Strada 31 Day Challenge

I feel as though I was just here participating in a 30 day challenge. I was, just four months ago. September's challenge was hosted by Leslie Saeta and the rules were much looser. You had a couple of days to post your painting, it was just to her site and you could paint whatever and however you liked. I chose to paint from life everyday no photographs and really felt much more comfortable doing it at the end of 30 days. The Strada challenge you must paint from life and you have to post your painting each day to your personal Facebook page.  If you complete the 31 days you are entered to win one of five Strada easels, a definite incentive. I chose not to do this challenge in September because I didn't want the pressure of having to post to FB each day. Painting unlike photography you really don't know what you are going to get each time you begin a painting. You may have a general idea but once you begin they take on a life of their own. That's what makes it fun but also extremely challenging, especially with the added pressure of feeling like you have to show the world the failures as well as the successes. These days with photography you can see instantaneously whether you have something you are happy with and if not you can get 100 more options in a very short period! The other added pressure is that it is January in Maine so painting outside is more of a challenge. I hope to do some Plein Air paintings, but I think the majority will be still lives inside, something I really haven't done much of in the past few years but really enjoy. So here we go, I am looking forward to where it takes me and to solidifying my painting practice again. Also looking forward to meeting new painters as well as following a few I have met along the way. 

Day 1
​Hydrangeas

Day 2
​Lilies