ULPT Request: Watercolor Painting at Work
Posted by Woodpecker-Sensitive@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 22 comments
How do I best hide my painting during those meetings that I don't really need to participate in or be mentally present for? I'm a little worried that someone will walk into my office and immediately realize what I am doing. Bonus points for things that don't make noise.
Creepy_old_man_in_IL@reddit
Try piss disc painting!!
HookahGay@reddit
Tell them when you open your creative brain helps you “ideate.” Worked for me, when my boss was annoyed by me doodling during meetings. Bonus points: doodling (painting?) does help some people pay attention and retain information or something.
Grammagree@reddit
If I don’t doodle or write I will not retain any verbal instruction etc.
discolored_rat_hat@reddit
I have ADHD, I doodle anytime I need to passively listen. Even my teachers in school quickly learnt that they either can have me doodle and be their best student or have me fall asleep.
metalflygon08@reddit
Lucky, my teachers crushed my doodle, because they didn't like my notes having cute doodles in the margins.
My grades started tanking in those classes while remaining high in the ones where the teacher didn't mind (or even wrote comments on when reviewing our notes).
alittlepizza@reddit
I thought it was just me. I'm no longer alone in my doodles . Ty
Woodpecker-Sensitive@reddit (OP)
Yes, they are virtual meetings and my camera is off.
I'm worried that someone will barge in my office (my door is usually shut and faces the door) and see me painting. So, I want it to be like something I can quickly hide. I have the paintbrush and water easily hidden. It's mostly the paints and paper. I don't have an easel or anything unnecessary.
Woodpecker-Sensitive@reddit (OP)
@mumblinandfumblin I responded, but apparently not by hitting 'reply'. Apologies. Hope this helps.
mumblinandfumblin@reddit
Not to sound too forward but I think you may be overthinking it. Grab some small watercolors and go for it. If your input isn’t needed and you’re listening, I’d think it’d be okay. I scribble or scroll during meetings but make sure I’m paying attention in case they my input. If it’s not distracting you to the point of neglecting the meeting, just for it. If somebody does catch you, just explain it helps you concentrate and destress.
DVsKat@reddit
Use one of those watercolor paint pens. Basically there's water inside of them and you squeeze them a little to let some more water out.
AccidentOk5240@reddit
I don’t see why you would hide it. Are you contributing to the meeting? Maybe turn your camera on so people can see you “doodling” in paint and visibly engaging with others (nodding agreement, laughing at jokes) at the same time.
Glum_Improvement7283@reddit
Do other people knit during the meeting?
TheGoochTaint@reddit
Maybe get a "do not disturb" thing to put on the door handle like hotel rooms have?
New-Geezer@reddit
Meeting in progress \~ Do no disturb
elduderino1964@reddit
Let them know that you are painting happy little trees.
the_siren_song@reddit
How about fake plants? You can put the water in them. Use a brush to dust off the leaves.
Get one of those giant desk calendars and put your paper under it or under the first page. If someone barges in, drop the calendar paper and shove the brush into a plant.
I don’t know what your paints look like but I’ll bet you can make little plants for them.
the_siren_song@reddit
Can you get like a roller shelf? You know how some desks have a shelf that rolls out and has a keyboard on it?
DVsKat@reddit
Are you talking about an in-person meeting in a boardroom, or a zoom call?
Ghrrum@reddit
Does the door open inward? Use a pen or other object to wedge the door shut.
nikitafemme@reddit
This is genius, it won't look deliberate
zoppaTheDim@reddit
Do them entirely with coffee.
Just shades of brown.
Oh, I guess that does look la bit like Monument valley. Really? Funny little accident.
mumblinandfumblin@reddit
Are they virtual meetings?