30 Day Painting Challenge - Final Week

Well, I made it.  After 101 days of painting I reached the end.  I went over the 30 days a bit, lol.

#25 - My must haves for a good workout.

#26 - Bricks - nice texture study.

How I feel....

• Adjusted.  Towards the end I nearly stopped painting and blogging altogether.  I was overwhelmed.  It's fine, I'm not a factory pumping out art.  I have my ups and downs.
  
• Curious.  I have a desire to find my own style.  I plan to work on a series so I can focus one idea instead of jumping around.
• Happy.  The list of prompts took the guess work out of what I should do each day.  I like to look back and see my strengths and weaknesses.  

#27 - I have the worst struggle with brown paint.  This took 3 days to figure out.

#28 - I've been on-line window shopping for chairs lately.

#29 - Flock - carefree

What I learned...

• I need to mix more colors and not use them straight out of the tube. 
• There is nothing wrong with changing my original idea if it's not working out.
• I prefer a looser brush stroke. 
• Creativity needs patience.

#30  - Can't wait to paint more faces.

Thank you for all your kind words of encouragement through this challenge!  I'm off to work in my art journal.  Click here to see all previous pages.

Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, Creative Every Day

30 Day Painting Challenge - Week 7

I'm at the point where I have to keep reminding myself why I started this challenge in the first place. Whenever I paint I can't help but think about what types of paintings I would do for a gallery or a solo show.  Most artists paint with a certain type of style or subject matter but I just kinda paint.

#22 - The original was boring so I added the vines.  

I'm still working through my skills and ideas.  It's nice to look back in my journal and see what I've accomplished so far.  I have about six painting left and it feels good.  But then what?  I hope to start concentrating on finished pieces for sale/galleries.  Btw, I LOVED hearing about your goals in the last post!

#23 - I went around in circles for a while before this idea come along.

At times, I feel intimidated because I want my work to look a certain way.  For right now, I'm going to chill and be happy with my progress.  And of course, keep painting.

#24 - First, I was scared about this one then I got a bit carried away. 

Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, Creative Every Day

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30 Day Painting Challenge - Week 6

Yes, week 6.  LOL!  

I only managed to get one painting done this week.  I took process photos along the way.

Painting 21 of 30.  The list for day 21 says to be inspired by fashion so I planned on painting a whole outfit.  Since, I don't have a ton of time I focused on one item.  I started with a pair a sunglasses and they were great but sorta boring.  But, I just kept painting and figured something would come up.

My inspiration was the butterfly I painted back on day 4.

I would have to say the hardest part of the painting was the glass.  I'm completely out of medium for glazing so I used a crappy old brush with a tiny bit of watered down white paint.  I was careful not to get too carried away and just let it be.

Have a wonderful weekend!  Sharing with Creative Every Day & Paint Party Friday

Creative Questions & Answers #1

I recently got a few questions on Google + and wanted to share them here on my blog.

How long does it take to finish a painting? 

Painting #19 Downtown San Antonio.  3 hr session.  My hands were hurting!

Honestly, it can take 2 to 3 hours to finish a page 

(in my visual journal).  

I know that may sound like to long time but I kinda get lost in the project I'm working on.  I've noticed that if it's not coming together by the second or third layer I might have to reconsider the direction of the painting.  My first idea for painting #19 ended up in the trash.  How long do you typically spend on a project?

What type of paints do you use?

#20 Abstract Sunset.  I plan to repaint this one on a large canvas.

I use Grumbacher Academy acrylic paints. 

I got a basic set from Michael's and they let me use a coupon.  The line has nice texture and great color payoff.  What are your favorite supplies?

If you have any questions please feel free to ask.  Have you joined the 30 Day Painting Challenge? Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, Creative Every Day.  Click here to see my previous entries.

4 Tips for Painting Everyday

Here I am in week 5 of my 30 day painting challenge and I've learned so much about the way I create. Painting everyday (or every other day) hasn't gotten any easier but I have fallen into a routine which helps me stress less and just get it done.  

Brainstorm - Sketch - Paint - Move On

Brainstorm - Although I'm following the 30 day list I created I still need to figure out how to make each painting my own.  Do I want to go abstract or realistic?  Should I use pastels or muted colors? Do I need reference photos or is this from my imagination?  I noticed in my previous art journals the same colors and ideas come up over and over because I wasn't painting from life.  Real life observations brings variety to your work.

#15 Abstract Purple flowers.

Sketch - I sketch with watercolor pencils.  They dissolve nicely under the acrylic paint and you can use a regular eraser as well.  If I'm doing a realistic painting I take my time sketching to get as accurate as I can.  I'm not reaching for perfection...it's not that kinda party.  I like when things are a bit off.

#16 Mason Jar and drinking glass.  I practiced on the right as I painted the left side.

Paint - This step takes long and longer each time.  It's good to stop painting and just let it sit for a few hours.  When I come back I can look at it with a new set of eyes.  If you don't like something change it.  For my umbrella painting, I painted over the background at least 3 times before I was happy.

#17 Umbrella of Hope.  Calm after the storm.

Move On - I learned in art school that a painting should have the whitest whites and the darkest darks (full range of values).  I don't always go by that rule but it does help me gauge where I'm at in the painting.  If I find myself painting highlights and/or shadows then it's about time to wrap it up.  Each painting is a bit different but the highlights are usually the last thing I paint.

#18 Mmmmmm...donuts!

I allow myself to feel like it's good enough so I can move on.

Hope this helps!  How do you keep your artwork fresh?  Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day, and Creative Every Day.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Week 4

Hi friends, this week took me back to art school.  I remember it would take me forever to finish one painting.  On the weekends you could find me in the studios late at night.  I wouldn't even get up to eat or use the bathroom.

I'm better about taking breaks now (maybe too many) and I definitely took my sweet time this week.  #13 - Ocean landscape with dry-brushed clouds.

#14 - Where do all the lonely socks go?  If anyone knows please tell me!  Sadly, after this page was done I threw the sock right back in the drawer :)

Did you all make something this week or did you just relax?

Sharing with Paint Party Friday & Creative Every Day.  To see weeks 1, 2 & 3 click here.  The 30 day list is in the side bar.  If you decide to do the challenge please let me know and join me on my FB group I would love to have all of you.

30 Day Painting Challenge - Week 3

I will call week 3 of my 30 day painting challenge a success!  At this point I will have to spill into January but who cares.  I'll be painting for the rest of my life anyway :)

#9 - Stargazing.  I made up the color palette as I went along.  I didn't use straight white.  I watered it down and gradually built it up in glazes.

#10 - Abstract finger painting.  If you are feeling stressed or uninspired please do a finger painting!   It was so relaxing and came together very quickly.

#11 - Fox.  Whatever doesn't kill you makes you want to scream!?! I had the hardest time with the fur and felt like abandoning this one.  I found a YouTube video that helped 

with adding the fur, click here.

#12 - Purple rose garden.  I couldn't make up my mind about the background so I changed it a few times.  I love the texture of thick paint.

To see weeks 1 & 2 click here.  The 30 day list is in the side bar.  If you decide to do the challenge please let me know and join me on my FB group I would love to have all of you.  Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Friday Sketches, Art Journal Everyday & Creative Every Day. 

30 Day Painting Challenge - Week 2

I only have three paintings to share this week.  It seems as though the more I paint the longer I spend on each one (part of the reason I'm running behind).  I use reference photos and a bit of my own imagination.

Note:  I clean my workspace after each session so it's easier to come back and paint the next day.  

#6 - Snow scene with birch trees.  The right side is how I keep track of my colors.

#7 - Pink Jellyfish.  I had a question on Facebook about the brushes I used on this painting.

Background - 3/4 in flat brush - 1/2 angled shader brush (to blend colors)

Top of jellyfish - #6 round - 1/2 angled shader brush (for clean edges)

Tentacles - #5 round brush  - #3 liner brush

I use both synthetic and sable hair brushes. 

#8 - Driftwood

The 30 Day Painting Challenge list is in the side bar if you would like to take a go at it.  Click here to see Week 1.  I post everyday on my Tumblr & Instagram.  Use #30daypaintingchallenge if you decide to paint!  If you love to paint please leave my your link down in the comments!

Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day & Creative Every Day

30 Day Painting Challenge - Week 1

Good Morning,
I'm here with week 1 of my 30 day painting challenge (the full list is in the side bar) and it was not exactly a smooth ride.  The days I work late are the hardest but I want painting to eventually be my full-time job so determined to put in the work.

I'm just working in my journal right now because I want to start small.  Whenever I start a work on canvas I have no idea what to do.  At the end of 30 days I won't have everything figured out but I will be more comfortable in my own space.

Now on to the paintings....

Day #2 - My typical breakfast.

Day #3 - Fall leaves from my backyard.

Day #4 - My favorite insect.

Day #5 - Playing with black drips.  Watercolor and acrylic.

Please take a look at the list and see if its something you would like to try.  You could even do a painting a week.  I have a Facebook group where I post everyday and hope to see you all there to post your own work.  I also post daily in my Instagram and Tumblr!

Sharing with Paint Party Friday, Art Journal Every Day & Creative Every Day

30 Day Painting Challenge - Day 1

Happy December!  I hope everyone had a great holiday, I know I did!  Today is day one of the 30 day painting challenge for me and I wanted start off on the right foot.  You can start anytime you want in any medium of your choosing.  If you would like to see my initial post for the challenge please click here.  The 30 day list will always be in the side bar. 

I have received such positive feedback that I decided to start a Facebook group where we can all post our daily paintings.  Day 28 is missing :( but you can choose whatever you want to do for that day.

I will be posting at the end of each week here on my blog and daily on Facebook.  If you post on Instagram or Twitter use #30daypaintingchallenge so we can find each other.

I'm working in a 5.5 x 8in Strathmore watercolor Visual Journal.  The pages are small and manageable for everyday painting.

You are looking at my 2nd attempt since my first try was not so great.  I'm not going for perfection just progress.  I couldn't sleep last night so I finished about 2am.

TIP: Ultramarine blue and raw umber make a nice black (or shadow color).

If you are joining the challenge please leave me a comment and let me know.  I'm thrilled to have you and good luck!

Sharing with Paint Party Friday - Art Journal Every Day

30 Day Painting Challenge

I loved the 30 day doodle challenge so much that I wanted to create a challenge of my own.  I haven't consistently painted for about 5 years now and it's about time to get to work.  I sat down and came up with this 30 day painting challenge and decided to share it with all of you!

Now, my plan is to start December 1st but I know the holidays are here and it might be tough.  I'm gonna take it day by day to see how it goes.  I plan to post my progress weekly.  I would like to invite you to take on this challenge with me!  I don't want to do it alone :)  I've never done anything like this so I'm excited!

Take care and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!