CharlieDog Watercolor Character – 10 x 12

I stayed up very late the other night watching election coverage.

It was so nerve-wracking, I had to do something besides watch predictions and “paths” and the shock of the reporters as they announced each state’s decision and electoral numbers.

I wanted to do something pleasant and think pleasant thoughts.  The happiest thing that came to mind is our sweet grand baby who is due any day now.  As I thought of her, I thought of stuffed animals and cute animal characters.  I thought of soft, cuddly teddy bears.  And then I decided to create a teddy bear like stuffed character of Charlie, our furry adopted boy.

In the wee hours of the night/morning, CharlieDog was born on a 10×12 sheet of Arches 300 lb cold press.  He has chubby chipmunk cheeks and curious cherubic eyes.  His chunky belly is plump and soft and snuggable.  He has one ear up on alert for Cliff the Mailman or Mike the UPS man or anyone delivering pizza!

Art has become such a calming, stress-relieving outlet for me.  If anyone out there thinks they would love to draw or paint or create, but feels they aren’t “artistic” enough or don’t have any formal training, or have never tried, or whatever your reasons might be – just do it.  Don’t let your mind tell you that you can’t.  I would have said that a year ago.  Do it for the joy.  Do it for you – not anybody else’s approval or praise (that part was/is a struggle for me that I am getting much better at).  Do it to create your own kind of beauty.  Do it for peace and love and goodness – for yourself or someone your share it with.

Focus on things that make you happy, bring you peace, express joy, demonstrate love.  Small acts change the world.  Be your own kind of beautiful.  Make your own kind of art or sing your own special song.  Do your thing!  Be you!

#FocusingonPeace

Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi