Mai Tai
(my friend Wanda will get this title.
Cheers, Rich!! hahaha)
Prints available here

A few weeks ago I wrote about painting daily in my art journals. I don’t know if this means I’ve started another 365 days of daily painting or what, but it’s been well over a month now, and I’m still going strong.

Farmhouse style painting
Comfort & Ease
Prints available here

So far, I’m not getting overwhelmed or tired. I think the biggest reason is because I’m not pressuring myself to blog or post on social media every day like I did last time. Keeping my daily paintings private until I get around to sharing them is way less stressful. 

Orange & pink abstract painting
Bursts of Energy
Prints are available here

I’ve always said I’d be willing to do another 365 day challenge, but I’d have to do it much differently. I set so many rules for myself last time that made me miserable and stressed out every day for no reason. I was extremely burnt out at the end of that challenge. For months afterwards, I had visions of quitting art altogether, and I’m still sorting through those feelings today.

Dopamine Hit
Prints available here

I finally figured out it wasn’t anything to do with the challenge itself. It was how I treated myself, and the demands & rules I set on top of painting 365 days in a row that wore me out. For some reason, my brain told me it wasn’t enough for me to just do the challenge. I had to do soooo much more, and do it every single day. I’m still trying to figure out why I was so hard on myself. 

Maroon & Pink abstract painting
Filled a Void in Life
Prints available here

That said, I don’t know if I’m fully committed to another 365 challenge at this time. As long as it doesn’t feel like I’m forced to paint every single day, and I’m having fun, I’ll probably keep this up for a while. Just gonna take it day-by-day and see what happens. 

I was very sadden to learn of the passing of artist Karin Jurrick over the weekend. I’ve long been admirer of her work, and have followed her blog for ages. My condolences go out to her family and friends. 

Let us so live that when we come to die
even the undertaker will be sorry.

Mark Twain

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