Handy Concepts Arts

A little over 100 days ago, I gave myself a challenge to create 100 pieces of art in 100 days. Within a week of setting said goal, I considered taking it down to 30. Then the thought of 2023 – the year I sat on my duff in a stupor and created nothing – reinforced my commitment to get back in the game. So, 100 it was to be and of course, I posted on social media to be held accountable by my friends and peers.

Some days I’d do 5 at a time, either to catch up or to have some reserves. My subjects came from stock photos, made-up people and scenes, live models, personal reference photos, household items and the great outdoors.

Here are the stats. Sketchbook drawings: 55 and the rest on paper and canvas or wood. Largest: 18×24” oil on canvas over two days and a 16×20” alla prima oil on canvas. Smallest: 5×5” acrylic on canvas panel, and in between a slew of 9x5s and 8x10s on paper. As a multi-disciplinary artist, I used almost my entire arsenal of resources. There are landscapes, still life, animals, portraits, figures and abstracts done in oil, acrylic, pen & ink, pastels, charcoal, watercolor and gouache, and mixed media. I truly tested all my skills and knowledge. Most turned out well, others were 5-min gesture drawings just to meet the day’s quota, and all while answering artist calls, participating in exhibits, and working on a commission.

What have I learned? Practice is good. Imperfection is interesting and thought provoking. Mistakes are inevitable but figuring out how to fix them is extremely satisfying. The most important lesson I taught myself was to remember to play and know that I CAN DO IT.