30 Paintings in 30 Days - Day Thirty

"Selfie 2015"  - mixed media on aquabord, 6 " x 6"
 "Selfie Part Two" - pen and ink on paper, 16" x 20"


On the last day of the 30 in 30 challenge, I decided to paint two pieces.  The first piece represents my zen self with my art and my books, happy as can be without a care in the world while in my studio!   The second piece reflects what happens when I leave my studio and see what happened beyond the door while I was busy - I end up feeling a bit cross-eyed and frazzled!

​So what have I learned during the last thirty days?  Firstly, people are amazing.  Really!  So supportive and encouraging, it is like having personal cheerleaders.  Family, friends, collectors and new acquaintances  all provided daily feedback and cheering.  Their positivity fed my energy and made the whole challenge a delight!

 Secondly, I learned I am at my best creatively when I spend time on it every day.  The inner critic disappears and a crowd of enthusiastic playmates show up to provide endless ideas and energy.  My own brain can be a pretty amazing place when I am at one with the studio, which requires daily attendance.   I also learned I love the structure of a challenge like this one.  Daily creating, finishing a project, taking photos, blogging and hitting social media sites, wrapping and shipping the sold pieces - it all feels like a well-oiled machine when I do it every day.  Structure is good for me and for my creativity.

One of the greatest "ahas" from this challenge is the positive impact of group creativity.  Doing this with over 900 other artists around the world (including some FANTASTIC artists in Charlotte NC!) makes the art of creating a little less solitary and a little more like a huge slumber party.  More fun, more laughter and more pushing the limits of what we can do.  

What happens next?  Well, as with the last time I completed this challenge in January, I will continue to paint every day, but will post and blog just weekly.  I've got a couple of exciting events coming up to get ready for - ARTNADO in West Palm Beach in November, and a trip to Charlotte next month to teach a class at Ciel Gallery.  Then the holidays...and then guess what?  30 in 30 returns in January!  Hooray!
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