Day 4 - #WorldWatercolorGroup Musical Instrument Brass Trumpet - #doodlewash
By Charlie

When The Music Plays

Written by Charlie O'Shields

For today’s prompt of “musical” we ended up with a quick little 2-color doodlewash of a trumpet. I’m not entirely sure why, as I’ve never played a brass instrument, but I simply felt like painting something shiny in a limited palette. Though I never played this instrument I did play violin in the school orchestra and piano for a few years before getting frustrated that I wasn’t getting any better. My real love back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, however, was performing on stage in musicals. Besides the singing and dancing that’s involved in these shows, which is super fun, I really just loved the ridiculous concept of people suddenly breaking into song. A simple conversation would suddenly get an orchestral accompainment and soon the characters involved would switch to singing into each other’s face. It’s perfectly ludicrous. And so I loved it. I’ve often thought that the world would be a bit happier place if outbursts of spontaneous singing were to happen in real life.

Songs are a wonderful way to communicate deep emotions. Like those songs I used to listen to in high school after going through a bad break up with someone I can now barely remember. I’d lock myself in my room and play whatever top hit seemed most relevant to my tragedy over and over again. Each time the song played it felt more appropriate to my situation, though I’m sure in reality, it was written to express something entirely different. In the end, though there may have been tears, I would always come back stronger and more resilient. There was always a greater sense of hope. Music has a way of sailing straight to the heart of the matter and songs can use very little words to express entire stories. I can imagine having an argument with someone and suddenly singing passionately about the matter at hand. A duet ensues and though it begins with all the conflict in the world, it ends with a lovely duet about not what divides us, but what makes us the same.

Whether it’s a quiet interlude that begins on a piano or the opening fanfare of a trumpet, the melody would lead the important conversations. At least, that’s the way I imagine it. There’s so much conflict in the world today that trying to find notes of harmony often seems impossible. Too much dissonance and discontent. But it’s incredible to imagine how beautiful the world would be if nothing was so complicated that it couldn’t be sorted out in a song. It’s a nice thought anyway, even if the world seems quite far from ever being able to sing the same tune. The improbable fascinates me so I’ll just go right ahead and imagine everyone enjoying the same dance. Each step in perfect unison, spinning in a wonderful symmetry that follows each beat and respects every rhythm. A dream filled with those beautiful heartfelt emotions that remove all hate, as we can’t help but sway together, in that impulsive way that only happens when the music plays.

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About the Doodlewash

Sennelier L’Aquarelle: Quinacridone Gold and Payne’s Grey. Lamy Safari Al Star pen with Platinum Carbon with black ink in a little red cloth hardbound l’aquarelle journal I found in a Paris shop.
  Day 4 - #WorldWatercolorGroup Musical Instrument Brass Trumpet - #doodlewash

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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25 thoughts on “When The Music Plays”

  2. I also love to break into spontaneous song much to the consternation of those around me who always look as if I’ve just pressed their delicate ears against a blackboard at the moment of chalk scratching across it at the very worst angle. Fortunately they always laugh if I stop – well, maybe they grin and bear it. I do see their socks balled up and ready to stuff into my mouth should I continue.

    Your trumpet is wonderful, all shiny and bright. Two colors only – really? What was wrong with the rest of them?

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Lol… I get a lot of mileage out of Quinacridone Gold… hehe.. it’s like 5 colors in one! But more importantly… I LOVE that you break into song! That’s really a beautiful thing! hehe… I’d love to be next to you when that happened!

      Reply

  3. Can’t believe you only used two colors for this–and you got the shine beautifully!
    I too love musicals, and think there’s a song appropriate for every occasion. My children are not so sure, however, about my tendency to start singing when something reminds me of an appropriate tune…(K)

    Reply

    1. Haha! My mother does this too. She doesn’t even hesitate to break into song in public spaces, and I used to be so embarrassed about it.
      Now, ten years later, I catch myself doing the exact same thing.
      Keep singing. Those kids will come around 🙂

      Reply

  4. The neighbours have ‘kindly’ told me to shut it by sending the police to see me! Yes, you heard right. I’m surrounded by idiots. Occasionally tho I hum a quiet tune, still. 🤓 Luv the trumpet.

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  5. Terrific doodlewash, Charlie! Also, you reminded me of crying my eyes out to Bette Midler’s The Rose after a breakup, as well as singing myself silly to bubblegum music while cleaning the kitchen today. Music is so cathartic!

    Reply

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