30-Day Creative Challenge: Circle Paintings
I’d always wanted to try a 30-day creative challenge, but wasn’t motivated to actually begin one until the early days of pandemic lock downs when my old schedule was out the window. I was desperately craving more structure for my days and creative practice.
THE CIRCLE PROJECT
This format was inspired by a birthday card I painted for my husband. Working with 5x7” card and acrylic paint, I drew a circle and painted a night sky scene above silhouetted trees — capturing the swirling galaxies and cool mood of a night sky. I finished and was so gratified by the quick act of creation that I immediately wanted to make more. Thus, the circle project was born.
MY PARAMETERS
Use supplies I already had at home
Work in dimensions small enough I could finish in about an hour
Paint one circle every day, without exception
No going back and retouching a painting after it was done
That’s it. No limitations on subject, no defined themes I wanted to explore, or big expectations of what I might get out of this thing. I wanted to keep it super simple and doable so it didn’t feel exhausting to continue day after day.
What I Learned
Some days it’s a trudge, but it’s worth doing. Prior to this project, I tended to flow with my inspiration and work in bursts (unless I was on a strict deadline). I learned that it’s possible to create good work even on days I really don’t feel like I’m in an ideal creative headspace.
Daily art is sort of like a daily journal. I remember where I was, who I had spoken to, and how I felt when I look back at each painting. They ended up being a cool time capsule of my life during that time. What I felt inspired by and chose to paint tells its own story.
Not every painting is good. But that’s ok! My parameter of not retouching was intentionally created to fight the urge for perfection. They won’t all be breathtaking.
Structure is wonderful. As a freelancer (and especially during a pandemic), creating structure for myself with daily routines was grounding and motivating.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely.
These pieces inspired a handful of commission projects and renewed my love for small scale painting! A few originals are still available in my shop, and it’s been so fun giving stickers as gifts.
