I’m just over half way through the 30 paintings in 30 days challenge. My dreams for this challenge were definitely lofty and a little glamorous. I envisioned every single painting being a masterpiece, that each still life would be easy to arrange, and that I would be excited to paint every day. So far, none of that has really worked out. While some of the paintings are really nice and successful, by no means are all of these paintings masterpieces. I spend almost as much time setting up something to paint as I do painting and I already feel like I’m running out of interesting things to paint. Finally, sitting down to paint each day has turned into a chore that I put off.
While I do think I’ve learned a lot, I thought the painting itself would be the challenge. It’s really just setting up a good composition that is the challenge. And setting up something every single day… ugh. The composition has to be good for me to actually finish a painting because I hate starting over as much as I hate trying to finish a painting with a bad or boring composition. The struggle is real. This challenge has sucked the fun out of painting and I’ve been super frustrated with setting up still lifes, but you aren’t learning if it isn’t hard. At least the caliber of this week’s paintings are better than last week.
My favorite paintings this week are #17, #12, and #14. In that order. With each one I was completely lost in the painting and only had minor struggles with mixing just the right color. I think all of the frustration up until this point is starting to really pay off. I think I may just start painting in this style more often. While I like painting in layers, painting alla prima has been very refreshing.
Stick at it Amber – I feel real admiration for you even attempting a challenge like this! And think of the satisfaction of knowing how productive you can be when you set your mind to it… I’m almost inspired to try something similar once the summer holidays are over and the kids are out of my hair!
Wow, thank you. It took more than a year for me to work up the courage to do this challenge, but now that I’m here I think I could do it again assuming I can find a decent subject. You should try it. If nothing else, it’s a huge boost to your painting skills.
Wow! Those are great! Love them!
Why, thank you. 🙂
Good on you! The struggle doesn’t show so much as an improved consistency in your work. I’m really liking these.
Thank you. I’m glad I’m not the only one who can see improvement. It isn’t just in my head. 😉
Cool, I have that very same pin cushion!