I Capture Life’s Essence In Simple Illustrations; Here Are 25 Of My Latest Ones

These small paintings are part of a series of simple, philosophical explorations about life. For me, there’s immense joy in trying to express the truths of being human in the simplest way possible. A splash, a line, a brushstroke—how can they convey something about love, hope, or the feeling of being different, lonely, or afraid?

More info:Instagram

This post may includeaffiliate links.

Over time, I’ve grown weary of the intellectual complexity and verbosity often associated with contemporary art. This led me to start Drodlene—an experiment in simplicity. How unpretentious can an artwork be while still conveying meaning? Can a few playful squiggles spark a meaningful dialogue with the viewer? These questions guided me to download a minimalistic painting app on my tablet and begin sketching.RELATED:I rarely approach a painting with a plan. For me, art is most fulfilling when it feels like play, so I embrace freedom and serendipity in my process. Starting with a clean canvas and a large brush, I let the digital paint flow and watch as shapes and forms emerge. It’s only after immersing myself in this playfulness that I discover what the painting is “about” and find the words to pair with it.As the series has grown, certain recurring themes have emerged. The paintings celebrate values like individuality—it’s not only allowed but essential to be yourself. They affirm the power of love and courage. They remind us that fear and doubt are normal, that even the smallest hope or change can create a ripple effect, and that we should never, ever give up.I call the series Drodlene, which translates to “The Doodles” in English. In Norwegian, the word carries a dual meaning: both “drawing aimlessly and playfully” and “free, creative thinking.” My hope is that these works bring joy, hope, and affirmation to those who see them.Today, there are over 600 Drodlene paintings, and they all live together on my Instagram profile,@drodleland.See Also on Bored Panda

Two simple characters, one red and one black, holding hands with a heart above, illustrating kindness and life’s values.

Two simple figures atop a dark mountain under a starry sky, symbolizing life’s values in simplicity.

Illustration of a small black cat interacting with a red balloon figure, highlighting simplicity in design.

I rarely approach a painting with a plan. For me, art is most fulfilling when it feels like play, so I embrace freedom and serendipity in my process. Starting with a clean canvas and a large brush, I let the digital paint flow and watch as shapes and forms emerge. It’s only after immersing myself in this playfulness that I discover what the painting is “about” and find the words to pair with it.

Simple illustration of a character in a garden with flowers, reflecting on life’s values.

Red character under ladder illustration, conveying simplicity and life’s values.

As the series has grown, certain recurring themes have emerged. The paintings celebrate values like individuality—it’s not only allowed but essential to be yourself. They affirm the power of love and courage. They remind us that fear and doubt are normal, that even the smallest hope or change can create a ripple effect, and that we should never, ever give up.

Simplicity in illustration: Black and red abstract shapes with text “It was one of THOSE days” above.

Simplicity illustration: red figure hanging from a branch with text “some times you should ask for help."

I call the series Drodlene, which translates to “The Doodles” in English. In Norwegian, the word carries a dual meaning: both “drawing aimlessly and playfully” and “free, creative thinking.” My hope is that these works bring joy, hope, and affirmation to those who see them.Today, there are over 600 Drodlene paintings, and they all live together on my Instagram profile,@drodleland.

Today, there are over 600 Drodlene paintings, and they all live together on my Instagram profile,@drodleland.

Illustration of simplicity depicts a small figure at a mountaintop edge with text “Sometimes you should turn around."

Simplicity in illustration shows two figures, black and white, with the text “Their differences made them whole."

Illustration of a house with ghosts at night, highlighting the power of simplicity and life’s values.

Illustration of two round figures with a brave smile, emphasizing simplicity and life’s values.

Simple illustration of two black circles, one giving a red flower to the other, with text: “A small gift can be the largest one.”

Illustration of vibrant red flowers with a smiling face, highlighting life’s values through simplicity.

Simple illustration of a black figure overlooking small red flowers, emphasizing life’s values through simplicity.

Illustration depicting simplicity with two figures in a spiral path conveying life’s values.

Illustration depicting life’s values with a small red flower amid dark hues and the text “It was hard, but she went on."

Illustration of a black figure holding a smiling mask facing three red figures, depicting simplicity and life’s values.

Minimalist illustration of a figure holding a broken heart, symbolizing simplicity and life’s values.

Simplicity illustration showing black and red figures in emotional isolation with text “Just leave me alone."

Illustration of a ladder reaching a star in space, symbolizing life’s values through simplicity.