Written by When it comes to our prompt of simple things today, I first thought of something simple like a favorite pair of sneakers. These are actually similar to ones that own, but I chose to color them orange as I think I might like to have a pair in this color as well soon. Also, I decided to simplify things a bit by only using only two colors, blue and orange, which are my favorite two colors. As many of you know, who read my posts and/or captions on social media, I’m rather enamored with the simple things in life. Objects that aren’t remotely unusual, but commonplace, everyday things. To me, these are among the most wonderful things that life has to offer. Sure, there’s always new and exciting things to enjoy in the world, but the comfort found in the little things we love most is unmatched. And I find watercolor so intriguing because two simple colors can become so many more as they move and mix on the paper. And a quick little doodlewash can suddenly become something rather like an actual pair of sneakers, tricking the eye into believing there’s more detail there than there actually is. And as we near the end of this first week of World Watercolor Month, I hope you’ve also been enjoying all the wonderful surprises this fabulous medium has to offer!
When it comes to shoes, I used to have more variety. I had dress shoes for work and other occasions, like weddings and funerals for example, that were made of leather and some even shiny. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized those kinds of shoes are not the most comfortable. I’ve heard a phrase that extols, “fashion feels no pain,” referring to the fact that one should don any type of footwear deemed trendy and wear it with confidence while smiling through the weepy tears of agony. This just seems stupid to me now, so you’ll find me instead with a closet full of mostly sneakers. As it turns out, fashion can be painful and there’s never a good reason to put yourself through discomfort in order to fit in. The truth is, we’re always at our happiest when we’re simply doing the things that make us happy. It’s not really a selfish trait, but more about being true to ourselves. Fashion can quickly turn into a goal to please others and this is never really quite as satisfying as enjoying our own true personality.
Those little quirks that make me feel like I don’t quite fit in are actually my favorite things about me. I adore all the things I have in common with people, but when things fail to line up exactly, I equally adore the differences. I guess, what I’ve learned along the way is that of all the things you can DO in life, just make sure you DO you and not someone else. When it comes to painting, groups are typically divided into how one paints. That’s why I started Doodlewash. Here, we play with watercolor and/or ink, pencils and other tools and gleefully do so, however we feel like doing it in the moment. Early one, someone asked me if Doodlewash was a method, and I happily responded that no, it’s absolutely not, it’s a movement to inspire creativity. And it’s also a celebration of art in every style in which it appears. There are no rules, or expectations, other than having a perfectly fabulous time in the process. As it turns out, we all have our own unique perfect fit when it comes to the fashion of art. Wear it with pride! It’s not hard to simply be yourself when you follow your heart and thoroughly revel in the simple things.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Cobalt Blue and Benzimida Orange. 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’ve always rejected the concept that fashion is worth pain! Just silliness. Comfortable shoes mean you can explore the world without distraction – and what could be better than that. I love those yellow sneakers!
Thanks, Sharon! 😃💕So true!! Far more fun exploring the world in comfort!
Love the way you drew the bottom. The pattern adds a great spark to a simple picture. This reminds me of some red sneaks I got as a teen, at one of the first stores that sold shoes ‘en masse’ on shelves, rather than having to sit down and be fitted by a salesman. Oh, yes; I’m old! What was special about the shoes was that they were boy’s sneakers. I love love loved the color red, and all I could find in girl’s sneakers were white or navy blue! As for favorite colors, red had been my favorite color since I was a child in the 50’s. I wanted a house with a red door. Now here’s some history for you. I was afraid that people would think I was a communist if my house had a red door – the era of the cold war, Joseph McCarthy and the ‘red scare’. How sad that a small child would have the joy of a favorite color tainted that way.
Thanks so much, Eliska! 😃💕 What an amazing story! That is sad to think a child would be tainted with all that adult nonsense. But thrilled you got the red sneakers. Those sound wonderful, even if they were boy’s shoes. Sounds like the girl’s shoes were a bit boring in comparison. 😉
Your sneakers look like my kind of shoes! You are spot on! I never looked good in the fashionable things of my youth, and I’ve always found comfortable more compelling.
Thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Comfort is so compelling and yeah… even when the lasted fashion fit… it didn’t really fit me.
I would like a request for you to doodlewash a bike or skateboard. Just keeping with the theme.
Thanks for the request! Bikes, I’ve done – https://doodlewash.com/like-riding-a-bike/ – but not a skateboard yet. I’ll have to add that to the list! 😉
Well said, Charlie! 😃 Comfort is king in my book! 😎 Love your tennis shoes!
Thanks, Jill! 😃💕hehe… yay for comfort first and always!!
I was once told that I was a flamboyant dresser. And I’m sure it was true once, but now that I’m retired and always at risk of getting dirty in the garden, or at the painting table, I throw on a washable cotton dress every day and call it good. And a number of years ago when I moved into my wheelchair full time, I quit wearing shoes! But every now and again, I miss my spectator pumps. I did love those black and white shoes.
Flamboyant, eh? I love that, Lisa!! 😃💕 And I can imagine that… you seem to have a beautifully flamboyant spirit! But yes, comfort is queen for sure! I stopped caring about fashion after I passed 40. lol
I always prefer comfort.no matter what the fashion is.your shoes are nice with colour s
Thanks so much.
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕 Yay to doing what’s most comfortable, always!
Fabulous sneakers and your philosophy is spot on. Comfort has been at the top of my “doing this for me” list for years.
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕hehe… yay for doing things that make our own souls happy. That’s when we’re best primed to make others happy so everyone wins!
You are absolutely right about that.
Thank you for reminding me of our own ways and styles in art and life. I signed up for your FB group and a few gorgeous works popped up. It stopped me in my tracks and I thought, “Oh oh, I’m not going to post my childlike work on there.” Last night as I was painting, I was reminded how much I love to paint and the works I am drawn to. Childlike, simple and quick (and Disney). This morning, I was greeted by your post encouraging us to be ourselves.
Aww that’s awesome! 😃💕 Yeah, there are lots of watercolor masters in the group there, but never be shy about posting! We’re all so different and I started Doodlewash because I myself don’t paint in a typical fashion… more illustration than expansive watercolor landscapes, etc. I started a group right here on Doodlewash that’s a bit smaller and more intimate. If you haven’t yet, definitely sign in with Facebook and post there: https://doodlewash.com/community/ – super friendly community! 😉
Thank you Charlie. I’ll check it out!
Love your sneakers and the color. And well said, nothing can beat something comfortable.
Thanks so much, Mélissa! 😃💕Yeah, there’s never a good reason to not chose comfort first. hehe
Great! So carefully done!
Thanks so much, Jean! 😃💕
These shoes are awesome. Love the color. You definitely need a pair of these.
Thanks, June! 😃💕 hehe… I immediately when in search of them! The men’s color is a bit too burnt orange and the then I saw the color I painted… yay… but it was for kids. 😊
Oh no….looks like it would be the oppsite. Go figure!!!