Note #11: Failing at Art Challenges

Yet another challenge I failed at. This time it’s the 3 materials drawing challenge I was mentioning in my previous post. I started with all good intentions and enthusiasm, but after the first two weeks I started to feel too restricted by the choice of only 3 materials. So I stopped doing it and inevitably felt guilty XD Isn't that a common feeling??

But since it’s the end of the month, I had to pull myself together and reflect on what I've done over the last 31 days, for better or worse. So, what did I learn about myself during this art challenge?

And I don't think that's a bad thing. In fact, I strongly believe that many other things concur in improving our drawing skills, such as:

• reading a inspirational book;

• observing and analyzing the details of a building you like (it's like drawing in your mind);

• taking an art class/ watching a YouTube video about art/ listening to an art related podcast;

• engaging in other creative activities such as sewing, cooking, journaling, clay modeling..

All these different inputs then flow into your drawings and make them more authentic, more YOU.

Every art challenge has some kind of restriction, such as following a prompt list, using a specific material (such as black ink for Inktober), or a specific topic. The point of this structure is to find a creative way to tackle topics that are new to you or that you don't like to draw. Basically it's a way to get out of your comfort zone. But is that really the case?

At first, I found it stimulating to limit myself to three materials, but at some point, I was leaning towards the same colors and materials. I felt the need to always use a dark colored pencil for details and couldn't find other solutions without breaking the rule. Basically, I was trapped in a new comfort zone!

Although I felt like I was in a sort of comfort zone towards the end of my three materials journey, I did have some memorable moments with my art supplies.

This art challenge also involves drawing from life based on observation. I haven't been able to do it most of the time because I don't live in a place that inspires me. I also don't go out much, and when I do, I'm with my husband or friends/family, and I feel uncomfortable drawing with them..

However, I really enjoyed drawing on location, and I think it can greatly help improve your skills and personal style, so I’ll try to create more opportunities like this ↓

Instagram used to feel like a small group of friends in its early years, but unfortunately that's no longer the case. So when joining art challenges you feel connected to people again. You share each other's work and it’s great to see everyone’s take on the same topic.

If you don't like restrictions and drawing every day like me, you might think it's not worth starting an art challenge. But I think starting a challenge and doing part of it is still better than skipping them all and ending up not drawing anything.

You'll always learn something new from every challenge, so it's worth trying.

Once you've gotten what you needed from the challenge, you can move on and focus on something else.

So these were my thoughts on art challenges in general. I'm still thinking about starting a new art challenge in September, and probably I won't finish it. That's OK! ;)

See you next month,

-Madalina

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