The 100 Day Project – Background Information
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’s 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:
and here’s days 75 to 88.
Day 75
Day 75 – Gum Flowers
Day 76
Day 76 – Whimsical Window (mini painting)
Day 77
Day 77 – Clownfish (mini painting)
Day 78
Day 78 – Rhett the Red Toy Poodle
Day 79
Day 79 – Snippet of Work-In-Progress Portrait
I had been to an all day workshop today with an established artist on watercolour portraiture. I have never done portraiture before and it is not easy let me tell you (especially with watercolour)! It was a fun day but I didn’t get my portrait finished. With watercolours you need to work in layers (letting each layer dry) starting light and working towards the darker bits in the latter layers. I needed to do another layer or two of the darker parts and to fine tune bits here and there. So as I’d been out creating all day and was exhausted, I didn’t want to create something else to post so instead decided on a snippet of my WIP (work in progress) from the day.
Day 80
Day 80 – Foo Fence Doodle Dude. I wasn’t feeling well on this day so decided on an elevated version of my go-to doodle dude!
Day 81
Day 81 – Magenta Cosmos. I had a big day out and still wasn’t feeling well so as it was very late in the day I decided on some quick watercolour and ink flowers.
Day 82
Day 82 – Clara the Cow
I had planned on posting my completed portrait on this day but had a bit of a disaster happen. My portrait was on an easel and someone (I won’t name and shame haha!) came in through a nearby door and with them came a gust of wind (it was a really windy day) which blew my portrait off the easel and onto nearby paint pallets. There was lots of unwanted paint on the face!! I tried to carefully remove it but ended up with ugly smudges and many more splotches to yet remove. I could feel my stress levels rising so decided there was no fixing it and it would be best for me to abandon it and move on. I posted my portrait in my Instagram stories (with splotches on the face) as it did show promise and I had worked on it again all that morning so it was so disappointing to have all that work ruined. Ultimately though, these things happen and I had to move on. So Clara the Cow stepped in and saved the day!
Day 83
Day 83 – Quaint Cottage
Day 84
Day 84 – Twelve Mini Houses
Decided to try something different. If you look at Day 83 you’ll understand how much restraint this required. I think I need to do another version of this that is more ‘Minified’ – in other words – more pots of flowers and nature about! I do like this simple uncluttered version though.
Day 85
Day 85 – Mother Duck & Ducklings
Day 86
Day 86 – Girls at the Beach
This scene brings back some really happy childhood memories for me. Must admit my dodgy eyes struggled to ‘see’ to do their tiny little faces and so they are very wonky looking but it captures the memory I was going for. Note to self – must go to Optometrist!
Day 87
Day 87 – Millie Maltese
Since I took the above photograph of ‘Millie Maltese’ I’ve added in a line to separate wall from floor and added a bit more detail. I haven’t had time though to re-photograph her in time to get this post published early on Monday morning. She was done in a bit of a rush – in fact the paint was still wet when the above photo was taken. Also, I’ve got a soft spot for Maltese. You can find out why at my Instagram or Facebook post for Day 87.
Day 88
Day 88 – Mood on a Face
Today was a Sunday and I visit my Mum for the day on Sunday’s. I didn’t get home till 5pm and was tired so I was trying to think of something quick I could do for Day 88. I thought this cartoon face expressed how I was feeling about having to be creative after a long day out when I just wanted dinner and a bit of chill out time in front of the TV. Got something done, so good on me!
How I’m feeling and what I’m noticing?
- I am starting to feel tired from the pressure to produce something every day, even though I’ve loved it and learnt so much about myself in the process.
- I’m well aware that the ‘pressure’ is something I create for myself. I want to produce quality and feel disappointed in myself when I’m too tired or lack the time for quality.
- I’m looking forward to this project ending not only to alleviate that pressure but also so that I have more time and headspace then to focus on ‘where to from here’ and to get some stuff done around the house that has been neglected!
- I bought a heap of different sized frames and have framed up some of my pieces and gee they look good. I’m pretty pleased with myself!
- I feel a shift within me. You know those phases of life where you feel change, a shift in what you enjoy doing and priorities, a reassessment?
- 12 more days to go!
I’ll be back next Monday with my third quarterly Taking Stock post and the Monday after that will be my final round up post for my The 100 Day Project!
Wherever you are in the world, please take care of yourself and stay safe.
Ciao for now,
Linking up with Denyse Whelan for #LifeThisWeek
22 Comments
Hi Min, Thank you for sharing your beautiful artwork . I hope you feel really proud of your accomplishments and once you finish the project, celebrate! #lifethisweek
Thank you Natalie. Yes I am proud! I’m so happy to have found something I am not only reasonably good at but actually enjoy! I’m also proud of my commitment to this 100 day project. It has not always been easy but it has been well worth it. It has shown me what I can do and what I like to do and it has shown me what I don’t like to do. It has also provided me with loads of positive feedback which has greatly helped my confidence and for that I am very grateful! xo
You really are so productive!! That in itself is something to be proud of! #Lifethisweek
So productive I had to start tearing up my watercolour paper as it was becoming too expensive! LOL But this has turned out to be a good thing because I LOVE my mini paintings!
Fantastic art works! These remind me of children’s book illustrations.
Thanks so much Jody (oops I spelt your name Jodie when I commented on your post – sorry about that)! I’m glad you say that because children’s books is something I’ve been thinking about, and will think about more when this project ends and I have more time and headspace.
Ugh, sorry you’re feeling under pressure Min, even if you know it’s self-inflicted. But your work is just beautiful and I can’t believe how versatile you are with your art – from sketching to painting. I’m sure a lot of people can’t switch from one to the other like that. Your work is just beautiful.
My faves of these are the quaint cottage, little girls on the beach and the mood on the face! (though the painting of the face / nose is stunning as well.)
The pressure isn’t that bad. It’s just some days I don’t feel like drawing or painting or being creative at all but once I start I always enjoy it. I need though to start back doing some exercise and getting a few things done around this place (apart from the daily chores)! You have lots of faves! lol I can’t pick favourites. I think they’re all a little piece of my soul and that is why. Thanks so much for your kind words and support Deb. It really does mean a lot to me!
Hi Min – I’ve loved your ink and watercolour tiny paintings the best – they’re just so sweet and the self portrait one at the end made me smile. I think you have a real talent and it will be interesting to see if you want to pursue that direction or if you keep it as a hobby. I’ve been watching my friend locally who had decided to pursue her art seriously – it’s a lot of work! This is her FB page if you’re interested in watching her journey: https://www.facebook.com/AnitaShortlandArt
Hi Leanne, I’ve become very fond of my mini paintings too and this week I’ve framed up a few of them and I am so happy with how they look that I will continue to do more even beyond this project. Thanks so much for your support and encouragement. Once this project ends I’ll think more about what I do from here. I will most definitely check out your friends FB page – thanks for the link! xo
I can’t believe you’re nearly at the end of this challenge – and do hope you’ll continue. I’m not sure which I like the best, but I can see your growth. I hope you’re proud of yourself – I know I’ve said it before, but I think you’ve found your niche.
I can’t believe it either Jo! I mean today was Day 89! Have I really done 89 creations already?!! I will most definitely be continuing. This is something that is giving me much joy and satisfaction. I’ll give more thought to how and what etc once this project ends. My brain can’t cope with too much all at once anymore! LOL I am proud of myself for sticking to this project and for lovely things I’ve created … even when having to pump something out every day. I think I’ve found my niche too. I look forward to thinking things through and moving into the next chapter of my life. Thanks so much for your kind words and support. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – it really does mean so much to me!
I love seeing these! My “regular” art practice kind of didn’t happen but I keep missing it so I’m hoping I’ll find the space to go back to it.
Thanks Vanessa! I hope you get back to your regular art too – it’s so good for the soul!
Wow, these are so good Min, I’ve said it before but you really are very talented. I can imagine the pressure you are putting on yourself but admire you for sticking with it. Hope the last 12 days go well for you and you can start thinking about how to carry on. #lifethisweek
Thank you Deb! I’m a hard task master when it comes to myself! LOL Some days I’m just not in the mood and it’s hard to come up with ideas for every day but I’m very proud that I’ve stuck with it and I’m nearly there!
So impressed with all your work, you’ll have to dedicate a room in the house as a “Mim Gallery.” I love them all but the pooches and the mini houses are my fave. I love how this project has allowed you to unleash all your talent – so inspiring!
Hi Sammie – thank you! I have framed up a few recently and my office/art area is looking very gallery-like at present! I love hearing which ones are peoples favourites so thank you for sharing yours. I’m getting so close to the end of this project now. I’ll be relieved when it’s done but sad too!
Hi Min,
I don’t know that we’ve met, but I’m glad to meet you.
I’d be exhausted if I had even tried to create what you have in so short of time. I just don’t have your skills.
I’m a decent story writer and blogger and appreciate that my “art” takes time as well but I still could not keep up with you.
Wonderful art and subjects. I enjoyed your coffee share a lot.
Hi Gary – I think you’ve commented on my blog once before. Lovely to see you back here! I AM exhausted from creating every day! lol It’s not just the actual creating part, it’s the thinking up what to do each day, then doing it, then photographing and editing and posting to social media etc. And it’s in my mind all the time ‘what am I going to draw/paint today?’ etc. It’s been fabulous though! It’s shown me what I’m good at, what I’m not good at, what I like to do, what I don’t like to do, and more! Thanks so much for your kind words.
You have done an amazing job in mostly….discovering what you love and what you don’t like that much. Embarking on a new creative plan can be like this and look at all you have found out about yourself as a result.
I have put much of my creativity to second purposes, like in the bookmarks and with some of my small designs and little sketches I have cut them out and now using them as parts of art journalling. I have taken a long time to get some idea of what I wanted to do in this field and mostly now I am confident enough to create my own ideas.
Thank you for sharing your post for this week’s link up in Life This Week on Denyse Whelan Blogs. It’s a lovely sharing place you’ve visited and added your post. I wish you well and next Monday, the link up is Share Your Snaps…but of course, any post, old or new, on/off prompts is most welcome. Denyse.
Thank you Denyse – yes I’ve learnt so much about myself through this process! I will be proud to complete the project, relieved when it ends, but also sad when it ends! I do need a bit of a break though and I have other areas of my life that have been a bit neglected during this process. You too have achieved so much with your art and I’m sure you’ve learnt a lot about yourself in the process too! xo