Dealing with my flip flop aversion as I'm making a cardboard doll
I love crocs, what can I say?
I never planned on making a cardboard doll when I first started, and didn’t know it was going to turn into a full blown project. I painted this lady’s face, and left it lying on the table to dry.
She might look like the cover of my art journal because I had my journal in front of me when I was painting this one.
Later that day I started painting this flip flop painting. I’ve never painted feet before..well, maybe, yeah, of course I have, right? Idk?
I know it’s not a popular opinion, but I’m okay with feet. What I don’t like is flip flops, so I’m not sure what came over me wanting to paint this one. All I know is I saw a photo in an online clothing catalog the night before & the image stuck in my mind. It was still there when I sat down to paint, and I couldn’t shake it. I think the flip flops in the photo were bright yellow or green, but since pink is my favorite color, that’s what I reached for.
I was painting from memory, which I do a lot, and didn’t have the photo in front of me.
Let me clarify, I don’t mind flip flops as much if someone else is wearing them. Personally, tho, I can’t stand the thought of jamming that rubber thing between my toes, and it constantly rubbing every step I take. I’m highly allergic to latex (and metals, food, and a million other things), so I’m sure that’s adding to my flip flop aversion.
I also can’t stand that thwacking noise I hear when someone walks in them. These shoes constantly slap the bottom of feet. Thwack-thwack, thwack-thwack. My ears are highly tuned in, and I pick up on the least little distracting sound, and this isn’t a pleasant one, imo. BUT nonetheless, I loved painting these feet in flip flops. They’ll forever be standing still, not rubbing or thwacking so I’m good. lol
Again, I left the painting to dry on the table, and this is what I saw when I returned. I’m like..hm..all she’s missing is some legs, arms & a torso, and she could be a large cardboard doll.
When creative thoughts like this pops into my head, I don’t hesitate, and act on it immediately. I mean, seriously, it’s only paint and cardboard. Who cares if it works out or not? At least I’ll have fun trying. Sounds good, le’t’s goooo.
I taped it on the front so I made sure things lined up right before flipping it over and taping the back.
I think I have some of those pins that push through and fasten on the back to make the limbs moveable. I forget what they’re called. I need to look around for them, so I can remove the tape.
These!
I’m not completely convinced that I won’t be adding more details to her, but for now, I’m calling her done. She’s hanging on my closet door. I might offer her for sale sometime, but for now, I’m enjoying her presence in the room.
“MOM, HELP!! Bunny stuck himz ear in meese eye!!”
🐶 🥺 🤭
This precious little one gave us a quite a scare last week when she suddenly got very ill. I was so worried, but thankfully she’s back to being her super cute, sassy little self once again. When she woke me up in the middle of the night tapping me on the shoulder for kitty treats, I knew she felt better. Aww..I’ve never been so grateful and relieved. She is my everything.
I finally found this guy after losing him for a few weeks. He was hiding under other paintings on my work table. He looks a bit different now that I revised him. I’ll be listing him, along with several others once I get new photos.
Reading: The Sideways Life of Denny Voss by Holly Kennedy
I still haven’t got far in this book. I’ve been distracted, and watching too much youtube lately. I have a feeling I’m going to zoom through it once I allow myself time to sit, focus & read.
I’m rereading The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong for like the 3rd or 4th time this year. I was able to purchase it on sale on Amazon, so I figured why not? It’s no longer available through my library app, sadly.
Watching:
Leighann Creates - I replaced scrolling with something better
I need to do something like this also. I don’t scroll much at all, but I work around the clock, 7 days a week. It’s really hard to pull myself away even when I know I should rest or do something other than work.
Jamie Jo is back to making videos every day for the month of July. She’ll make you laugh when she laughs, no doubt. 😂
Brett Park gave up on NYC and moved to the mountains, babes. I can’t remember specifics off the top of my head, but I’ve been following him forever, and it’s probably NSFW or children...the subject matter of his videos usually are for adults only, imo. lol You’ll see what I mean, babes. ::tongue click:: 😀 Oh, to have even half his youthful energy level.
My artwork is available on Daily Paintworks (US shipping only), Etsy, and eBay (worldwide shipping).
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I’ve also been posting notes here on Substack in between these longer posts.
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May you be well, happy and peaceful. ☸️
First off, loved the finished piece. Second, you are going to hate this but I love wearing flip flops. They are my go-to shoe when I’m not running and when the weather gets cold I wear them with socks, which my kids think is an absolute abomination, so I really enjoyed reading this. Also, pink is a top three color for me. I really enjoyed reading this and looking at the artwork. Thank you.