At the beginning of the month, I signed on to take this challenge. The past few years, I went through some really tough times, such as the death of my son, and I felt my creativity was stunted and I just was barely producing any paintings each year.
When I heard about this challenge, I knew it would be very difficult, since I work full time during the day. But I took it on with great hopes of the possibility of growth. I had heard about this challenge for several years because I subscribe to the "Artists Helping Artists" podcast and it's done in every January and September. Frankly, the thought of producing one painting each day for 30 days scared me to death.
Before the tough times, I was a very ambitious artist and produced quite a bit of paintings each year. My customers, friends and family were used to seeing these works and would be anxious to see what new work I'd have at my Open Studio events. Tough times hit and I was lucky to have 1 or 2 new works each show. It was kind of embarrassing to me, but I just could break out of my rut.
This year, I decided to embrace the challenge. My son was one of my biggest fans and I was ready to make a comeback, so to speak. The paintings are rather small, acrylic paintings on canvases 6x6" and watercolor paintings on 4x6" and ACEO size. I hadn't worked in watercolor for over 12 years, so it was nice to revisit that medium. At first, I wanted to do small oil paintings, but after much thought, I decided against it. In order to succeed at this challenge and get my name and work back out there, I had to use something that would be finished quickly so I could move on to the next painting. So, I chose acrylics because I am comfortable with that medium.
So the challenge is quickly coming to a close. I've used it to experiment with different mediums, ideas and genres. I've even tried my hand at painted illustration.ive even painted cats and figures, which I haven't done before! Although I can't put the time and detail into them like I like to do, I have managed to produce a nice little body of work.
When the challenge is over, I will do the business side of things. Such as, scanning them for prints and greeting cards, listing them on my online stores on eBay and Etsy, varnishing and wiring the backs of the canvases. I'm not stopping there, while I have the momentum, I will continue to produce more works, but larger sizes and more detail.
Although today is the 25th, I would love to share with you my little masterpieces I completed during the challenge! In a separate entry, I'll start with my most current piece.
I love to hear from people to discuss my work, ideas, art and anything else!
You can find my eBay & Etsy Stores by searching, "spygirl" or Renee Rutana.
Thanks for stopping by! 😄
#30paintingsin30days #reneerutana