What I learned from painting 30 days straight! Thoughts on "PleinAirpril" 2019

I painted every day in April as a member of the weekend warrior painters. This is a very talented group of artists that goes out to paint plein air every weekend and that I join with from time to time. This is the third time I've done "Pleinairpril" and this time i committed and followed through every day. I wanted to jot down some thoughts I had with the challenge behind me. Here they are:

1.You kept me in touch with my artist side more than ever

There is nothing like the discipline of a daily painting practice to make you feel accomplished and productive. With such a busy schedule I sometimes get overwhelmed and the thought of giving up creeps in but these quick gouache statements keep me in the loop, in the creative fire, and my day is just exciting when I've stepped into my artist circle for a half hour or so. Though difficult I will most likely continue a daily painting practice, which is perhaps the best thing I gleaned from this challenge.

2. Moments of peace throughout the month

There is a LOT of noise in my life, from the moment I wake up to the time I retreat to my bedroom at night. This small time frame I carve out daily gives me a rejuvenating peace being lost in the creative process that is too good to stay away from. I liken it to meditation.

3. How to be quick and decisive with composition and color

There is only a bit of time before work or during lunch or after work before the sun sets, it all happens so FAST. So finding a subject, setting up the paint, sketching a quick idea, painting it, taking a quick photo is a lot to do in 15-30 minutes. But it's amazing how the time presents itself once you've made a commitment to go there.

4. Pushed me to try new materials and approaches to get better results

Being in touch and in community with other artists even if it is mostly online, is a huge push to improve - It makes me ask WHAT can I try to get my paint thicker, what does everyone's palette look like, how do I paint at night, what is that pink and how do people keep their colors so clean and on and on and on. I've tried various new methods and colors and discovered new ways to get the results that are in my head. For instance I pulled out my brand new stay-wet palette that has been sitting in my car ever since I bought it and was determined to try it and it did create the juicy paint texture I want when I’m painting.

5.Pushed me to think about what it is I want to paint - what is it that draws me in?

This is a big one because we’re all trying to find our voice. What is it you want to put out there? I do feel I’m well on my way to really knowing the answer to that question and when you are pushed for time you hone in fast! Red trashcan, yes! the backlighting on those bushes, yes! that green tarp draped over the car, yes! A fruit vendor slouching in their chair, yes! See it, decide commit and execute. It's not always just how you planned it but you went there and did it. Better than losing time and coming up empty handed. I've been there and it doesn't feel good.

6- Working with other talented high-level artists pushes me to be better and better.

That is always a way to achieve greatness, surround yourself with people who are at or above your level and you are sure to pick up a thing or two. It’s also great to be part of a tribe, a group of people who are pushing themselves to greatness right along side you. They get it! they know what makes you tick.