Written by Today is World Heart Day, which is a day where everyone in the world is invited and encouraged to make a promise to live a healthier lifestyle to prevent heart disease. This, of course, includes eating better and getting more exercise, but it’s also about living a happier more positive life. I definitely think art counts as something very good for the heart on so many levels. It’s been proven that making and even simply viewing art has a profound and wondrous effect on our immune system and overall mental health. So, yes, taking the time to make art is a truly wonderful thing that you can do for yourself and taking a moment to share it is a wonderful thing you can do for others. It’s a perfect circle of positivity that is the very reason I continue to show up and create each and every day. Each time I feel rushed or busy and think that I might not have time to create a little something, I ask myself what on earth would make me feel as good? And why on earth would I skip doing something I love? I can’t think of a good reason to miss my chance to create, so you’ll still find me showing up daily, with a very happy heart.
Shown in this little doodlewash is my actual current paint box and palette. A tiny and messy little studio that I perch on the edge of my kitchen counter, where I quickly make a little something each night before dinner, often moving my paints out of the way just as Philippe is setting down a plate of food. After dinner, I scan whatever I made and write a little something to go with it here while often finishing my glass of wine. Whatever stress I might have felt in the moments before this little ritual completely disappears by the time I’m done. The effect is so profound and effective that on a truly stressful day it feels a bit like I’m a computer that just got freshly rebooted. All of the extra little bits that didn’t matter at all are purged and I’m left with a clean slate, filled with just the good and necessary bits of life. While I do hope that what I share is something enjoyable, the primary goal is to always be sure I myself am enjoying the process. If that happens, it will inevitably show in whatever I make.
I’ve never really thought about where this journey is leading me, or placed any pressure on myself to achieve a particular outcome. The sheer act of DOing is still the thing I love most and the reason I show up. Though I know if one’s goal is to become a full-time artist, that road comes with a bit of stress along the way. That’s why you’ll find me sharing this space with artists all over the world. I hope to help promote them and be part of making those dreams come true. And I personally just hope to inspire as many people as possible to pick up that pen and draw or that brush to paint something. While there are lots of “how to” articles on art and many wonderful examples on this very site from other artists, I prefer to write “why to” stories when it comes to creating. So, my little rambling blog posts are a bit different than what you’ll find on most art sites. But I hope that each little story that each little doodlewash brings to my mind has something in it that makes you consider your own journey in art and life. A simple reminder that no matter what we hope to accomplish, we’re always better when we work together and approach everything from the heart.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Aureolin, Azo Yellow, Vermilion, Benzimida Orange, Quinacridone Red, Opus (Vivid Pink), Cobalt Turquoise, Ultramarine Blue, Yellow Ochre, Leaf Green, Terra Cotta, and Indigo. 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! |
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I do create art every day, but sometimes I do feel stressed about getting it done. That’s why I love coming here and reading your rambles. It reminds me to relax and remember that I am doing the art mainly because I love doing art.
Aww thanks, Sandra! 😃💕My only goal is to inspire people to say… yeah… screw it… creating art is just plain fun and that’s all that really matters in the end! 😉 hehe
Love your painting! Painting really is the ultimate stress reliever…once i pick up a brush and pull out my palette stress just seems to melt away. This would no doubt be different if I were trying to make a living doing this…I hope I can just continue to enjoy the process.
Thanks, Mary! 😃💕 Yeah, I was sure to include a bit about those trying to do this for a living. There’s always a bit of stress there, but I hope no matter what we all show up and make things. It’s the best thing we can do for ourselves and others!
I love how you went from a healthy diet to l loving art! You could have painted a carrot, or a heart shaped apple. 😂😂
Thanks, Lisa! 😃💕 hehe.. yeah, but I didn’t realize Vegetarian day was just the day prior, so I had to come up with something else. 😉
This one touches my heart
as it is so close to home and a reminder of who I have lost from this terrible disease. Unfortunately, diet wasn’t the cause but it is still important to do all the things you talk about even if in moderation.
Painting has definitely been my savior along with all the wonderful artists I have had the opportunity to meet on Doodlewash. Thank you Charlie. Love your painting.
Aww June, your comment touches my heart! 😃💕 I’m so thrilled you’re enjoying it here on Doodlewash. I hope to spread joy and happiness in the world. I have to believe that no matter what life throws at us, we’re better off when we start from a place like that.
You are doing just that Charlie. The world needs more people like you. Bless you.
Bless you back, my friend! 💕I’m always so happy when people like my posts. They’re not trendy or salacious or shocking, but they always come from the heart.
A post where you had to use lots of paint colors but the result is delightful. World Heart Day should use your painting as its official logo. A heart healthy life style lived by doing something you love and spreading the love to everyone – yep, it works.
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 Yeah, I truly believe art heals us. Whether we’re the maker or the viewer, only good things come of it!
This has to be my favorite of all your paintings so far! I love the palette box, the palette, and the heart on paper. Exquisite in every way – I guess it reflects your happy heart.
Wow! Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕 So thrilled you enjoyed this! It was a bit of a different approach for me. And yes to a happy heart! I always try to have one!
I loved your stories n this is true paintings gives relaxed.but diete am also very perticular about it. I liked u r 💓🙏🌸 the pelette box.remarkable.
Thanks so much lie
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕Yes, diet it definitely important, and I’m so happy I have Philippe to control that! 😉 hehe
Happy World Heart Day! I actually posted up about this today. I live with a condition which affects my heart.
I will be launching my new art website sometime tomorrow. 🙂
Happy World Heart Day to you my friend! 😃💕 And sending your much love and healing thoughts! Congratulations on your new art website. That’s awesome!
Every morning I start my day by reading your blog email first. It starts me out on a positive note and sends to do what makes me happy…..art. Happy art, happy heart! You need to sell this little piece of work as a print. I love it!
Ugh….how do you edit a comment? “sends me to do what makes me happy….art.
hehe… I always edit as I read comments so they come through perfectly in my mind! So all is good! 😉
That’s probably the best message I could hope to receive!! Thank you! 😃💕I hope my posts brings smile and positivity to the world. So happy you enjoy my posts! And just let me know if you’d like me to add this one to my shop! hehe I will!
You’re welcome. 🙂 Yes please add this to your prints. I did not realize you sold them…..I need to venture farther into your blog. ;p
No worries! 💕This blog is endless! hehe… it’s so tough to share everything that exists here! I’ve added it to my shop here – https://doodlewash.com/shop/charlie-shop/watercolor-prints-charlie-oshields/world-heart-day/
Thank you…..see you in the store. 🙂
A new and exciting adventure for me.
Fantastic, Bruce! 😃💕 Best of luck on your journey!
I came here with headache and a long list of must dos for today.
When I read today’s ‘Charlie says’:” I can’t think of a good reason to miss my chance to create, so you’ll still find me showing up daily, with a very happy heart.” I felt the world slip away. I felt peace wash over me, and it is only now that I realize the headache is gone. Thank you!
Oh my goodness, Sarah, that’s SO awesome!! 😃💕 Yay! I’m glad I could cure a headache…. that’s a pretty amazing accomplishment to be sure. hehe… but I think I really just reminded you that those “must do’s” are not always perfectly prioritized. 😉
Nice doodlewash. I completely agree with you and Sandra. I think you both have cast a spell on me..he he he….your rambles are very addictive…may be because you write from your heart…..and so we all the members of this website from across the world are able to connect with you…I think it is a great achievement !!!! I do believe in the Chinese proverb (Confucius, may be) “One picture worth ten thousand words”. What do you think ?
Aww I agree, Anita! 😃💕 We ARE one big happy family now and I adore it! So glad Sandra and I could cast a little spell on you. hehe… those good spells, of course, that only bring happiness and joy! We’re so much stronger when we come together as a community to create!