A 365 day art project… one drawing a day
Santa took an adorable selfie with Ellis at the Christmas in July event we hosted last month at the Chick-fil-A Virginia Beach Blvd. There were a ton of great moments I could have chosen to sketch, but this was a highlight for me. 🙂
Obviously I haven’t added color yet, but thought I’d go ahead and post the beginning of my next art journal. I am determined that these layouts will look more “complete” than the last journal. I’m using a Strathmore 400 series journal, in a larger format this time. (found HERE on Amazon) (not 100% cotton paper, which makes it slightly less fun to paint on. But this is one of the first watercolor journals I tried, and even with all the awesome types I’ve tried, I still love it! At about $15, (currently), it’s more affordable than some, and quite nice to use.)
I’ve only started the title page and one entry so far, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how much I’m enjoying the larger pages!
This page is from Saturday July 27th, our Christmas in July event. That’s Santa, taking a selfie with Ellis! I’m both eager to see this painted and also afraid to do anything else to it:
(It was a GREAT event, by the way)
I’m particularly pleased that Ellis looks so much like Ellis to me here. Also, that’s why I’m afraid to add color. 🙂
I’m not going to do one page each day this time, but hopefully still quite often. I’m wondering, though, if I will keep myself on task effectively without that self-imposed deadline each day.
Kinda’ going out on a whimper here. But can you believe it’s been 30 days already!? And I DID it.
Shopping for vacation Santa’s photo area at Saturday’s Christmas in July event:
So. I still can’t paint a black dog. In fact, my earlier attempts may have been better. I’m UNlearning. 😦
Not a great layout. Gorgeous weather, though, that’s something! 🙂
(PS Affiliate link included here: Clara’s new doggy pool is awesome!! (linked here on Amazon) It was $65 for the xxl (63″ across) and I hesitated before spending that much, but it has very good reviews and the cutest joyful doggy photos and videos. There are a lot of sizes, the smallest is under $30. The sides are sturdy and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending it for both dogs and children. Easy set up, easy storage. Best little storable pool I’ve even purchased like this. I feel like the plastic is strong enough to last a long time, and it accordion folds to store. AND it stays up without water, so even with just an inch or two in there now, it is open fine!)
Back to my art journal experience: I’m glad I challenged myself. I’m going to try to art journal my way through August as well, although I may allow myself to miss some days. Thirty days without a break was a bigger challenge than I expected.
Several advantages, though:
It is GOOD to make myself stick to something thirty days straight even if I don’t feel like it.
I’m more comfortable/familiar with my current paint set now.
I’m more comfortable/familiar with my pens now.
I have this cool diary to refer back to in later years. (I’m not sure art journaling my life every single day is wise… I’ll never look back at all that! )
A lot of practice at general sketching/painting.
Re-developing the habit of everyday art.
Really the only disadvantages:
It was hard to do EVERY day without fail, and took more time than I expected.
Sometimes my day was super boring (online paperwork etc all day) and I didn’t know what to draw. (maybe an advantage, too, sometimes, since I might have to draw something I’m less comfortable with)
Thanks for listening!! I may do a journal overview and supply list later!
ThreeSixFiveArt 