30 Day Challenge Collage and lessons learned...

30 Day Challenge at a Glance

L. Daniel © 2015

On January 1st, I took on a challenge to paint (and post) 30 paintings in 30 days. This goal appealed to me on several levels. I knew it would produce enormous growth and jumpstart my year. But more importantly, I knew it would keep me painting as we began a fairly large home renovation; and that it would help me establish habits that would keep me painting throughout the whole process. 

Well... it worked! The 30 day commitment helped me figure out how to paint through the demolition, piles of debris, and constant interruptions. Even though my house is torn up, I am happy - in that peaceful, joy-filled way. A painter just NEEDS to paint.

Choosing still life subjects allowed me to stay in one genre and to paint from life every day. It was great practice in selecting, composing, and mixing color. But that being said, my biggest lessons from this challenge are not about technique or mechanics, but are basic reminders for nurturing a creative life...

MY TOP 10 TAKE-AWAYS FROM 30 DAYS OF PAINTING:
1) Showing up is everything.
2) Discipline leads to inspiration.
3) Observation is the best teacher.
4) Work begets more work.
5) Subjects present themselves.
6) Regularity enhances the "flow".
7) Frequency supplants fear.
8) Practice produces mastery.
9) Mastery brings satisfaction.
10) Creative habits result in art making.

It was a wonderful month... thank you Leslie Saeta for throwing down the gauntlet!
Click HERE to see larger versions of each post on my blog.

Three Pears Standing - Thirty of 30 in 30!

Three Pears Standing, 10 x 10, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#30 in 30 Day Challenge

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Goal reached! Paintings painted! Challenge achieved! It feels awfully good and if you were here right now, you would see a silly grin on my face! Now... with one more day left in the month, people keep asking, "what about January 31st?" Well, friends, tomorrow I will post a collage of all thirty paintings and share some thoughts from the journey. So please, please stay tuned.

PS - Yes, things do come full circle. I started with pears and I finished with pears. :)

PSS - Click HERE to visit my blog and see all 30 posts again.

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Sunflower Morning - Twenty-nine of 30 in 30

Sunflower Morning, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#29 in 30 Day Challenge

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Sunflowers - I think they are the happiest flower of all, and they had to make an appearance in my 30 days of painting. Speaking of which... Wow... One more day! 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Marble Jar - Twenty-eight of 30 in 30

Marble Jar, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#28 in 30 Day Challenge

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Like most kids, I had a marble phase in about the 5th grade. You know how it is, suddenly it was the popular game and all the rage at recess. As I recall, it was a big business of winning and trading, and some marbles were more valuable than others (puries, steelies, shooters.) I don't think I was ever any good at the game, but I always loved the sound of those marbles in my leather pouch and how they glittered in the sunlight. 

By the way, these marbles are not from my childhood set, I think they may have belonged to my kids during THEIR marble phase. :)

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Pitcher And Posies - Twenty-seven of 30 in 30

Pitcher and Posies, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#27 in 30 Day Challenge

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I can't believe that I am in the final stretch with the 30 day challenge. The month has gone by fast and the daily paintings have been a delightful pause in each day. This was a fun one to paint. I really enjoyed the simplicity of it's shapes and colors. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Cut Pineapple - Twenty-six of 30 in 30

Cut Pineapple, 5 x 7, oil on canvas, L. Daniel © 2015

#26 in 30 Day Challenge

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There is nothing quite like fresh pineapple - so juicy and delicious! The double joy was painting it first (two times!) This one was perfectly ripe and will be featured in the breakfast mix for the next few days. Yum!

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Pineapple Shadows - Twenty-five of 30 in 30

Pineapple Shadows, 10 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#25 in 30 Day Challenge

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This pineapple has been waiting all week for it's moment on the "stage". I will tell you that it must be pretty ripe and ready to eat by now, because it smells so good. The warm spotlight on it simply enhanced the aroma while I painted all afternoon. The pineapple as a subject for painting was my father-in-law's idea. And it was a great one... I'll have to paint more! Thank you, Charlie!

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Lemon-Lime Elixir - Twenty-four of 30 in 30

Lemon-Lime Elixir, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#24 in 30 Day Challenge

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My workshop ended today and I want to send out a big thank you to all my wonderful students. We had a great time and painted our hearts out. After everyone left, I hung out in the studio and painted this set up before packing up. I had been painting it all day in my head (no demo today) and I DID need #24 for the challenge, so it was a perfect arrangement! 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Strawberries and Cream - Twenty-three of 30 in 30

Strawberries and Cream, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#23 in 30 Day Challenge

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This is my demo from my still life class today, and it was a fun subject to paint. I particularly enjoyed the simple palette of the set up, and the small hint of detail on the bowl. Unfortunately, I did not get process shots to share. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Peruvian Lilies Demo - Twenty-two of 30 in 30

Peruvian Lilies, 8 x 6, oil panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#22 in 30 Day Challenge

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Today was the first day of my 3 day still life workshop in Austin. Guess what the focus is? Yep, water, glass and light. This is the demo I did for the class. Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures at every stage, but you can see the progression. I promised to post process notes for them, so here it is in my 30 day line up... 

Block-in and shadow family defined.

My subject was backlit, so capturing and holding the shadows was particularly important. The best way to see the values is to squint down and go for the large masses. Keep the shapes simple. (The warm pink dot on the flowers and the brilliant green in the vase reflection were hints of my color direction in the next steps.)

Light family added and canvas covered.

My goal at this stage is to have the values working in all the large masses. This is also a good stage to make adjustments to value, shapes and drawing if necessary. Notice how the background color mutes when seen through the glass. I recommend painting the drape color first and then modifying that for the tone which appears through the glass. The same goes for the ground color.

Masses are broken up with slight value shifts and highlights added. 

It's very important to save established values when breaking up the masses. The shifts need to be subtle. Use temperature shifts to make the color sing. In this case, the light was warm and the shadows were cool. Save spectral highlights till the very end!

PS - The Peruvian Lily also goes by the names of Alstroemeria and Lily of the Incas. They last a really long time, except when they have hot spotlights on them. :)

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Lone Persimmon - Twenty-one of 30 in 30

Lone Persimmon, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#21 in 30 Day Challenge

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I keep hearing a commercial on the radio that says it takes 21 days to form a habit. Well, here we are at 21 days, and I think it could be true. Getting my painting finished each day has become something like an obsession. Today was a full to the brim in every way... and even though I hit the studio VERY late in the day, I got in there!! :)

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Calla Lily Bouquet - Twenty of 30 in 30

Calla Lily Bouquet, 12 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#20 of 30 Day Challenge

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More Calla Lilies today... thinking about cutting them in the back yard for our dining room table, I had the urge to paint them in a nice, tall vase. NOW, they are going on the dining room table!  

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Leaning Calla Lilies - Nineteen of 30 in 30

Leaning Calla Lilies, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#19 in 30 Day Challenge

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Back in the 80's and 90's, we lived in Northern California and had Calla Lilies growing crazily in our backyard. They multiply themselves underground and ours came back fuller every year. During their blooming season we always had them on the dining room table. It was lovely. These lilies are not from my yard, but they sure brought back sweet memories! :) 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Succulent Sketch - Eighteen of 30 in 30

Succulent Sketch, 8 x 6, oil canvas sheet, L. Daniel © 2015

#18 of 30 Day Challenge

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(note: painted canvas sheet is loose and unmounted)

Today's sketch of my potted succulent plant provided me with a little break from the week's routine. I still painted from life, but simply focused on shapes and values and drawing. I find that painting in this format (every now and then) rejuvenates me for "seeing color" again. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Plate of Peppers - Seventeen of 30 in 30

Plate of Peppers, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#17 of 30 Day Challenge

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Peppers are always fun for me to paint. I think it has something to do with their reflective, smooth skins and their odd, irregular shapes... And I love that pop of brilliant color!

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Hydrangea Bouquet - Sixteen of 30 in 30

Hydrangea Bouquet, 12 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#16 in 30 Day Challenge

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Some subjects demand to be painted over and over again; and these Lily Hydrangeas fell into that category. The intimate close up was compelling (yesterday's painting), but then the full bouquet was equally tantalizing. I loved all the abstract shapes in the refracting water and lit up fringe of the flowers. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Lily Hydrangea - Fifteen of 30 in 30

Lily Hydrangea, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#15 in 30 Day Challenge

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Day 15... I'm halfway through the thirty challenge... woo hoo! I can tell you that it has been a good discipline for me and I'm glad I took it up. I am making notes about what I've learned for sharing at the end. No doubt that list will continue to grow over the next 15 days. Thank you so much for sticking with me, as well as for all your encouraging comments and notes!

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Tomatillos Three - Fourteen of 30 in 30

Tomatillos Three, 5 x 7, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#14 of 30 Day Challenge

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Well, I wasn't quite done with the tomatillos. They are just so very cool and I wanted another try at painting those papery shells, AND the fruit inside which is such a beautiful vibrant green. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Tomatillos - 13 of 30 in 30

Tomatillos, 8 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#13 in 30 Day Challenge

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I have always thought tomatillos were really cool looking with their thin papery shells, but I had never actually cooked with them... until this summer. My daughter and I tried a new recipe for Tomatillo Salsa and guess what? They are delicious too! As I painted today, I was thinking of that fun day with my sweet girl. I love getting to do that!

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Vine Ripened - Twelve of 30 in 30

Vine Ripened, 5 x 7, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#12 of 30 Day Challenge

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Another day, another painting... and more edible subjects. It's a good thing the produce section of our local grocery is well stocked with colorful veggies and fruits! There is always something delicious to paint! :)

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Pom Sketch - Eleven of 30 in 30

Pom Sketch, 5 x 7, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#11 in 30 Day Challenge

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Today's painting is a tonal sketch of my garden pomegranates. My goal was to focus only on shapes and values to capture their simple beauty. For my painter friends, I painted an overall tone on the whole canvas, then used both a reductive and an additive approach to establish the forms (wiping away and painting back in). My paint was a combination of ultramarine blue and burnt sienna mixed to a dark neutral. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Pomegranates on Green - Ten of 30 in 30

Pomegranates On Green, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#10 in 30 Day Challenge

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I set these pomegranates aside while painting the bough with buds, and loved how they looked on the green tea towel. So... my next idea was sitting there just waiting for me! 10 days and 1/3 of the way through the 30 day challenge and I am very happy I jumped in. There are so many benefits to stepping up to the easel (no matter what) each day. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Pomegranate Bough - Nine of 30 in 30

Pomegranate Bough, 6 x 12, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#9 in 30 Day Challenge

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These pomegranates were also rescued from my garden before the freeze, and they are a favorite subject of mine to paint. To my friends in the north, please forgive my whining about the weather. I realize that it's downright HOT here compared to what you are experiencing! Stay warm, my friends!

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Last Roses - Eight of 30 in 30

Last Roses, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#8 in 30 Day Challenge

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These Knockout Roses were still blooming in my garden today so I decided to rescue a few and paint them before it's too late. I'm pretty sure the rest will all be brown very soon. We are having our coldest weather of the season so far, and the temps are dropping down to freezing. I know that is nothing for some of you hearty northerners, but it's pretty chilly for us down here in Texas! 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Lemon Slices - Seven of 30 in 30

Lemon Slices, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#7 in 30 Day Challenge

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Here is one thing I am noticing about painting 30 paintings in 30 days... it takes commitment. There are just some days that get very full before the brushes can hit the palette. It's tempting to look at the clock and become discouraged with the amount of daylight left (and I am NOT one for painting at night). Today was one of those... BUT... a commitment is a commitment, and I got 'er done! YAY!

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | Click here to register: St. Simons Island, GA

Wall Shadows - Six of 30 in 30

Wall Shadows, 8 x 6, Oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#6 in 30 Day Challenge

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I do quite enjoy painting glass and water... and shadows and light. It's interesting to note that the shadow of clear glass will not be solid like the shadow of something opaque (like the tulip). That may sound obvious, but it's hard to remember to do, and oh, so important when trying to paint glass. The incomplete shadow tells the viewer that light is passing through the glass element. 

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | St. Simons Island, GA

Bowl of Tulips - Five of 30 in 30

Bowl of Tulips, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#5 in 30 Day Challenge

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My tulips are opening fast. By the time I was finished with this painting, they were all wide open. Rather than chase the changes (which is completely impossible), I stuck with the positions I initially blocked in. It requires a bit of memory work, and it's good practice for painting outside... just a reminder to nail down the important information right away.

Please join me for these upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | St. Simons Island, GA

Tulip Bud - Four of 30 in 30

Tulip Bud, 8 x 6, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#4 in 30 Day Challenge

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With the Harry and David pears all eaten, a beautiful bunch of orange tulips have caught my attention. Their graceful way of continuing to grow after they are put in a vase makes them one of my favorite flowers to bring home. A friend of mine calls it the "Tulip Dance". This single bud broke off... it ended up in it's own little vase and instantly became the perfect subject for today's challenge.

Please come join me for these Upcoming Workshops:

January 22-24, 2015 | Still Life | Austin, Texas

March 26-29, 2015 | Plein Air | Austin, Texas

April 30-May 2, 2015 | Plein Air | St. Simons Island, GA

Breakfast Doily and Christmas Pears - Two and Three of 30 in 30

Breakfast Doily, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#2 in 30 Day Challenge

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Christmas Pears, 6 x 8, oil on panel, L. Daniel © 2015

#3 in 30 Day Challenge

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Yes, back to that Harry and David box... don't you LOVE getting pears at Christmas time? Besides being sweet, juicy and delicious, they are the perfect "go to" for painting. 

I got quite a few emails of encouragement for this 30 day endeavor, and I have to tell you it's wonderful to know that friends are out there rooting for me. Thank you so much!