Painting a Day - Days 92 - 100

 I finally finished my 100 days of painting. I went way over the 100 days, like by 28. And I am posting this about two weeks after the fact. It is amazing how one extra thing in your daily schedule can burn you out. But it is also amazing to think one extra thing in your schedule can lead to new new things and new opportunities.

I feel like I have learned so much about watercolor, meeting deadlines, goal setting and talking about my art. I know I didn't reach my goal on time and that was disappointing, but I did try and that has set my feet on a path I am eager to continue on.

I regret that I did not stay on top of blogging. It became one too many things to do and by the time the holidays came, I was too distracted. But this is a new year and a new beginning.

In the weeks to come I will be starting a new website and blog. I feel like "Out From Under a Rock" has come to the end of its purpose. I began it as a way to restart my journey as an artist. I think I have accomplished that.

I am now fully on the road to becoming a professional artist. I have wanted this since I was a teenager. For years I regretted not pursuing my talents. But now I see that I am the kind of person that lives life in stages. I just don't do things all at once. I needed to focus on creating a marriage and a family. I needed to focus on growing up. I don't think I would have been able to stay focused on the long term challenges and goals this journey has in store for me. I know I am ready now.

Thank you to every visitor to my blog. Thank you to every one who purchased a painting from me. I appreciate all the support and encouragement.

I will let you know when my new blog is up and running. Hope you will come and visit me there!

Painting a Day - Days 88 - 91

 As I have neared the end of my painting a day project, I have found it extremely difficult to keep up with it. The holidays have taken a lot of my attention and to be perfectly honest, I have just been tired. The seasons have changed and I can tell it has affected my mood and energy level. But in spite of that, I am still working. I am really proud of my determination to do this considering this time last year I gave up on my creative pursuits all together and did not take it up again until late spring.

This project has changed my life in so many ways. I have seen my skills improve as I handle the watercolors. My drawing skills have sharpened up to the level I was at when I was in college 20 years ago. I have often felt like I let my talents go to waste and that has discouraged me from trying to take it up again. But there are so many people I have heard who have encouraged me and others that it is never too late. I believe that.

I feel like my life has happened in stages. After college I got caught up in making a living and being married. My art career seemed like an unattainable dream that I had not idea how to make happen or the will power to make it happen.

I spent my 30s having babies and raising them. I couldn't devote a steady stream of energy to anything but them. Now as I look back from the beginning of my 40s I see that in many ways I am a one pursuit person. My energies are limited and my propensity to negativity often thwart my plans. But over the past 4 months I have seen that I can change my thoughts and I can overcome fatigue. It has taken many years to come to this place, but I believe it has all happened for a purpose. I am excited that my children are around to see their mother do this. I hope they will see that they can overcome being down and getting discouraged.

I am also so amazed at the support I have received from people on line and locally. I feel like I have a real future as a working artist and I look forward to see where this journey takes me.

Thank you, Reader, for visiting and being a part of that support. Blogging is hard when the day has come and gone and I feel like I have nothing to say. I have leaned hard on Facebook, but blogging has helped me share more of myself. I am glad you have chosen to let me share with you.

A Painting a Day - Days 82 - 87

 Day 82 through 87 I fell off the blogging band wagon! So here are the paintings I have been doing. I have posted them all to Facebook. You can follow me there by following this link.

 

 

A Painting a Day - Day 81

Today's painting is a pet portrait. With the Christmas season approaching, they make very personal gifts. I'm glad I get to help make this year's Christmas special for someone!

Thanks for stopping by to check out my artwork!

A Painting a Day - Days 78, 79 & 80

Painting #80 Sleeping In

The holiday has completely got me off track! I have been doing some art, but haven't been keeping up with my project schedule.  I feel really bad about it. I know keeping the schedule is not that big of a deal. I am putting the pressure on myself. I want to keep making art everyday. But sometimes... it's just hard to get it done. I can get a sketch off, but a complete painting is another thing. I will be glad when I feel like I can spend a little more time.

On the positive side, I've gotten a lot of sleep over the holiday!

So has this cute little teddy bear. I was going to post it and say I was doing this instead of doing "Black Friday". Well, I didn't get it done. Oh well. This is painting #80.

Painting #79 Thanksgiving Turkey

Paintings #78 and #79:  All of these paintings are available for sale. Each is $25. If you would like to own any of them, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  Thanks for coming by to see my artwork. Only 20 more paintings to go!

Painting #78 Lamb of God

A Painting a Day - Day 77

Today I am thankful for my home. Not just my house, but my community. I have friends and family here who love me and whom I love. It has been a good place to settle down and raise my children. Home Sweet Home.

This little blue bird illustration is available for sale for $25. If you would like to purchase it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting today!

A Painting a Day - Day 76

With Thanksgiving approaching I am, like so many people, considering what I am thankful for. This has been a year with a lot of unexpected events, twists and turns. I am thankful for all the people who have been so supportive through this en devour to ignite my art career. So many of those people are online, I don't get to see the face to face but I know they are their rooting me on. I am thankful for YOU!

These little chipmunk friends are painted on 5 x 7 watercolor paper and available for sale for $25. If you would like to buy them please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks again for coming by to see my artwork. It means so much to me!

A Painting a Day - Day 75

I struggled so much with this painting! I did it from a photo because I really wanted to see if  I could capture the likeness of the dog. I had to start the sketch over 3 times!

I am 3/4 of the way to the end of my 100 paintings in 100 days project! Granted I have missed some day and I won't make it 100 but that is okay. I am learning so much and producing more than I ever thought I could. And my paintings have change so much too. I feel like I am also developing in a direction which I did not expect which is exciting and anxiety producing all at the same time! I am really enjoying creating pet portraits and animal art in general.

This 75th painting is 5 x 7 and available for sale for $25. If you would like to purchase it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting my blog today! Hope you can make it by tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 74

Doing this project has allowed me to meet so many people. On my best day I am nervous when I am with strangers. On days that are not so good it is hard to talk at all. I often have to just make myself do it. But having this art work out in the public sphere has helped me make those connections with people and I am really enjoying getting to know those people who are enjoying seeing my daily posts (well nearly daily!)

Tonight I am posting an illustration that is just meant to be fun. I have yet to actually do a portrait of my dog, but this little pup is modeled after her.

Thanks so much for coming by to see my artwork again. If you would like to buy this art work please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator @gmail.com.  Hope you can come again tomorrow!

Painting a Day - Day 73

 I am giving myself permission again to not be perfect with my posting and doing a daily painting. I posted the sketch to Facebook, with the intention of posting the watercolor yesterday, but family stuff came up and I've got to take care of certain people!

This was another kitty cat I used to have. She was very shy but very sweet and very pretty.

Doing the sketch was a great way for me to find her fur and her tabby markings. I have heard it said and I believe it is true, drawing is the basis for all good art. I always do

a sketch before I start start painting. This is especially important if I am doing a painting from a photo or from life. It helps me find texture and shadows which will help me when I get ready to make the painting.

Thanks for visiting again. I appreciate you coming back even though I didn't manage a post yesterday. If you would like to purchase the watercolor of this kitty cat, email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com.  It is 5 x 7 and for sale for $25. Hope to have a new painting up tomorrow so hope you can come back then!

A Painting a Day - Day 72

My son suggested I do a black footed ferret as a subject for one of my animal paintings. He did a report on them for his language arts class a couple of weeks ago.

I was thinking of Chinese brush art when I began to apply the black lines. Something different. I like the looseness of the lines. It feels sketchy and freer than some of my more detailed paintings. It was relaxing to try something a bit new.

This little ferret is painted on 5 x 7 watercolor paper and available for sale for $25. If you would like to purchase him, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for coming by to see my art. Hope you can come by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 71

This is a portrait of my own cat. I don't have him anymore. He passed away four years ago. His name was Elmore and he was mine for 10 years. He was my baby before I had babies, which was hard on him when that happened. I loved him so much. I still miss him. He taught me how to be a better pet owner.

Wow, I didn't expect to feel that so deeply! But that is what having a portrait of him causes! Something about focusing on all the little detail that make him who he was brings back all the sweet memories I have tangled up with him.

I am currently taking orders for pet portraits and would love to help you make something precious that you can keep forever that will remind you of how much you love your pet. We don't get to keep them as long as we'd like and something that preserves those memories is priceless.

This is my 71st painting in my 100 paintings project. I think I am going to have to hang on to this one so it is not available.  But I still have other paintings available for sale yet. If there is one you are interested in, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. I'd also love to hear from you if you would like a pet portrait done. This was done from a photo and I can do the same for you.

Thanks for following my art. I would love to know what you think in the comments below!

A Painting a Day - Day 70

It is snowing here in central Indiana today so I thought a wintry scene would be a good way to mark the seasonal transition.

This painting feels like it has a story. Something has gotten this fox's attention and the darkness behind him is mysterious. He is on his way to somewhere but will he make it? Most of the paintings I have done for this project have not really had stories. Usually they are my attempt at capturing something beautiful. This time, a story feels like it is forming. I may have to revisit this picture when the project is completed.

Like all the paintings in my 100 days of painting, this red fox is for sale. It is 5 x 7 and available for $25. I think it would make a nice gift for a wildlife lover or a story teller. If you would like to buy it please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting today.

A Painting a Day - Days 68 & 69

I was supposed to post this peaceful frog yesterday. But I wasn't feeling peaceful at all. I was stressed and exhausted. I managed the sketch, but not the color.

It has been a week with ups and downs. Unfortunately the downs have been rough enough to cancel out the ups.

Relationships can give us such comfort and other times they can cause such inner turmoil. And I am realizing I am not so great at friendships sometimes. I am self centered and thoughtless.

When I feel stressed or uncertain, I withdraw and I am sure I leave people who were counting on me wondering what became of me.

It is hard to face my short comings. I feel embarrassed and upset. I feel guilty for letting people down who had had expected more of me.

I want to do better. I want there to be a greater quiet in me so that I don't withdraw. I wish I could explain to those I let down. But maybe my explanation is lame. On the outside I look like I am strong but inside I am fragile and weak. On the outside I look like I want to be there for others. On the inside it is all about me. I worry so much about pleasing other people I set myself up for a big let down because I can't live up to the image I present.

I should be more grateful and more patient. I should be wiser and more sensible. I want to be the kind of friend who says all the right things and appears at the right moment. Instead I miss opportunities to comfort and support because I am intimidated by the situation or there is a conflict between helping one person and being there for another.

I don't want to offend anyone. But somehow I manage it. Somehow I have to let this go and accept that I make mistakes. Apologies are all I have. I wish they were enough. Not much more I can do except pray. Pray a lot. I'm praying right now. And I am waiting to be peaceful.

As always my paintings are available for sale. Each one is $25 a piece. If you would like to own one, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for coming by to see my art. Thanks for listening to my emotional

A Painting a Day - Day 68

This is from a picture I did for a friend. She asked for frogs and some chickens and a big fat cat. I enjoyed creating something fun for a friend.

I spent the day setting up an account at Fine Art America where I am going to offer prints of some of my daily paintings. If there were paintings you may have liked, you can order a print.

Thanks for coming by to see my art work. Hope you can come by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 67

Some days you just need some quality time from that special person. Maybe it's your spouse or your BFF or if you are a kid, your parent. This little dog is getting himself into trouble because he needs some quality time from his person.

A dog belonging to a friend of mine was my inspiration for this. He is a bundle of energy and is always starved for attention and does all he can to get what he wants. He's a handful and he really is a cutie!

This is my 67th watercolor painting an it is 5 x 7 and available for sale for $25. If you would like to own him, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for coming by today. Hope you can make it by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 66

The seasons are changing and there is a chill in the air. I am not one who likes to be cold so I was thinking of things that make us feel warm. Hot coco and gloves and scarves came to mind, but there is no doubt friendship warms our hearts and souls.

Friendship can be really hard sometimes. I know I am not always good at it. I am easily distracted and caught up in my own life. It is so easy to lose touch with people or something happens and there is this awkwardness that drifts in like a cloud. But when there is acceptance and enjoyment of each other's company, in spite of our short comings, our hearts are nurtured and warmed against life's cold places.

This little group of friends is on 5 x 7 watercolor paper and available for sale for $25. If you would like to own this painting, please email me at lauraparkhurstilllustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for visiting. Hope you can come by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 65

This is the painting I had hopes of posting yesterday but could not finish because if nothing else, this 100 paintings in 100 days has showed me I really really need to sleep. So instead of 100 days, it has become more like 105 days! Oh well. I am giving myself grace and room to be human. This is the most productive I have ever been in my life. So I am not feeling bad for missing a day or two!

My sister asked me the other day if I am sticking with this because I have done this project publicly. I did not hesitate. YEP. If people were not watching this, I would have quit this weeks ago! Ha! But I am so glad for the accountability because of the progress I have made in a very short amount of time. It has been completely worth the struggle.

This 5 x 7 red wing black bird is available for sale for $25. If you would like to own it please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for being there for me! I may not know who you are, but your visits have kept me going. I have 35 paintings left to go! Hope you can come by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 64

Sometimes it is really hard to write something to go with my art work. I know artists are supposed to be able to talk about their work. I am still learning.

Maybe that is what is on my mind. The struggle to learn. Learning the nuances of watercolor, learning the subtleties of composition, learning new programs, learning how to get my art out into the world. It is a lot to take in.

Never stop learning. Every painting teaches me. This one taught me a little bit about the color red and how  a bit of orange and yellow makes a nice contrast against sky blue. It also gave me some practice in making my brush behave and not slip. It is also stretching me to write creatively.

This 5 x 7 watercolor of a cardinal is also available for sale. If you would like to purchase it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for following along as I learn something new! Hope you can come by again tomorrow!

A Painting a Day - Day 63

It is interesting to go through the ups and downs of doing a long project like these 100 paintings in 100 days. The hardest is the stress of trying to actually do 100 in 100 days. I have already missed that goal when I took some time off a couple of weeks ago and then yesterday I posted the previous day's painting and did not have a new one to post with it. That is kind of disappointing, but I have to accept my limitations. With a month and a half to go, I have to some how gather up the energy and patience to keep going even though the days I don't feel like doing this are becoming more frequent.

I know I can keep going because I have made up my mind. I just want to keep the quality of my paintings satisfactory. That is challenging. Especially when I have off days like today where I feel tired, stressed, hurried and unmotivated.

But I got it done! So feelings of wanting to quit will be nothing compared to the triumph I will feel when I have completed my 100th day. Then I have to decide what my next move will be. Probably take a little break for the holidays! Then at the first of the year, get back to it!

This blue jay was as fun to sketch as he was to paint. I enjoyed the pattern the black markings on his feathers created. Blue jays are such pretty birds, even though they can be a nuisance to bird watchers because they tend to chase other song birds off. When I was a kid, it was fun to watch them hop across the yard, their blue color so striking and vibrant.

I painted this blue jay on 5 x 7 watercolor paper. It is available for sale for $25. If you would like to purchase it, please email me at lauraparkhurstillustrator@gmail.com. Thanks for checking out my art. Please let me know what you think in the comments below. I would love to hear from you. See you tomorrow!