They say it takes three weeks to establish a habit, and we're at week three of my project for the year. While there was a period of about ten days where I simply wrote and did a quick pencil sketch, I've come to restructure my evenings around my storybook entries. I'll pull it out while watching an hour or two of nighttime tv to write and sketch, then head to my little desk to color the drawing in with my box of gouache before grabbing a book and snuggling with my pup in bed.
Actually, I'm getting to be earlier than I have for the past couple of months, and spending less time at night watching tv (well, I don't count an episode or two streaming on my ipad as tv time, since I'm at my desk listening to it...). It's helping me get into a steady rhythm with my sleep schedule, which is insanely important when you have fibromyalgia. Who knew a nightly art habit was all I needed!
I'm also becoming more confident with gouache, and am feeling less guilty about buying it because I use it every day...I'm sure you have a hoarded supply you wish you used more or feel guilty about all the money spent on it. Well, using it every day not only helps you become more skilled with it, but you use it up faster!
My plan is to share a few of my favorites from the week. I have to allow myself to keep some back, or else my perfectionist side will come out with each one, and instead of allowing myself to experiment, I'll be worried about if it's "good enough" to share!
(I'm also blogging them each week as a way to stay accountable...if people are expecting me to post, I'd better have something to share!)
If you have any questions about this project, or the supplies I use, leave 'em in the comments and I'll do a big post to answer them all.
PS. There's still time to enter my book giveaway! Comments close tonight at midnight, MST!
PPS. I'm using my Tumblr a lot as a little scrapbook of art I love, discussions about chronic illness, & Sherlock gifs. C'mon over if you have one, and let me know yours so I can add you back!
PPPS. Friendly Faces starts tomorrow! Woohoo! I'm spending the day getting everything ready. You can join at any time!