As an artist I can’t get enough images, so I love looking at other artists’ daily drawings online. August Wren‘s daily paintings are a favourite. I draw most days, but I don’t achieve a completed drawing or sketch everyday. I enjoy the freedom and flexibility of doing my own thing, without pressure. So it was quite clear that a daily drawing challenge wasn’t for me.
Lisa Cogdon’s daily drawings challenge
Well at least it wasn’t for me until I watched Lisa Cogdon‘s daily drawing challenge on Creative Bug… and changed my mind. Lisa says daily drawings help you develop your own style. I am always keen to develop my style further and decided to follow her 30 days drawing challenge in September.
How I worked
The prompts on Lisa’s daily drawing challenge are quite varied. I found some more inspiring than others. To give unity to the project I worked as follow:
- Used 5″x7″ paper for all drawings
- Pre-painted backgrounds lightly in watercolours
- Used black pen, more watercolour and a white gel pen to draw and paint the art work
- I drew directly in pen so any bent lines and other ‘mistakes’ just stayed as they were
- I posted each drawing on social media – The likes and comments kept me going (I had thoughts of giving up the challenge a few times)
I like some of the drawings better than others. But that’s fine – daily drawings are quick studies rather than completed art work, so they can’t all be happy experiments. I enjoyed when possible drawing from life more than from reference photos. There’s plenty for me to work on too. For instance, I don’t feel I can draw only from imagination without any reference at all… and that’s something I would love to be able to do!
What I learned from my daily drawing challenge
- Quick lettering – I found a style of lettering and got quicker and more confident with it
- Discipline – I had not much time to procrastinate if I wanted to complete a new drawing every day. The challenged forced me to make time to draw on days where I might have ‘rested’
- Un-inspiring subjects can be fun and make an interesting drawing – it’s up to you what you do with the prompt!
Have I developed my own style further? I am not sure.
Would I do a daily drawing challenge again? Yes, but not just yet. It would be a fun way to explore new mediums. But I had to put other projects on hold to complete this challenge and can’t wait to get back to them.
Here are all 30 drawings!! If you have time, please tell me which ones are your favourites in the comments at the bottom.
PS: Some of the original and prints are available to purchase from my Esty shop.
Chairs, watches, forks, sunshine.
Thank you for posting. Thx for inspiring us.
You’re welcome, glad you enjoyed the drawing. I didn’t think so many people would be interested!
I think my favorite is sunshine. Although you didn’t paint the sun shining, the drawing evokes the joy of the sun on your face. Loved so many others too!! Congrats on finishing the challenge
Hi Jane, Think sunshine is my favourite too. The prompt initially made my heart sink, until I though of a different approach.
All of these are wonderful. I can’t pick just one. These are my top five, in no particular order:
Chairs, tea cups, birds, spice jars, cactus.
Thanks Amanda.
My favourite has to be the teacups. I like the radishes too and the cactus
Well done on completing the challenge.
Thanks Jane.
This is an awesome collection! I did a #sketch365 project last year, drawing every single day for a year, so I get the part about the social media comments keeping you going! My faves – apples (I work for the Town of Apple Valley, and have a small collection of original art featuring apples). I also love the kitchen collection! Spices, forks, salt & pepper. I have the perfect spot in my kitchen for that whole set! Put these up for sale and I’ll take several!
Thanks Katie, I am thinking of putting the most popular ones on Etsy. Will let you know when it’s done 🙂
Hello ! Congratulation for this funny challenge. I like tea cups, trainers, watches, apple, radishes, paintbrushes, spicejars, boots, house plants, lamps, salt and pepper, and sunshine. I am waiting for other drawings impatiently !
Gros bisous
*A*L*L* of them are great. I love your work!
Thanks Louise!
Definitely the bees; I love bees! I have to say, they are all great….I love the boots too and the jugs….and the brushes…if I keep going, I’ll end up naming them all. Love your work, so fresh and smile making! X
Thank you Daisy.
Houseplants, tulips (and all of the others).
Very difficult to choose one. I think it will be the tulips because I am from Holland 😉
Best wishes, Chris
Thanks Chris!
My favourite has to be the bees!
Katie Bee
Thanks Katie x
It’s a tough choice between cats and owls but I think the Owls might just have it!
Thanks Hannah.
These are wonderful! I loved the bees, fish, paint brushes, trainers and teacups and more!
Thanks Gail!
I liked Bees and Radishes. I liked Apples too, which made me laugh as you were obviously peckish when you did it!
Thanks Colin, Re the apple it motivates you to draw quicker… so you can take another bit 😉
i really admired the brooms