So, I agreed to do something.

So, I agreed to participate in something that would prove to be a wee bit of a challenge because, well, what will I create every day for 100 days. I'm a slow painter because my work is realistic, and each piece takes a long time to complete. So, producing work daily, and posting consistently, is way out of my comfort zone. So, before I could second guess myself, I accepted the challenge. Oh boy. Doubt flooded my brain, and I immediately thought there was no way I would make it to the end.

So, I sat in my studio, looked around, and began to sketch what was on my art table (which used to be my dining room table). I drew simple things like an elephant ornament, a potted cactus, a pink pig timer, etc. Anything to get me started. Eventually, I decided to use this opportunity to explore what I could do with my stacked rocks further. It seems like I always return to my stacked rocks.

In my previous collection, the background for each rock painting was white because I wanted to focus on each rock's position and rendering as realistically as I could. Each cairn conveyed a subtle story about struggle and tension, but now I want to expand that story by pushing the composition further. To do this, I decided to simplify my materials, use pen and ink instead of watercolour, and eliminate colour to get my ideas down on paper. Eventually, I will add colour to similar compositions and see what story emerges. That's what is so great about this challenge; these studies are not precious. Instead, it encourages play and experimentation, which is a perfect way to get out of my comfort zone.

I'm currently on Day 41, and I still have 59 days left which is still a long way to go, but it's a great way to unwind after a long day at work. Now that I'm on my summer break, I look forward to starting my day by creating and daydreaming about my next idea. Don't get me wrong, creating art is challenging, but it's one I accept wholeheartedly.