No. 378 The Allium Collection No. 4

The Allium Collection No.4

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

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Trying out a different type of composition. A beautiful thing about daily painting is one tends to be more willing to experiment and take chances. If today's painting doesn't work out there is always tomorrow. And boy that's a good thing because I've had some spectacular failures. :)

Starting a daily painting practice Step No. 9 Sell It

It is really, really nice to have someone tell you how much they like your work. Take it up four or five notches and that's how it feels to have someone buy your work. For someone to give you some of their hard earned money and find a place in there home for something you created, it's the ultimate compliment!

 I'm not a expert, unfortunately, but I can tell you where I sold my work last year. Aside from friends and family (whom I'm eternally grateful for) my sales have come from the website www.dailypaintworks.com and a booth at the local farmers market. Etsy.com and Ebay are two other online places to sell. I'm thinking about trying both of those. Also, I'm going to take a stab at a couple of art fairs this summer. Oh yes, there are always galleries too. 

No. 374 Still Life at Suzy's

Still Life at Suzy's

Oil on Canvas Board

6" x 6"

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In my quest to find new and interesting props to paint, I have had the help of many friends. A HUGE thank you to everyone who lent me new subjects and even let me invade their home in my search. You guys are the best!!!

Creating your own daily painting practice - Step #7
Okay, if you thought step #6 was scary just check out this one...
Make it Public
There's nothing like having someone watching to keep oneself accountable. So tell everyone you are doing this, friends, family and co-workers. It's actually a kick because most people are impressed that you are willing to attempt this. Another way to go public is to have a blog or post on Facebook. Of course, since you are reading my blog you know this. :)

No. 372 The Allium Collection No. 3

The Allium Collection No. 3

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

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Back to those gorgeous onions again. This is one of those set ups that I didn't design but just happened to notice. If I had put the onions right back in the kitchen when I finished the first two painting,s I wouldn't have seen this. (I love it when I can justify being a "casual housekeeper") 

Setting up your own daily painting practice: Step #6 Make a Commitment

This may sound scary but actually is quite magical. We're not talking about a life time commitment here, just for however long you have chosen to do this. Once you've decided that no matter what comes, you are going to do this project, the skies of your mind will clear. No more trying to decide if this is worth it, can I handle it, how will I handle it and on and on and on. Just agree with yourself that you will take one day at a time and do what it takes to get it done. Then you'll find your brain really kicking in to figure out how to make that happen.

No. 371 The Japanese Doll #2

The Japanese Doll No. 2

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

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My second attempt at painting this lovely doll.

Starting your own daily painting practice Step 5 1/2 - Dip Your Toe In

Okay, they say there are those that prefer to jump in the pool and those that prefer to dip their toe in first. If you are the latter, by all means dip that toe in! Try daily painting for a week or so. Obstacles will probably arise. The key here is are they surmountable? Use that information to help you decide whether to take the next big step.........

No. 370 The Japanese Doll

The Japanese Doll

Oil on Linen Panel

7" x 5"

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Such a lovely doll, such a difficult subject to paint. I'm going to put this in my "good for you for pushing yourself" category. Then I won't feel so bad for it not turning out the way I wanted it to. :)

Starting your own daily painting practice - Step 5 What to Paint

This is the fun part! As a fine artist, the world is your oyster. A good place to start is something you are passionately interested in outside of art. That may be animals, boating, flowers, construction equipment, cars, you name it. Then create a collection of those items in photos or real life (construction equipment might be best collected in photos). Pack a lunch and head out on a field trip with your camera or visit a thrift store or antique shop. Collecting painting reference is my favorite new hobby and an excellent excuse to go shopping! I used to turn my nose up at thrift stores. Now they are treasure troves . :)

If you have a day where nothing appeals to you, that's okay. Paint something anyway. There is still a lot of value to putting that brush to canvas, getting the mileage in and establishing a painting habit even if this particular subject isn't very exciting. Sometimes just starting is the hard part. Many times the longer I look at something the more interesting it becomes. What was once unappealing becomes appealing.

Hope this helps! 

No. 368 The Allium Collection

The Allium Collection

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

Click here to view auction.

Ooooooh, so that's why everyone likes to paint onions! I had a blast painting these. The luminosity of the green onions, the beautiful variation of color in the purple onion and shallot - all characteristics I love so much in flowers. Who knew?

Starting your own Painting a Day Challenge: Step 3 Where?

Okay, you've found the time, decided your media and format, and now where will you paint? If you are fortunate enough to have your own studio this isn't an issue. For the rest of us, it takes a little thought and preparation and possibly some clever persuasion of family members. I started in my kitchen, moved to the shed in the backyard and am currently on the dining room table. If you can find a spot where you don't have to tear down everyday that is tremendously helpful. In the end it pays to be flexible. My little pochade box has kept me flexible. But I'll talk more about that in another post....

No. 367 Amaryllis with Brass Pitcher

Amaryllis with Brass Pitcher

Oil on Linen Panel

5" x 7"

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Still having a good time with those Amaryllis flowers. 

Step 2 to create your own daily painting practice: Choose your format/medium.

Once you've decided how to carve out time to paint each day your ready for the next step. How much time did you find? An hour, two or more? If you have only an hour you will probably have to paint in a looser style. A lot depends on how fast you work. I have a photo realistic watercolor style I like to use but I simply didn't have the time to complete a painting a day with that method. So I went with a looser style of oil painting instead. Size makes a difference in how fast a painting is completed too. You will find most daily paintings are either 6" x 6" or 5" x 7".

Carol Marine, a very famous daily painter, has a tutorial on daily painting.  I finally believed this daily painting thing could work after reading about her process. If you would like to read it too, click here. Look for the artbyte titled Carol Marine: My Take on Daily Painting. 

Daily Painting No. 366 Still Here

Still Here

Oil on Gessobord

6" x 6"

 

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The nice long nap helped a little bit. Many people have been curious about my plans now that I have completed 365 daily paintings. To be honest, I'm still not sure. I am however still participating in Leslie Saeta's 30 in 30 challenge so the daily paintings will continue at least until the end of the month.

 

I must say from a personal and professional standpoint this project has been simply amazing.

I'm feeling pretty knowledgeable about the painting a day venture at the moment so I thought I would share how to go about starting your own challenge. It could be a year, a month or a week. It's up to you. Are you up for it? Okay, here go...

 

First step: Choose something to give up. Yep, in order to carve out time for this you're going to have to give up something. Most people I know have days that are full from one end to the other. What are you willing to give up for a week, month or year? Keep in mind the longer you do this the more efficient you will be come and you might be able to add back in a little of what you gave up. The first thing I gave up was reading for learning and pleasure. I knew in a year the books would still be there. What can you live without for a week, month or year?