For just over a year now, I've been inspired by violinist Hilary Hahn's #100daysofpractice challenge practice technique. This great artist, even though she is one of the top artists in the world, continues to practice every day. When I heard of this, I decided that this might work for me as a painter. So now I'm on my fifth #100 days' challenge, only I call mine #100daysofpainting instead. And guess what...it really is a great thing to do because it keeps me honest and focused.
At about the same time, I re-read an art book I've had and referred to for 50 years, ever since art school: "Hawthorne On Painting," by Charles W. Hawthorne. This little book has always been one of my favorite guidebooks for my work, but it was an epiphany to realize how incredibly jam-packed with juicy tidbits of wisdom it is. Hawthorne is now my mentor as I follow this new path.
I simply was just ready for things to come together when I paired "#100 days" and Hawthorne in my mind. So for 414 days now, every morning, right out of bed, I go out to my studio and do a fresh start on a blank canvas. A new subject every day.
I take a picture of each one so I can review them all later in chronological order in a slideshow on my computer, but almost all of them get wiped off and the canvas is re-used the next day.
Here's a study I did a couple days ago: oil on canvas 30"x36." Painted with 2" and 3" wide long bristle flat brushes.
It doesn't look "finished," nor is it something I'll sign and frame, but it IS another step along my journey of discovery, and I like many aspects of what's going on here. I expect that in time, what I'm learning now will come together in a more mature personal style that will emerge naturally. In the meantime, I'm having the time of my life, so excited to see what happens next!
