Thursday, August 28, 2014

A new challenge

I saw a comment on my friend Lisa Graham's blog about a challenge that will take place in September.  The blog is Slices of Life by Leslie Saeta.  I signed up for the challenge, which is to paint 30 paintings in 30 days.

Leslie suggested
I hope the longer lead time gives everyone a chance to get prepared. Buy your canvases and get your painting area ready. But one of the most important things you need to do is pick a theme for your challenge.
I assure you there won't be any canvases harmed or even used during this exercise, but it will give me a chance to make some art I've been wanting to try for a LONG time.

This was taken from Leslie's blog, proving one can actually do this in thirty days.

I've decided my theme will be "In the abstract."  I'll be making 30 abstract paintings over the course of the event.  Since we have to link daily, I'll be posting a LOT during the month of September.

Now everyone knows I can't draw, so please don't ask me to.  By "draw," I mean any sketches that even closely resemble something one might recognize.  I am a collage and mixed media artist, so this will take me out of my comfort zone.  However, I hope to learn a few things on this journey about what works and what doesn't in the world of abstract art.  So I hope you will join me on this quest, as I learn a bit about painting.  And yes, I will mostly be using acrylics, some will be cheap craft paint, others will be fluid acrylics.  However, I might throw in a bit of other media, such as watercolors, paint sticks, chalk, pan pastels and oil pastels.  Of course, if I find a good recipe, I might even try some cold wax painting.  So I hope you'll follow along with me on my journey over 30 days in September.  And I promise that Bleubeard will NOT be stepping in or on any of these drawings.

13 thoughtful remarks:

pearshapedcrafting said...

Oooh! This is something to look forward to! I had a painty afternoon with my friend Sarah - once we stopped chatting! Will blog tomorrow! On a massive catch up so I'll work my way backwards if thats ok?!
Chrisx

TwinkleToes2day said...

That sounds very exciting Elizabeth, I wish you luck and lots of fun. I have taken the challenge of 29 Faces in September (eeek!) My work will be representational, and that will probably be my limit, unless by some miracle the sheer act of doing so many faces unleashes some latent talent - whiiich, I seriously doubt, haha, but I will have fun and Wee Man is joining in too, so there will be lots of smiley faces I have no doubt :D

Carol said...

Good luck with the challenge !!! I thought about doing it but will already be doing 29 Faces in September and these will not all be painted so I don't want to commit to too demanding challenges. This will be my 4th 29 faces challenge and I have grown so much since that first year :) Maybe I will just casually follow along the 30 Paintings in 30 Days and see what I so manage to get done without actually doing the challenge. Can't wait to see what you do every day :)

~*~Patty S said...

What an exciting challenge and your theme is a great one too E!
Abstract is something I have wanted to play with...
We'll be on vacation the last couple of weeks of Sept so I won't commit but will certainly watch with interest...
oxo

pearshapedcrafting said...

Wow! Elizabeth - I didn't realise I'd missed so much! You so delight me in what you do and you sure have been busy!!! Chrisx

Rita said...

I would definitely have to do abstract, too. Sounds challenging! Best of luck. I will come by and see what you're up to all of September. ;)

Dianne said...

wow...that's quite a commitment, and a lot of paintings! I know you will do a fabulous job...and I know you always follow through. It will be an adventure, and I love that we get to take it with you! good luck and have fun!

Nan G said...

How cool is that! You go girl! Looking forward to seeing your abstract paintings. Good luck. Hugs to you and Bleubeard from all us Girls :)

Linda Gibbons said...

going to give this one a try...I think acrylics on watercolor type paper--going to look through my old photos for subjects.

Darla said...

Quite a challenge but I know you will complete it with your usual amazing style.

Darla

Craftymoose Crafts said...

I'll definitely be stopping by to learn something about abstract painting--sounds like a fun challenge!

Halle said...

WOW!! Good for you! Looking forward to seeing them.

Cindy McMath said...

Elizabeth I can't wait to see what you create! As you know I've been trying out some abstracts lately and really enjoying them. Looking forward to seeing yours!