The 100 Day Project – Days 33 to 46

August 16, 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 was quite sketch heavy, however along the way I fell in love with drawing in ink and adding some watercolour so it’s kinda gone that way now. I’ll go with the flow and see where it takes me.

I decided I’ll do a ’round up post’ once a fortnight for the duration of my #WOTMThe100DayProject to share the creativity I’ve done for that period and I also share how I’m feeling and what I’m noticing in each post.  Here’s the round up posts already published if you haven’t seen them:

So let’s have a look at Days 33 to 46!

Day 33

Day 34

The 100 Day Project

Day 34 – Maggie Magpie

Day 35

Day 35 – Petra Platypus

Day 36

The 100 Day Project

Day 36 – Crocheted Willow Squares

Day 37

The 100 Day Project

Day 37 – Colin Cockatoo

Day 38

The 100 Day Project

Day 38 – Frida Frog

Day 39

The 100 Day Project

Day 39 – Lola Ladybeetle

Day 40

The 100 Day Project

Day 40 – Peter Pelican. I wasn’t happy with this one. I’d had a migraine all day so wasn’t a good creative day.

Day 41

The 100 Day Project

Day 41 – Vase of Flowers. I painted this in gouache at art class in the morning on this day. I finished it off with a bit of ink detail in the afternoon at home.

Day 42

The 100 Day Project

Day 42 – Thomas the Tasmanian Devil. Named by Mum as I had come over the previous afternoon (brought some art supplies), took her for her second AZ jab on this morning and was staying a few days to be sure all was AOK.

Day 43

The 100 Day Project

Day 43 – Windflowers

Day 44

 

Day 44 – Quick & Wonky Zentangle pattern. I left Mum’s for home today so had little time for creativity but managed this quick & wonky Zentangle pattern!

 

Day 45

The 100 Day Project

Day 45 – Genevieve Giraffe

Day 46

The 100 Day Project

Day 46 – Butterfly

On Day 46 I had limited time as I had a busy day including going out to the grand opening of Kaye West Studios.  I knew four (4) people who were exhibiting there and so I went along to show my support (see my Instagram post here or it’s on Facebook here for some photos). The diverse styles of art were so inspiring!  If you’re an art lover in Brisbane you should totally go check out this new art gallery at Camp Hill.  So with my limited time when I got home in the afternoon, I wet some watercolour paper in a rough shape of a butterfly, dropped in some colour and splatters for a bit of whimsey and then went off to do some jobs while it dried. Then I came back and did a quick (and dodgy) ink outline to complete the piece. It’s far from perfect but a good one for when time is limited.

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

  • I’m feeling more free with my art now. What I mean by that is that I used to feel nervous/hesitant to start in case I stuffed it up. Nowadays I just jump in and go for it. What will be, will be!
  • There’s been some days during this period where I really wanted the pressure off me to have to produce something creative. I was unwell for several days following my 2nd AZ shot (it hit 3 days after the shot). I had a temp, was really tired, and had some awful headaches/migraines. Then there have been days that I’ve just been super busy and time poor, but I’ve still produced something – though they are sometimes rather basic and subpar!  
  • Even though it’s been a bit tough to be creative when feeling tired and/or unwell, I know it will all be worth it in the end. This project is already reaping benefits for me. It’s forcing me to carve out time in my day for ‘creativity’.  This has many benefits:
    • As I’ve already said – it’s making me become more relaxed and free with my art
    • Creative time = me time = mindfulness and living in the present time = slowing down and resting my brain which often is full of problems and worries and things I have to do!
    • It’s steering me in the direction/s that I enjoy with my art. I never knew before what I enjoyed or what I was good at. The good thing about doing art every day is that you eventually find out!
  • What I need to be careful of is the pressure I put on myself:
    • To produce good quality every day (impossible). I often wonder what I could produce if I had several days to take my time over it. The future will answer that one for me.
    • To make something of this (all in good time).
    • Self sabotage (I have done this with my photography and my crochet but I am determined I will not do this again).
  • What I’ve learnt about me:
    • I need to take things slowly
    • I need to do things properly and with thought, good advice and planning
    • I need to avoid overwhelm because overwhelm can make me shut down
  • I’ve noticed on my social media pages that I’ve lost some of my usual followers but gained some new ones. It’s interesting isn’t it? I’ve gained some new art loving followers and I’m very grateful – thank you to you if you’re one of them and you’re reading this!  But with everything – you win some, you lose some. Some followers have been put off by the sudden flooding of art in my social media and unfollowed. Some followers haven’t unfollowed but they no longer engage with me where once they used to. I can’t let it bother me though. I’ll do me and whoever sticks around to support and encourage me are my tribe and I’m so very grateful to you all. Thank you!
  • At this stage, I am feeling open to making something of my art, and I’m certainly getting quite a bit of encouragement which is so lovely, but I want to seek advice, do some planning, take my time, and launch my ‘something’ when I am ready and if that is the path I continue to want to go down. 

For your info – Day 22’s Kookaburra from the last round up post has been named ‘Karen the Kooka’ as suggested by Debbie Harris (due the rise & fall of Karen’s during these strange Covid days)! Thank you Deb – it’s perfect!

Wherever you are in the world, please take care of yourself and stay safe.

Ciao for now,

Linking up with Denyse Whelan for #LifeThisWeek

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20 Comments

  • Reply Sue from Women Living Well After 50 August 16, 2021 at 7:14 am

    I think you should just keep this project going, MIn. I’m loving your work and again say that I would love to buy some of your native animal prints for my grandsons. Can you DM me if you are interested? Have a great week and thanks for these beautiful works that brighten my day. xx

    • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:28 pm

      Thanks Sue! I’ll keep the project going till I do my 100th drawing and then ease off the pressure on myself. It’s a lot harder than I thought to produce something of any quality every single day! I will definitely keep up with the art after the project though – just without the daily pressure! On the subject of selling my art, I actually responded to your comment on my last post 2 weeks ago and let you know where I’m at with that. I don’t think you must have read it. I’ll DM you tomorrow (have been so flat out today and I’m exhausted – gotta do dinner yet) to fill you in. Thanks for your support and encouragement Sue. Have a great week! xo

  • Reply Lydia C. Lee August 16, 2021 at 7:38 am

    Are you ok now? Get it checked out if it is still happening. As for the art work – the platypus and wildflowers are just fabulous (they’re all great but those two in particular are standouts!) What are you going to do with them all? You need to do something! #Lifethisweek

    • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:31 pm

      I’m not sure what you’re referring to Lydia? My temp, tiredness and headaches after the 2nd AZ shot? If so, then yes – all seems ok now! Thank you for the compliment on my art. Do you mean the vase of flowers or the windflowers I wonder? It’s just I didn’t call anything wildflowers. Hmm? I love knowing which ones are people’s favourites and it’s so interesting how they can be so different person to person. I will hold on to my favourites that I think are good enough and I’d like to have them made into prints. I will probably sell some eventually but not yet – I’m not ready yet. I could then sell originals and prints. I am seeking advice on moving forward with this train of thought. Baby steps or I get too overwhelmed with it all. xo

  • Reply Joanne Tracey August 16, 2021 at 8:59 am

    Sorry to hear you got knocked around by your AZ shot. I have to admit to being surprised to be okay. I truly think you’ve found your thing, Min, and love following your journey on Instagram.

    • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      It was a bit of a shock as I had expected NO effect from the 2nd shot and it was strange that I was fine until 3 days later. So strange in fact that I phoned my doctor and he suggested I go for a Covid test. So I did – and thankfully I got a negative result. My temp, tiredness and headaches though lasted a good 5 days! I’m so glad you’re enjoying following my art ‘journey’ on Insta cos it seems I’ve scared a good few people away with it!

  • Reply Debbie Harris August 16, 2021 at 10:07 am

    Hi Min, you are seriously talented!! Your animals in particular are exquisite! You have well and truly found your thing as Jo says. I’d be happy to purchase any of these artworks, they are so good. I’m also thrilled to have named Karen the Koala – how good is that??? You’ve made my day Min 🙂 #lifethisweek

    • Reply Debbie Harris August 16, 2021 at 10:09 am

      Sorry that should be Karen the Kooka not Koala!

      • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:36 pm

        Lol – this gave me a good chuckle!

    • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:36 pm

      Thanks so much Deb. I don’t feel that talented but I’m trying to take onboard all the positive feedback and let it help my confidence and determination to keep going with it. I’m so glad to have made your day! I was so grateful for your name idea! Have a great week!

  • Reply Leanne | www.crestingthehill.com.au August 16, 2021 at 11:17 am

    Hi Min – I’ve been enjoying your art popping up each day on my FB feed. I have another artist friend who’s created a FB page for her art and her’s pops up each day too – so I’m feeling very inspired by you all. Good luck with your plans for what to do with it all – but be careful not to turn a joy into another stresser in your life xxx

    • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      Hi Leanne – thank you! I may have to create a new FB/Insta page eventually – all stuff I need to think of in the future (once this challenge is done). Yep you are spot on with the warning to be careful not to turn a joy into a stresser cos that is exactly what I tend to do. That is why I’m taking it slow. At the moment the focus is to just get to the end of this challenge/project. I’ll worry about other stuff after that. Hope you have a great week! xo

  • Reply Natalie August 16, 2021 at 11:51 am

    Hi Min, Your art work is beautiful and it’s given you great self-awareness. I hope you continue creating and enjoying the activity. #lifethisweek

    • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      Thanks so much Natalie! xo

  • Reply Deborah Cook August 16, 2021 at 12:48 pm

    I’m glad you’re feeling more comfortable and confident with your art Min as it’s stunning. Your pictures of the animals are just AH_MAZING!

    • Reply Min August 16, 2021 at 5:39 pm

      Thank you Deb. I can just imagine you saying AH_MAZING! lol xo

  • Reply Astrid @ A Multitude of Musings August 16, 2021 at 8:40 pm

    I am so happy you are feeling more free with your art. This is so wonderful! It sucks that you had some days when you felt rather blah physically, but despite this you carved out time for creativity anyway. That’s great! I think I might do this 100 days project someday too. #LifeThisWeek

    • Reply Min August 23, 2021 at 9:42 am

      Thanks so much Astrid! I did have a bit of time feeling blah but very grateful to be fully vaccinated now! If you do the 100 day project let me know and I’ll follow along!

  • Reply Denyse Whelan August 19, 2021 at 1:56 pm

    It’s been a joy for me to see and notice all you are doing with your creativity Min. I have always seen the creative streak in you. I think though, as I can speak from experience, there is an ‘added’ pressure when we say “100 days”. I am so glad you made adjustments for your health and well being on these days.

    Your skills and talents are showing. I am in awe of your details and life like features on so many of your art works. You are a gifted artist.

    Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week, the optional prompt is Time. I hope to see you link up again. Warmest wishes, Denyse.

    • Reply Min August 23, 2021 at 10:08 am

      Thank you so much Denyse. You amaze me with how caring and supportive you are to so many across the blogging community (and also I’m sure in your real life). You are an inspiration and I am very touched to be one of the people who you care about and support! Thank you so much for the compliments on my art and your encouragement. It can be hard to produce something every day but it is a good thing for me. I needed it because I was always making excuses and not doing any art. This makes me do it and it is highlighting for me my strengths and weaknesses and likes and dislikes and that is fabulous. I do have to lighten my load in other ways though in order to not feel a bit too swamped! I hope you have a wonderful week! xo

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