100 Paintings in 100 Days

In Summation:

I never updated this post on my 100 paintings in 100 days challenge, and it is way past time. 

Sometimes you have to move the energy. You have to make an unreasonable gesture just for the sake of breaking out of a pattern. Living life with the intention of being a self-employed fine artist comes with challenges. That is obvious to everyone, artists and non-artists alike. It takes great energy and great effort. Those things are required in any creative endeavor. The Narathon (or Century Watercolor Extravaganza) is an example of that. It was not easy, but it was necessary because you can never allow yourself to stagnate.  You always have to find a way past the limits, within and without. 

I made a little money, yes. All of the paintings sold. But I can tell you, selling paintings for from $1 to $100 is not a get-rich-quick scheme. Bottom line, it was wonderful that all the paintings sold; not because of the monies made, but because of the exchange of energy, the opportunity to engage with many people and feel the enjoyment and enthusiasm that friends and collectors shared with me. That nurturing sustenance was the greatest reward and made the effort well worth it. And, truthfully, that was the point, moving the energy. Life energy moves between people. You can’t hole up in your studio and expect for people to come find you.

The thing is, you can never quit. I have to keep moving the energy, and it is a continuous, creative confrontation. Painting is a creative pursuit, but, in reality, no more so than all of life when it is lived fully and with intention. And so it is, to grow my “brand” or “business” or whatever you want to call how I am presenting myself to the world and to you. I can’t say that promoting myself is what I would choose to do. It’s a hassle, and it is hard work. Nevertheless, it is necessary, and it is not good to struggle against what is necessary. It is best to cooperate with it.

At its core I guess I would have to say that it is important for me to be honest with myself and with others, and that I be willing to play the game. I also recognize that “the game” must be played with joy and love. No matter what, those things have to be in place. So, I am always looking for ways to play, to engage my friends and others who have voiced an interest in my work. And I am, of course, always looking for ways to extend my reach. After all, at the end of the day I have to make a living. I know you know what I am talking about.

If you would like to see the hundred watercolors (actually there were two or three colored pencil drawings and a couple sumi ink paintings tossed in for variety) you can follow this link, or if you would like to see the paintings with the poems that accompanied each you can click here.