Picture #1

First published on my Instagram account OceanDreamIllustration.

Like all artists I want to create, but then I sometimes struggle with the right inspiration on what to actually draw or paint or illustrate (remember – this is not my full-time job). At times so much so that I hate myself for not ‘just drawing something’. Then, of course, I feel even worse about myself.

In an effort to break this somewhat self-destructive cycle, I finally caved in and committed to challenging myself to drawing, painting, doodling = creating 1-picture-a-day.

To keep this achievable and between 10 – 60 minutes per piece, I will be creating the pictures on small 4×6″ paper. The subjects will be mostly everyday objects, nothing too fancy. I will also be trying to work straight with ink or color and forgo any pencil sketches. So, the pictures may end up being a bit rough around the edges or not entirely ‘real to what you or I see’, yet – they will be mine.

Of course, I want it to be fun, so I will be using my favorite tools: Water colors or ink or pencil or ink + water color – we will see. Who knows something else may catch my fancy :). And if you have any suggestions or drawing requests – let me know!

And don’t worry, I will not be posting these pics on my blog each day, because I don’t want to overload your inboxes. I really haven’t figured it out yet. Maybe I’ll post a week’s compilation? Suggestions? We’ll see. But I wanted to kick it off and make it official, by posting it here on my blog today.

However, if you do want to see the pictures each day you have options: 1) visit my blog each day (preferably late pm EST USA) 2) check out my Facebook page OceanDreamIllustration or 3) follow me on on instagram OceanDreamIllustration.

So, without further ado – easing into this whole thing with come of my favorite colors: Here is the #1/∞

Hope you enjoy!

Cheers,

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Watercolor flower




7 thoughts on “Picture #1”

  1. Art is difficult when you work a job or are a parent or there are other duties… Somehow we have conditioned ourselves to put art of the back burner. Now that I am retired, I still feel a momentary sense of guilt when I work exclusively on any project and not take care of household matters or run my errands. I just don’t let it bother me anymore. LOL. I believe that once you start doing a bit of art each day, you will notice the floodgates open and you will have oodles of inspiration!

    Reply
    • It sure is. And I only have a job, no kids, unlike Leslie and Susi. Granted I basically breathe my job to the point that it sucks the life out of me, quite literally. Art usually brings that life back, but when there is nothing left, it is hard to create. Yikes, I better stop rambling now. Thank you, Debbi, for being one of the pillars of my online tribe. I appreciate you very much.

      Reply
  2. Love it. The colours just pop! And I am a firm believer in speaking things into existence….. I have spoken things aloud too (now if my life would just calm down for a week straight I could do it lol). I follow your Instagram so I’m looking forward to whatever you post, but I also believe in keeping it simple, so a weekly blog compilation seems more doable perhaps.

    Reply
    • Your life just never seems to calm down, Leslie. It has been like this for years, and I guess it will be for a few more years, until your young family will be a lot more independent. You will do what you can at any given time, I know that. And I think it is great that you voiced your intentions out loud. I hope your family listened, too. I can only imagine the balancing act. It is tough, because you need to be there for your family – no question about that! But at the same time art is a part of you and if that part is missing – you are losing yourself. I know you are aware of it and are actively working on – I saw your post on Tumblr, which currently is your main outlet (cross-posting to Insta and FB, right?). I want to support you where I can, no pressure at all, just know it. And – your pictures are still waiting for you to tell their story, if you want them 🙂
      Thank you, Leslie, for being one of the pillars of my online tribe. I appreciate you a lot!

      Reply
  3. So pretty. I love watercolor paintings and flowers seem to get a bit of dreamy look when you paint them in watercolor which I really enjoy!
    I agree with Leslee, a weekly compilation may be your ticket!!! 🙂

    Reply
    • Thank you, Susi. Yes, that is what watercolors should do. A lot of times though I use them to color things, as you will see in some of the future pictures of this challenge, and in those cases I always refer to them as ‘not real watercolor’ pieces. But I will be trying to put a few loose gooses into the mix 😀 and I hope you’ll like those.
      I just went to your website, because I know that you still run it. I guess you close comments after x days as I was not able to leave one. I will check back when I see that you posted something new.
      Thank you, Susi, for being one of the pillars of my online tribe. I appreciate you very much.

      Reply
  4. I love the idea of some creative activity each day. Bravo! Nice choice for the first day: like soothing music, the colors, shapes.

    Reply

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