100 Day Watercolor Challenge
Embracing Creativity: My 100-Day Watercolor Challenge Journey
Embarking on a 100-day watercolor challenge was a bold step for me, an artist traditionally more comfortable with mixed media, clay and acrylics. Watercolors, with their fluidity and unpredictability, have always intimidated me. Unlike acrylics, which are forgiving and easy to layer over mistakes, watercolors demand a different kind of mastery. My goal for this challenge was clear: to dive headfirst into this medium, embrace its challenges, and become familiar with its unique properties over the course of 100 days.
At the outset, transitioning from acrylics to watercolors was daunting. I initially approached my paintings with the same mindset I used for acrylics, trying to control every brushstroke meticulously. However, this approach quickly proved counterproductive with watercolor’s unpredictable nature. As I faced and embraced my mistakes, I learned to let go and allow the paint to move more freely on the paper.
I began by experimenting with the “wet-on-dry” technique, which gave me more control over color flow. This method helped me gain confidence and gradually led me to explore “wet-on-wet.” The beauty of wet-on-wet painting—seeing colors blend and flow together on the damp paper—captivated me. I especially enjoyed creating abstract pieces, such as cacti and flowers, which allowed me to experiment with this technique in a more fluid, less controlled manner.
A turning point in my challenge came when I created a whimsical illustrated portrait of my dog. Using bright, non-realistic colors and outlining with waterproof ink, I discovered a style that resonated with me. This playful, bold approach not only revitalized my enthusiasm but also led to numerous requests for mini pet portraits from my followers. This demand helped fuel my motivation and confidence throughout the challenge.
As I progressed, I revisited subjects like flowers, cacti, and wreaths to assess my growth. I found myself less hesitant to throw color onto the paper and experiment with its movement. By the end of the challenge, abstract styles had become a favorite. I started incorporating loose ink sketches as a preliminary step before painting, enjoying the imperfect and spontaneous results. The splatters and color spills became part of my artistic expression, reflecting a more relaxed and freeform approach.
Despite occasionally missing days, I made sure to catch up, ensuring that I completed the full 100 days. The challenge taught me to appreciate the beauty of imperfection and to let creativity flow naturally. It also opened new opportunities for me, such as developing a line of greeting cards featuring my watercolor art.
If you're contemplating a similar challenge, remember that it doesn't have to involve watercolors or painting. It could be anything from stitching to ceramics or even daily activities like reading or hiking. The key is to engage with something that stimulates your creativity and provides a break from technology.
I encourage you to take on your own 100-day challenge. Whether it’s art or another creative pursuit, the journey can be incredibly rewarding. If you do decide to commit, I’d love to hear about your experiences and progress. Sharing in your journey might just inspire others to embark on their own creative adventures.