As I mentioned earlier this year, I'm undertaking a daily drawing challenge where I make a commitment to drawing everyday and then sharing it online on my Instagram feed. Not only do I find it hard to believe January is long gone but I am shocked we're already so far through February. I've been drawing and sharing one #lisadraws2015 post on Instagram every day. Below is a little review of what I drew in January 2015 and at the end some takeaways I got out of the project for this month...
I've been thinking again about why I wanted to do this project and make this commitment to drawing everyday and the biggest reason was to push myself creatively in a new way. In making art, I realized that I tend to be very strategic and thoughtful but maybe too much so. This was a way for me to loosen up, have more fun, and worry less that everything I produce is as perfect as I always want it to be. As you can see- there are many less than perfect sketches above. Some made me cringe in sharing because they are so goofy or rough or drawn poorly but I did it anyway.
Another goal was to give people access to some of my process and maybe a bit of my brain. I view my sketchbook as a sort of secret world I carry around with me. I rarely don't have it in my bag- and if I ever leave it behind, I immediately become anxious and worried and can't stop thinking about not having it with me. Now I do have some sketches in there that I don't share- this process has actually gotten me to sketch even more than I imagined. Some nights I'm exhausted and can barely get anything out and other nights I'll spend a good chunk of time making something special.
I think the thing I hoped for but has been one of my favorite parts of the project has been the interaction between the work I post and the reactions and comments I receive. I love that people care and have been so supportive and sweet. I feel like I've gotten to know more people and gotten to know some people better because of it. It has increased my confidence in a good and much needed way as well as allowed me to feel more like I'm a part of a community. Being an artist can be solitary and though I don't feel lonely- I do adore the exchange that seems to be growing because of this project.
Until next time- xo!
