So I’ve been doodling on my own shoes for a couple of decades (man, if that does not sound old). I’ve painted on a few dressy shoes, but mostly canvas sneaker types. Actually, now that I think about it – I paint on all sorts of things I’ve purchased. I guess I just like turning something into more of a “one of a kind” item. So a few things….
1.) Strangers have stopped me about them over the years. (a lot) How many times has a person you don’t know come up and struck up a conversation? If you are introverted like me you might think “who wants that?” But it’s actually been a nice little form of connecting. If you think about it – tech, news, etc….it just keeps us more to ourselves. Somehow, cute custom shoes causes some people to break that barrier 🙂
and 2.) I have discovered if you generally take decent care of your shoes – the design doesn’t fade or wear off. At lease the longest pair I hung on to (15 years) never did. They were originally white though and did look pretty dingy in the end.
Conclusion: People like them + they last = me offering them
So all that to say, ‘FOR FUN’… I’ve been gathering shoes if I happen to pass by some. And instead of doodling on a flat surface (sketchbook/ipad), I’ve been doodling on some shoes. It’s different, good practice, I just enjoy it. So like original paintings, I am offering them up when finished. I know if someone sees a pair they like and it’s not in their size, they might inquire about a special order. Unfortunately that is not what this is. Sorry, I’m not starting a custom shoe business here – I’m just putting my art and heart on some shoes. Please feel free to reference them though if you decide to make your own. It’s simply acrylic paint and permanent ink.
Below are a couple of completed pairs. Feel free to follow my etsy shop if you want to catch more – I have a handful of shoes in the studio waiting their turn 🙂
(above) Converse All Star Low Tops – in limited time color ‘Berry Smoothie’ – Women’s Size 7
This features the type of sketches that graced the cover of my middle school / high school days folders (and books we had to cover). Only one robot rides along with this pair – he’s on the right side shoe 🙂
(above) Converse Star Player 76 – limited time color “Venetian Rust” – Women’s Size 10 (men 8.5).
Here in Florida we are ready for fall just like the next person – except it really doesn’t come until February the next year (at least that’s when the leaves start to change). I just wanted to paint a breeze and leaves once I saw the color of this shoe. I also have a 2nd pair up in the shop – Women’s size 6.5.
Stay tuned for more – I’m gonna do high tops too 🙂 -Cindy
Cindy Thornton Art 