislike it, but find it easy to let others have it all, and they are usually more than happy to do so.

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  3. Wonderful, Charlie!! Afraid I could sit down and consume a whole watermelon, personal size or not. But, since I’m the only one in the house that does like it I never buy it. Just looking at one brings back wonderful childhood memories though!

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  4. I love watermelon! I thought it was a sign of being an adult that I could have as much watermelon as I wanted when it was in season. Same for corn on the cob. I could have some every day in season and be very happy. In fact, there were times when it was all I had for dinner. With watermelon for dessert!

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