Done - 30 Paintings in 30 Days!

Here they are - all 30 paintings done in January put together into one collage. It's fun to see them side by side like this.
I'm trying to pick favorits, but it isn't easy... which painting(s) do you like best? I'd love to get your feedback on them.

I did say that I would post a review on the great '30 in 30' experience, including my thoughts and highlights on it. Here they are - quite a long list!

1. I've known about the '30 in 30 challenges' for some time now, but always thought I would not find the time to paint. This time I just jumped in - so highlight Nr 1 is 'getting started and just doing it'
2. Although I absolutely agree with you that it doesn't matter whether you paint 3 or 30 paintings during this challenge, I realized that I would have to be strict with myself and not allow for 'days off'. I needed to get into the habit and just paint - if I allowed myself to think about whether I should paint today or not I would find an excuse. I'm very happy to say that I didn't miss one single day - highlight Nr 2: trick myself into sticking with it, day after day.
3. I did have quite a few 'yesss' moments where things just worked out great, with quite a few paintings that I'm really happy with - and I'm my worst critic, so that's quite an achievement. There have also been some frustrations as well, but less than I'd have expected. Highlight Nr 3: more happy results than frustrating ones!
4. I usually paint once a week, and often I need some time to get into 'the flow' - sometimes I spend as much time trying to decide on what to paint and setting up than on actually painting. Which is frustrating. During the challenge I got more and more into the habit of painting, so after the first week it never took me more than a few minutes to decide on the subject and start painting! Highlight Nr 4: almost zero procrastination!
5. I did get my paintings done faster, and still with better quality. Highlight Nr 5: efficiency!
6. I got to know some great artist, connected with some I already knew about but and some whose work I hadn't seen yet. AND I finally joined Daily Paintworks. Highlight Nr 6: networking & marketing.
7. I received great feedback and comments on my blog, Facebook, DPW (even made the FB pick of the day) and 'offline' - doesn't hurt either! Highlight Nr 7: feedback and motivation
8. As an artist having a full time 'day job' and also since I'm living in Switzerland (small country with a very different 'art scene' and possibilities), I always enjoy the possibilities that the virtual world offers - I would feel rather isolated if was not able to connect to my artist friends in the states and participate in the virtual art scene. Highlight Nr 8 - being connected.
9. And finally I'm allowed to say - 'I've made it'! I managed to post each day, to enjoy the challenge, to grow and to reach my personal goals. Highlight Nr 9: I did it!

So to sum it up: it's been a great journey. Thanks to Leslie Saeta for organizing it and motivating so many artists along the way, and thanks to everybody who viewed, liked and commented my posts here and on Facebook!

I have a special treat in store and will post about it later today here and on Facebook. Stay tuned!

All paintings are also posted on my Facebook Artist Page Regula Scheifele Fine Art - I'd love to have you follow me on Facebook or subscribe to my blog!

Atlanta Airport

On my way home to Switzerland. Two quick sketches done with the App 'Paper' on the iPad. Love those gadgets...

 

 

 

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What I've been doing lately...

Just a quick post: I didn't get to painting last week and I probably will be too busy with other stuff to get anything done in the next week.

Why? - check out my new blog:

My Singapore Journal

I hope I'll be painting and posting more again soon.

A picture a day....

No painting today, but something I thought might be interesting to all my 'fellow muggers'.
I came accross a YouTube video that's actually been posted in 2006, but you might not have seen it yet. This guy Noah has been taking a photo of himself every day for 6 years and put them together in a time-laps movie. I think it's just mesmerizing seeing this guy look at you for six years (so to say), and time just swirling by behind him. And of course beautiful music to go with it.
The movie is over five minutes long, but it's worth taking the time and watching it and observing the sometimes subtle changes in his expression...

DIY - Wet Canvas Carrier for my Mug Shots

No painting in this post, but something that should be really useful for our mug shot challenge: a litte canvas carrier for those tiny 4" by 4" boards - both for transporting the wet ones and as a storage for the dry boards.

 

I built it out of some kind of foamy board I came across at a craft supply store, it's very light, 1/4 inch thick and can easily be cut with a knife and glued or taped together. The little 'bars' that hold the boards apart are also cut from the same foamboard, wrapped with tape to make sure they would not leave any 'crumbles' on the paintings.
As you can see the box does have a lid, but I haven't decided on a way to secure it closed - I might just use some rubber band, that'll do nicely.

The finished box actually feels more sturdy and robust than I expected. I might even cover it with adhesive foil to make sure it doesn't melt if it gets wet, but then again it's small enough to just put in a plastic bag if needed.

The box will hold ten boards, so I might have to make a second one later on - I must say I'm quite proud of the little thing, though there's still room for improvements ... ;-)