Written by When it comes to simple pleasures, there are really none simpler than the thrill of grabbing a sheet of bubble wrap and popping each little plastic circle. I wasn’t sure how to illustrate this prompt, as I really don’t enjoy painting people, so I rarely ever do it. I searched boxes in the garage for bits of bubble wrap for reference, only to discover limp pieces of plastic instead. Apparently, I had already popped them all. But, since I have such fond memories of doing this as a kid, I did this quick little rare sketch of something other than an animal or food to demonstrate it. This is, of course, not simply a joy for kids as many adults like it as well. Even psychologists will tell you that the calming effect of popping those bubbles is quite therapeutic, which is why it can be so addicting. Getting lost in a series of methodical pops is a perfect way to mindlessly kill some time. It’s nice to do something every now and again that doesn’t require much thought. Those moments where our primal instincts take over and we can get a bit lost doing nothing much at all.
I often get into a similar mode while painting something. Sure, it takes a lot of thought and concentration much of the time, but I find that when I just let my mind wander a bit, the results are always a bit better. So many of my posts have point where I talk about when I was a child. This is because I cherish that time, and also because I think we should always hold onto it. We learn so many new things as we get older, but it’s the things we never had to learn that make us who we are. Those times when life was simply about the experience and letting the moment capture you. I often feel like I was better at behaving this way more fully back when I was a little kid. In those days, I never felt the need to analyze what I was doing. I simply let myself get lost in the feeling of actually DOing it.
Today, as the “big kid” I’ve grown up to become, I still try to live by that same simple approach. Sure, my adult brain gets in the way much of the time, but if I can just let my inner child at least make a good start, everything is better in the end. He just seems to know better than anyone at all, what I’m supposed to do next. I can always tell the difference between those two inner voices. The adult is always yammering on about consequences, while the child is always excitedly babbling about possibilities. Perhaps all this is why I never worry over my posts and paintings. Though, I do hope you’ll enjoy whatever appears here in the end. But, in truth, it’s just a little moment out of each day, where I take the time to be that little kid again, who never stops to question his actions, and fully understands the joy of popping bubble wrap.
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About the DoodlewashDa Vinci Paint Co.: Da Vinci Yellow, Burnt Sienna, Benzamida Orange, Da Vinci Red, Opus (Vivid Pink), Cobalt Turquoise and Payne’s Gray. Lamy Al-Star Safari Fountain Pen with sepia ink in an A5 Hahnemühle Watercolour Book. (Photo Reference: Miika Silfverberg (MiikaS) from Vantaa, Finland) |
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Bubble-Popping FTW!! Even old grammas find it giggle-worthy! 😍 Charlie your people painting skills are wonderful and your little boy reminds me of one of my grandsons. ❤️
Thanks so much, Von!! 😃💕 Awww that’s so wonderful this reminded you of your grandson! I was just hoping it looked vaguely human! 😊 hehe
…very insightful as always!! and another thought ..”is there nothing that Charlie can’t draw?” …you are so inspirational…;-)
Aww you’re so sweet! Thanks, Karen! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this post. Yeah, people are really not my thing when it comes to painting, but I force myself to do it every once in awhile! 😊
Remember Ace Ventura, Pet Detective? The scene where he steps in bubble wrap when he is sneaking around always makes me giggle.
Your kid is cute!
Thanks so much! 😃💕 haha!! That’s an awesome scene! Thanks for the memory!
Not a bubble wrap popper here but the way you describe it maybe I should be! I’m more inclined to tomorrow’s prompt 🙂
Yeah… you totally should be! LOL Grab a glass of wine and go for it, Tom!! 😉💕
You should paint people more often you are good at, he looks adorable all concentrating on those bubbles.
Aww thanks, Sandra! 😃💕 Yeah, I don’t know why, but painting people just doesn’t excite me, so I don’t get a lot of practice. hehe
Today’s painting is just too darn cute! By the way, I am an addicted bubble wrap popper.
Thanks so much! 😃💕 Hehe… yay! So glad to find another bubble wrap popping addict!
We should all let our inner child out to play more often! Thanks Charlie.
Yay to that! Always!! Thanks so much, Susan! 😃💕
Avoid painting people, pop bubble wrap whenever you can, keep your inner child with you always – you sound like someone I like to know. I’m so glad I do even if it is just online. Your painting is awesome!
hehe! I knew we had a lot in common, Sandra!! 😃💕 And thanks!!
You painting is very good, Charlie. Bubble wrap is difficult not to top, glad my inner child directs me in the popping ways. Your blog always has a very good message.
Thanks so much, Mary! 😃💕 hehe… I’m thrilled to know your inner child tells you to go for it.. and POP!!
Your painting is fabulous. The magic of kid lei seems . love it.
Thanks so much, Snehlata! 😃💕
What a wonderful observation about consequences and possibilities. Process, not product: a good mantra to have. And you do a great job with rendering people. We are animals too! (K)
Thanks so much, Kerfe! 😃💕 Glad you enjoyed this. And so true… when I paint people… I just pretend their another animal. Gets me through it! lol
He’s awesome! I used to have a haircut like that when I was little 😛 I’m wishing I had some bubblewrap right now! You can never be bored when there’s bubblewrap around. It’s so hypnotic!
Yay! So glad you agree, Jacob! 😃💕 And I would love to see your pics of you sporting this lovely bowl cut! I’m sure you were dashing! 😉
This is a terrific painting, Charlie. The little guy is so engrossed in popping those bubbles.All the expensive toys we buy kids, and they love the bubble wrap, wrapping paper, ribbons, and empty boxes best.
Thanks so much, Shari! 😃💕 Yeah, I was that little kid so engrossed… in everything BUT the actual gift! 😊lol
“Every child is and artist, the challenge is to remain one when you grow up.”
Picasso knew it, and it seems like you’ve chanelled that right into adulthood. 🙂
Aww thanks, Elizabeth! That’s a flattering comparison… I do think that’s the trick of making adulthood magical!
You are so right. I used to put the bubble wrap I received on the communal work table and it was always “snapped” up. The office was full of sounds of popping bubble wrap. The small ones are better and more satisfying than the large ones.
hehe!! FUN!! Sounds like the perfect time indeed! 😃💕