“Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.” So said Picasso famously.

Last winter, I took on a challenge that many artists around the world have done: an art project for 100 days. I made 100 4.5” x 6” Bristol board cards ready with gesso and began painting tiny abstract landscapes on them.

It was amazing how much joy this daily practice brought me. I was painting for myself, without any pressure or expectations. By the time I reached the 50th painting, I thought: this is it, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life: paint for 20 minutes in the morning, tweak in the Procreate app for another 20 minutes, and share on Instagram. What could be wrong with that? It felt so satisfying and rewarding. It was fast, easy, and fun! (It also meant I always had something to post on Instagram!)

But was I becoming addicted? Yes! Was I dodging the hard work of making “real” paintings? Yes! Was this a viable way to be an artist-in-the-real-world? Sadly, no.

I had to stop when I realized that I had a pile of other projects that were waiting for me. I felt guilty for not finishing the full 100 days, but I knew it was the right thing to do. I gained a lot from these daily paintings and I intend to do this again in the future. That is probably the best result I could hope for.

Now I am turning these 50 sketches into 24” x 36” acrylic paintings on canvas. You can see the first two that I have completed below.

Noodles, 24” x 36” Mixed Media

Sailing Apostle Islands, 24” x 36” Acrylic