Participated in a 5 Day Painting challenge put forth by Mary Gilkerson who runs a Facebook Community for artists called Art + Work + Living. The challenge was to paint for 20 - 40 minutes each day for 5 days. 5 days was perfect because it was nice and short and I had just found 5 canvases at Goodwill. #ArtWorkLivingChallenge
Day 1
I started with the smallest canvas. Here is before, at 20 minutes, and at 30 minutes
Day 2
Here is before, at 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 35 minutes.
I had poured too much paint, so I put down a quick background on one of the other rescued canvases and did not end up using it for this challenge.
Day 3
Day 3 was a frustrating one. I started with a contemplation of the trees of knowledge and life. Pictured is the before, the trees at 20 minutes, and at 35 minutes. I immediately decided to go again and paint it over. My thoughts were still in antiquity and the portrait of an ancient man quickly developed. Although, I still wasn't too happy with the results, I was more pleased than with the trees! Here is the initial sketch out, after 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and where I stopped at 40 minutes. Definitely a good practice day! (Also, I should really start using references!)
Day 4
I had used more excess paint to cover the final rescue canvas. So, I switched over to smaller new canvases. This time, a contemplation on Medusa. One of history's first recorded rape victims... At 20 minutes and 35 minutes.
Day 5
I started with a particular portrait in my head and ended up focusing on the nose so much the painting went off in it's own direction. I'm not entirely sure where... Photo at 20 and 40 minutes.
Final Thoughts
I'm glad to have participated in this challenge. The time limit forced me to not overthink things too much and paint more instinctively. I've recognized that I have a bad habit of putting too much paint on my pallet. Thanks to Mary Gilkerson for her efforts to guide fellow artists to reach their potential.