What did I learn from this?

WOW that went by so fast! It’s hard to say goodbye because I feel fellowship with all of you, the 30 day artists who braved this experience before – even though we haven’t met. Thanks for your encouragement. Isn’t it wild that it ends right around the time you think you have it together technically?

I learned a lot from doing this and am thankful to Chinyew for the opportunity. The main thing I learned is that just because I paint every day doesn’t mean I can produce 40 good paintings in 30 days – that was humbling. Humorously, I was also forced to learn how to use my blackberry functions in a pinch and have a deeper appreciation for all of the daily painters out there who do this long term.

Finally, being transparent has helped me see a new side of my work through the eyes of others. For example, this venue is the first place that I’ve revealed those oil sketches and friends have been writing asking for more. What a surprise! If it weren’t for 30dayartist, I might never have realized that people would enjoy those as works of art.

To the December 30dayartist (and all future posting artists) BEST WISHES!

Goodbye and I look forward to “seeing” you here.

- Tricia
www.TriciaRatliff.com
www.agilearts.blogspot.com
www.TriciaRatliff.com
triciasart@gmail.com
blog: http://agilearts.blogspot.com/

The grapes are washed out in red (they actually have a lot of different color which obviously needs to be intensified) 

I’ve got it!! Here are two detail/study paintings I’m working on. All of these little studies and researching other artists this month clarified what I’m going to deliver for my show in April. I’ll reproduce different still life paintings like this one (in progress) within a larger work (can’t tell you too much) – Then these still life vignette’s will be hung next to the large paintings in groupings to highlight different “meanings” within the larger paintings. Visit my website in April/May for final results.

I liked this study … although I never finished they painting … hey … at this point … I think I’m getting over the embarrassment of sharing “everything”.

– this was a useful attempt at painting a more mysterious look into my self portrait.

Another painting from Eric Sandberg’s workshop in November – These were unusual colors for me but my philosophy of workshops is that it’s most valuable to follow the artist’s approach during their workshop in order to learn.