Reflections on the Strada Challenge

 

This was the thrid straight year I've participated in the September Strada Challenge, a bi-annual 30-day event in which artists create one piece of artwork from life - not from a photography - each day and share it on social media. As an added incentive, participants are entered into a drawing to win a Strada easel. 

This year, because I was in the middle of learning oil painting, I decided to focus entirely on oils. Since September is still a bit too warm for comfortable plein air painting in Tucson, I worked primarily in my studio from still life setups. I built a simple shadow box from black foam core and arranged fruit, painting supplies, and other objects from around the studio. I also managed to complete a handful of plein air paintings during the month.

Over the years, I’ve found that the key to a successful month-long painting challenge is having a plan. I make sure my calendar leaves time to paint every day, and I prepare a list of painting prompts so I always have a subject ready when it’s time to begin.

Stepping back, though, I think it’s important to decide what success really looks like. For me, success isn’t about completing thirty paintings or winning a prize. This year, it was about diving into oils and doing it every day helped to grow my skills.