I’ve always admired people who are artistic. I think it’s incredible how individuals can play an instrument, write a song, paint, dance, sew, or sculpt some clay into a beautiful piece of art. I am more of a linear thinker, and tend not to be so creative. Two years ago in May, I decided it was time to explore my creative side and see what I could actually do. I decided to challenge myself to draw a new picture every day for 30 days. I wasn’t going to draw anything incredibly detailed, because I certainly didn’t, and still don’t have the skills, but I wanted to challenge myself to do something that I didn’t normally do.
I chose to draw pictures that would leave me feeling successful, so I would be more likely to see the challenge through to the end. This led me to directed drawings. I felt I could do a better job following someone's lead, rather than placing an image or object in front of me and trying to reproduce it, or even worse, trying to draw something from my brain. That would have been a disaster! I knew of a website called Art for Kids Hub and thought I would use it as my guide.
If you are unfamiliar with Art for Kids Hub, it is a terrific resource! A man named Rob draws a picture, all the while giving instructions so you, the viewer, know how to tackle the image. Typically, one of Rob’s children is with him drawing the same picture at the same time. If you are a parent or a teacher, I’m sure you will use this site again and again. It’s great for so many reasons: 1) at any time you can stop the video if you need to catch up, 2) you can rewind the video to re-watch how Rob does something, and 3) your kids / students will see a child’s version of the same picture so they’re not comparing their work to an adult’s. Art for Kids Hub videos are also posted on Youtube. There are hundreds of drawings sorted by category on the website, and not only does Rob show the viewer how to draw the picture, he teaches how to colour using shading and blending techniques, as well.
On day one of my 30 day challenge I remember being so excited to see if I could really draw. Here is a photograph of the first picture I completed.
I remember not being overly happy with it, so I drew another one.
I dated and labeled my drawings to keep track of my progress. Generally speaking, I was pretty darn happy with how each picture turned out and I always went directly to my husband to show him what I had accomplished. As I look back through each picture I am reminded of those I am super proud of (Yoda),
and those where my proportion wasn’t great (Spiderman).
It’s funny, because to look at these simple pictures, one wouldn’t think they took very much time, but it’s the colouring and shading that required the time investment – some took over an hour! As I mention this part, I remember being amazed that I had to build up the hand strength to colour for so long.
I have to say, as I look back through my drawings, I remember how I truly enjoyed and looked forward to that piece of the day that I carved out for myself. It was a time where I sat in the quiet of my living room and got to do something that brought me a little joy. I am happy to say that this challenge didn’t just come and go either. I have been able to incorporate the skills I learned into drawing cards for friends and loved ones. I no longer buy cards from the store. Instead, I now take the time to draw and colour a meaningful picture specific to the person and the occasion. I love the reactions I get from the recipients of my cards and it inspires me to continue what I have started.
Drawing might not be your thing, but I hope that by reading this post you have been inspired to carve out some time for yourself each day to either try something new, or to push yourself to do something that is already in your wheelhouse consistently for 30 days. Regardless of what it is, if you take the time and are reflective, you are bound to see improvement and personal growth. I would love to hear what you chose and your observations about yourself as you work through the process! What are you waiting for? Find something that appeals to you and get going on your 30 Day Challenge!
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