It's not Rocket Science.... and what else I learned doing January Paint Challenge.

January 1st

January 2nd

January 3rd

January 4th

January 5th

January 6th

January 7th

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WHEW!  What a month! I will be honest and say that this year’s challenge got off to a bit of a rocky start. My car broke down on my way home from a family visit 2 days before New Year’s Day and a household appliance broke down 2 days after New Year’s Day. Ever have one of THOSE weeks?

Did I feel like starting this challenge, the painting and the photography and all the hoopla that goes with it? No, not really...But I also knew it was the best thing I could do for myself. Past experience beckoned me into that studio and made me pick up that brush and paint.

I am glad it did!

Past experience also told me NOT to sweat the details...to be kind to myself. If I needed a day or 2 off, especially this year since things were going a bit hay-wire, take it. So, I was diligent, but not crazy and I think it has paid off. In years past, I needed to hold myself a bit more accountable, but I know myself better now. Painting is a priority BUT I also have to accomplish some other things too.

Anyway, the art studio studies this year became a bit more focused.  Instead of doing the panoramic studies I have done in the past, I zeroed in on my studio. That was much more interesting to me this year. It seems I was a bit obsessed with my palette table and red chair since there are a number of paintings of those things. It is fun painting art supplies…I don’t know why.

Last year I learned that abstracts take time and layering. I re-learned that this year and while I think I did a better job at it, I still felt lost much of the time. My abstracts were much more about texture rather than form or structure in many cases. The ones that have form and structure are a bit hard edged. I did have fun playing with design and color in those…moving things around a bit and studying the balance of the painting. You can get lost in that process. Luckily, mine were small and they did come to a conclusion quickly.

So what is the final tally?

• I painted 25 out of 31 days
•  Completed 24 paintings
• 10 abstracts
• 12 studio studies
• 2 watercolor plein airs
• And I have started 3 large studio paintings

Although I would not say every painting I did this month was a success, I would call my January painting challenge a success. I am back in the studio, I feel connected and I am painting.

Hallelujah !

So the lesson here is not rocket science. Just START! Do a little something everyday to work towards what ever your goal is. Funny how we have to re-learn this simple truth over and over and over and over!

Below you'll find pictures from my month long challenge. Next week(around Feb 12th) I will have a page on my website where you'll be able to see these in greater detail and purchase them. Join my email list before then, as my subscribers will get a 24 hour preview look at the page before it goes public!

Until then...I hope you ENJOY!

Sarah

Art is contagious. Pass it on.    Albert Einstein