The 100 Day Project – Days 1 to 18

July 19, 2021

On 30 June I announced my plan to do a #The100DayProject – starting on 1 July, and explained a bit about what that is. For me, it is a plan to do something (anything) creative for 100 days.

As it turns out, my art group decided to do a 30 day sketching challenge during July, so the beginning of my 100 Day Project is going to be very sketch heavy!

I’ve decided I will do a ’round up post’ once a fortnight for the duration of my #WOTMThe100DayProject to share the creativity I’ve done for that period. I also thought I’d share how I’m feeling and what I’m noticing in each post.

So let’s see what I’ve done so far.  Keep in mind that some days I have more time available to me than others so the quality of the ‘creation’ reflects that!

Day 1

Day 2

Zentangle Patterns

Had a go at six different Zentangle patterns after watching a YouTube tutorial. I have no experience with Zentangling.

Day 3

Day 4

I drew Audrey Hepburn from an image of her I found on the internet

Day 5

I roughly drew some flowers in watercolour pencils then added some water to turn to paint. Then added some detail with ink.

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

I drew a young Elizabeth Taylor from an image of her found on the internet

Day 9

A quick watercolour painting of some pink flowers

Day 10

Had a go at another couple of Zentangle patterns (and shading)

Day 11

Day 12

Pine Cone

Sketched a pine cone

Day 13

Day 14

Day 15

Day 16

Day 17

I drew a little field mouse in ink

Day 18

I drew a Koala in a gum tree in ink

How I’m feeling and what I’m noticing?

I think it’s interesting to take the time to notice how I’m feeling about things as I go along with this project/challenge. So here are my thoughts at this point.

  • I thought that Zentangling would be relaxing and ‘zen’ like for me but in actual fact I’m finding that it triggers the perfectionist in me and causes me to become tense. It’s all the lines and spacing and precision that does it. Maybe it’s a wake up call as to how uptight I am or maybe it’s a red flag that this kind of art isn’t for me. I’m not sure yet, but I’ll still keep trying some Zentangling patterns now and then to try and find out.
  • I enjoy drawing much more than I knew I would and I’m ok at it too!
  • I am loving drawing in ink as it has a whimsical nature to it and it reminds me of all the adventures and stories I read as a child.
  • I’d really like to try combining ink drawings with some watercolour paint in the near future
  • So far this project is already revealing to me some creative weaknesses and strengths and likes and dislikes and I am forming ideas in my mind of things I’d like to do in the future.
  • It can be tough to fit in art each day and as can be seen by the 18 examples above, some days I can produce something that looks pretty good and other days it looks pretty average. It depends on the time that I have and it also depends on my state of mind. If I’m well rested and relaxed and have the time, I produce a much better piece.  If I’m tired and rushed it generally turns out pretty average.
  • I’m learning arty lessons all the time too, for example I learned what a ‘tortillon’ is and now couldn’t live without one. Wikipedia describes a tortillon as being “a cylindrical drawing tool, tapered at the end and usually made of rolled paper, used by artists to smudge or blend marks made with charcoal, Conté crayon, pencil or other drawing utensils.”  I have also learned the meaning behind the grading of pencils eg HB 2HB 4HB etc. If you’ve ever wanted to better understand the different pencil grades, check out this great YouTube video by Dan Beardshaw that explains.
  • I’m feeling looser (more relaxed and free) and my confidence is starting to build.

Though it’s really hard to always fit doing something creative into every day, the benefits I hoped for are coming much sooner than expected! It’s quite exciting actually as I start to discover things I like doing and am quite good at and I start to form ideas of possible future ventures. Knowing myself though, the main thing I need to be careful of is my own mind going into self sabotage mode.

I’ll be back in 2 weeks with the next round up post of Days 19 – 32 of Write of the Middle’s The 100 Day Project #wotmthe100dayproject  In the meantime if you’d like to see my ‘creations’ as I post them you can see them on either my Instagram or my Facebook.

Ciao for now,

Linking up with Denyse Whelan Blogs for #LifeThisWeek

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30 Comments

  • Reply Lydia C. Lee July 19, 2021 at 7:27 am

    These are fantastic. I didn’t realise you were such a talented artist. I love the movie starts but the something borrowed is fabulous! #Lifethisweek

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 4:52 pm

      Thanks Lydia. I wouldn’t call myself a talented artist – maybe emerging artist? I’m finding out where my talents lie and what I like to do. At the moment it’s looking like ink drawings and watercolours. I think by movie stars you mean my Audrey Hepburn & Elizabeth Taylor? I’m not sure though what you mean by something borrowed? Maybe I’m having a senior moment!!

  • Reply Joanne Tracey July 19, 2021 at 9:05 am

    I’ve been enjoying your journey on Instagram – you’ve really got such a talent Min!

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 4:52 pm

      Thank you Jo. I’ve been hoping and crossing my fingers and toes that I’m not boring everyone to tears with all my drawings. Glad to hear you’re enjoying it!

  • Reply Sue from Women Living Well After 50 July 19, 2021 at 9:05 am

    So very impressed Min with your creative talent and one that you definitely should pursue. I would purchase the mouse and koala for my grandsons if they are up for sale! Keep it going because you have found your passion. #lifethisweek

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 4:54 pm

      Sue, what you’ve said is very complimentary and encouraging. Thank you! I think I may have found my passion too. It’s very exciting!

  • Reply Natalie July 19, 2021 at 10:06 am

    You’ve got such artistic talent, Min. I look forward to the next installment. #lifethisweek

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 4:55 pm

      Thanks so much Natalie!

      • Reply Natalie July 19, 2021 at 11:16 pm

        Thank you, Min, for sharing your art with #weekendcoffeeshare. Have a fun week!

        • Reply Min July 21, 2021 at 12:00 pm

          Thanks and my pleasure Natalie!

  • Reply Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au July 19, 2021 at 11:32 am

    Hi Min – I’ve watched your efforts pop up on FB each day and have enjoyed seeing what you’ve come up with. I think it’s a great way for you to find what style suits you – and which areas you are stronger or weaker in and whether to pursue a particular type of art (like the ink drawing etc). I’ll be following along with the rest of your 100 days x

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 4:57 pm

      Thanks Leanne. At the moment I’m loving the ink drawings and today did one and added some watercolour paint and I’m loving the effect. Hope people aren’t fed up with me by day 100!!

  • Reply Gary Wilson July 19, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    Hi Min, I so envy your ability to crate such wonderful images. I realize you must have worked hard to get where you can do this, but I still think you are wonderfully gifted.
    Thanks for sharing your work.

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm

      Hi Gary, what a lovely thing to say! I’ve been trying to find my ‘thing’ for many years and have meandered down a few different paths in pursuit of it. I’m hoping maybe I’ve found it and all those other things I’ve tried have been a necessary part of the journey. We shall see! Thank you again for such a kind comment.

  • Reply rona July 19, 2021 at 1:14 pm

    Thanks for sharing, your work is astounding!

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 5:00 pm

      Astounding is a big word! Thank you Rona!

  • Reply Debbie Harris July 19, 2021 at 3:11 pm

    These are all so good Min, you are very clever! I think my favourite is the wildflowers, keep up the effort, you are so talented and your comment about loosening up seems top indicate it’s helping you ! #lifethisweek

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 5:02 pm

      Thanks Debbie – some are better than others and I’m finding myself leaning one way more than others now so it’s been very interesting! It’s lovely to hear you like the wildflowers. I plan on doing more similar to that down the track.

  • Reply Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid July 19, 2021 at 4:21 pm

    You’re much more than OK at art, you really have skills! I love everything you’ve showcased here but I think my favourite is the one of Audrey Hepburn. I hope you’re going to frame some of them and hang them because they’re definitely wall worthy!

    • Reply Min July 19, 2021 at 5:03 pm

      Thank you Sammie! It never entered my mind to frame any of them! They’re all in a spiral art journal. I love hearing what everyone’s favourite is. I was very pleased with my Audrey Hepburn and that was a good confidence boost. Maybe I might frame and hang some of my favourites as i go along. We shall see!

  • Reply ~B July 19, 2021 at 5:19 pm

    These are awesome.. I am inspired to try out a bit of sketching too ^_^
    ~B

    • Reply Min July 21, 2021 at 11:59 am

      Thanks B! I’m glad you feel inspired to try a bit of sketching. It’s so therapeutic and relaxing and we all need a bit of that these days!

  • Reply Deborah Cook July 19, 2021 at 5:51 pm

    I’ve seen some of these on social media but not all and they’re amazing Min. You’re so talented and don’t ever doubt yourself!

    • Reply Min July 21, 2021 at 12:00 pm

      Thank you Deb. I doubt myself all the time. I’m trying to do differently though but it’s not easy!

  • Reply Susanne July 20, 2021 at 2:43 am

    Wow, you are REALLY good at this!! Keep up the good work!

    • Reply Min July 21, 2021 at 12:01 pm

      Thanks so much Susanne. Some are better than others but I seem to be finding the area that I like more and am better at so I’ll see where it takes me!

  • Reply Denyse Whelan July 21, 2021 at 7:04 pm

    You need a lesson is both self-love and self-acceptance of how darned GOOD you are at this…Min!! I know we are not people who show our talents easily but seriously you are darned good. I suspect you have always had a good eye and now you are getting the time to put it together. Your sketches of people and animals are beyond good.
    I find proportion and depth hard but did some on-line lessons way back with our mutual friend Tracy Fletcher King and learned a lot there.
    I have dipped in and out of many types of art so to speak and NEED the release of pattern making, drawing simple shapes and painting to help me centre myself and to achieve mindfulness. Art like that, where I can share if I choose and I judge myself very mildly if at all has relaxed me so much.
    I also found that without the right tools (media) I cannot achieve what I like. Hence I have a large supply of high quality art books to do my art in, and media to match. A very costly hobby but, now I have most/all of what I need I am trying to make the most of it. I think it’s good to try things. I gave lettering a go, but I preferred what I could do myself, I learned some basic Zentangles but I hear you on stress and as you know I have developed my own mandalas and patterns and find creative joy each day. I miss it if I cannot do something once a day.

    Thanks so much for linking up this week for #LifeThisWeek. Your blog posts are welcome contributions when you share. I appreciate that a great deal. Next week is #ShareYourSnaps. It’s an optional prompt of course. Hope to see you then. Denyse

    • Reply Min July 23, 2021 at 2:10 pm

      Thanks so much Denyse. Yes I have a real problem with self love, self-acceptance, the inner-critic – all that stuff. It’s why I write about it I guess! I always feel like a fraud and I self sabotage. However, I am really feeling quite pleased with myself with the ink and watercolour drawings I’ve been doing lately. I think I’ve found my thing. Hope so anyway. I have been wondering about Tracey for some time. She hasn’t posted in ages and I worry but I don’t want to be intrusive. I hope she is doing ok. I know how good art has been for you over the years. I’ve been trying so many things before I got to here – photography, crochet etc. I just have to trust that all these things are leading me to where I’m supposed to be. Thank you for your support and kindness Denyse. It never goes unnoticed and it is always appreciated! xo

  • Reply Leslie Susan Clingan September 24, 2021 at 9:42 am

    As someone who could never draw a face, I am just in awe at your portraits. I particularly like the Hepburn portrait. The use of negative space. My father would have LOVED it, too. He was always after me to try to draw without outlining. Your use of the negative space defines her face as well as the lines you drew. I have been using the book 365 Days of Creativity which provides a little creative exercise for each day of the year. I am not doing it everyday but when I do, I sure enjoy it. Bravo, bravo, bravo on all of these lovely pieces. You are extremely talented.

    • Reply Min September 27, 2021 at 5:06 pm

      Thank you so much for your kind words Leslie! Every little bit of encouragement and support means so much to me. Thank you! xo

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