I'm celebrating a decade of consecutive daily art!
10 YEARS OF DAILY ART!!!
〰️
10 YEARS OF DAILY ART!!! 〰️
I just completed year 10 of my daily creative habit! Here’s what this past year looked like…
Every year on the anniversary, I share what all the years collectively look like too. And since most days I created more than one piece, it’s probably close to 5,000 images.
I started by creating in the margins. Stealing time here and there.
And soon enough momentum came.
Momentum brings habit and habit bring change.
I went from a 10 year art hiatus, to now 10 years of daily art.
Never underestimate small daily deposits.
What do you want to accomplish?
On episode 132 of Creative Chats podcast, I share some insights on what I’ve learned along the way these 10 years! Give a listen:
https://creativechats.libsyn.com/131-what-ive-learned-in-creating-daily-for-10-consecutive-years
Here’s my collage of all 10 years of daily art… (kinda fun to look at!)
What does Nine Consecutive Years of Daily Art Look Like?
This is year nine! All 365 days.
Every year since I have embarked on this 365 day art making journey, I mark the passing of another year with a college of images, all created from that year.
If you’re not familiar with my story on how I came back to my art after a ten year absence and depression, you can catch up here.
Creating and sharing these images are a way for me to track my daily creative habit, and celebrate my wins.
I’ve also recorded a Creative Chats podcast episode of nine insights I have gained through my nine years of daily art making. You can take a listen here.
If you’re interested in establishing your own creative consistency, I’d love to have you join us in our free facebook group Daily Creative Habit!
And now…. Here’s what all 9 years together looks like!
I’ve been sharing my art for free everyday for the past 9 years and will continue to do so. If you’ve been enjoying it and feel like tossing in a few coins in the ol’ tip jar, you can do so below :)
Live and Virtual Drawing Opportunities for Artists During Covid-19 Quarantine
Recently, I found myself in the place where due to being in lockdown because of the current Covid-19 situation, I had a bit more available time that I wanted to spend drawing, but found it hard to locate resources.
Art centers near and far were hosting online events for figure drawing, but some weren’t at optimal times, and others I found out about after the event due to the algorithm. (Darn you AL…)
I love that so many new opportunities to draw, and join in communities far away have been brought close, and become available.
So I decided to compile the opportunities I have come across, from art centers and schools, to art models who are offering their own opportunities directly either via zoom, Instagram lives, or like one model (Whitney Masters) figure modeling via 4K recording for on demand.
I “met” Whitney through Instagram. Like today.
She saw that I was an artist, so she reached out. Coincidentally, I was compiling this list of resources, so I asked is she might be interested in sharing how she’s been leaning into opportunities (and creating new ones) to help solve problems. She needs more gigs and income, artists are looking for ways to attend figure drawing sessions with live models.
So we jumped on a zoom call, and had a quick chat about how all this started. Watch our chat.
Whitney Masters (model)
http://www.whitneymasters.com/
For hour long video, please email me at whitney.masters.model@gmail.com
The following is a list of drawing opportunities for Artists (figure and otherwise).
Some are live, timed events on zoom, some evergreen resources, some figure drawing with models (clothed and / or nude), while other aren’t figure based at all.
(Note: if you or those around you are sensitive to nude figure drawing, click cautiously)
IF YOU HAVE MORR RESOURCES YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD, DROP THEM IN THE COMMENTS SECTION.
The Drawing Center - DrawNow! Online
https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-drawing-center-12021710001
Brooklyn Figure Drawing
https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-MYOCNSPt/
Drawing America
Gallery Girls
LIVE LIFE DRAWING going Global with TONY
Dynamic Figure Drawing Live!
https://www.meetup.com/Dynamic-Figure-Drawing-in-Brooklyn/
NYC Urban Sketchers
http://nyc.urbansketchers.org/
The Jolly Sketcher
https://bookwhen.com/thejollysketcher#focus=ev-se6s-20200418110000
Sketchbook Skool
Platform Studios
https://www.platformchicago.com/figure-drawing-sessions
New Masters Academy
Youtube example (contains nudity):
All The Young Nudes - Life Drawing Online
https://www.atyn.co.uk/
Croquis Cafe
Video example (contains nudity):
https://bit.ly/3bCgbNu
Pose Maniacs
Line of Action
Quickposes
Bodies in Motion
https://www.bodiesinmotion.photo/
Proko
Pinterest Collection
https://www.pinterest.com/bjim35_1/nude-art-poses/
ArtModelTips.com
Draw Juice
Anna Catherine - direct model offering
https://www.instagram.com/annacatherinemuse/
The moment it all changed. And it could for you, too.
About 5.5 -6 years ago I picked up a pen and a sketchbook after a 10 year hiatus.
This is what I sketched...
It's even a sucky photo...
About 5.5 -6 years ago I picked up a pen and a sketchbook after a 10 year hiatus.
This is what I sketched. A Starbucks coffee cup.
I both hate this drawing, and love it.
I hate it because it's embarrassing. It's a sucky drawing of a coffee cup. But I love this drawing because it signifies a rebirth. A phoenix moment. The moment I decided to push past my fear, those voices that told me I couldn't draw because I couldn't draw photorealistic renderings. The moment I choose to get back to my art because I needed it, for my soul.
I showed up that day. And the next. And almost 6 years later, I haven't missed a day of creating art.
This journey taught me about myself. I found my voice and style along the way. I connected my passions with my talents. I stepped into being an ARTIST, not just a graphic designer.
What is holding you back? What do you want to accomplish? It will never happen if you don't show up, and keep showing up.
Will today be YOUR phoenix moment?
Take a bold step, and leave me a comment on what you want to accomplish. That might be your first step, speaking it out loud!
What Does Year Five of 365 Days of Daily Art Look Like?
I just passed another year of 365 daily art making!
This makes FIVE consecutive years in a row without missing a day and approximately 750 pieces. (Most days I created more than one piece) This process has taught me so much about myself, my craft and my process. I even created an online course to help you get started on your own journey! You can read more about the course here or sign up for instant access here. In today's world, everyone wants to be an overnight success. No one wants to hear that you have to put consistent time into your craft, but the truth is, this is the only way to keep growing and excelling.
I just passed another year of 365 daily art making!
This makes FIVE consecutive years in a row without missing a day and approximately 750 pieces. (Most days I created more than one piece) This process has taught me so much about myself, my craft and my process. I even created an online course to help you get started on your own journey! You can read more about the course here or sign up for instant access here. In today's world, everyone wants to be an overnight success. No one wants to hear that you have to put consistent time into your craft, but the truth is, this is the only way to keep growing and excelling.
In the five years, I have experimented with different types of media, subject matters and styles, before settling into my own. If you follow me on social media, you see my daily posts. You may have seen that I have incorporated something else into my daily art making - YOU! I choose most of my inspiration from photos that show up in my Instagram feed. It's given me the opportunity to surprise and delight many people, when I tag them in my art based on their post. I've gotten to know some new friends through this as well. And that's the biggest win for me - when I can create art that creates connections as well.
So thank you to all of you who have been following along, and even commissioning / purchasing my art through these past 5 years of daily art making. I hope you enjoy my art and daily posts. If you have, can I ask a favor in return? Would you consider becoming part of my email list and even consider purchasing / commissioning some art? I would love to take our connection to the next level!
What art of mine have you enjoyed most? Leave me a comment. I'd love to know! Thanks for being a part of my artists' journey.
What's in my Sketch Bag, Part 1
I thought I'd take a few minutes to share a few tools in my sketch bag. When I'm not sketching digitally on my iPad, Here's a few tools I like to keep handy for sketching while I'm out and about. I've provided amazon affiliate links below for easy purchasing as well if you're in the market or want to try some new supplies.
A great little fountain pen that is a no mess solution and has a great feel in drawing is the Lamy Safari pen (Extra Fine Nib). It's a great option if you're looking to get something affordable yet a step up. Be sure to get the Lamy refill converter as well, so you can use the ink you desire (waterproof and your color of choice) or you'll be limited to the available non-waterproof cartridges.
LAMY Safari Fountain Pen Charcoal Ex-Fine (L17EF)
Speaking of ink, I have found the Pilot Bamboo Charcoal Black a nice smooth black ink option. It's rich yet over done. You might want to experiment with a few brands of inks, but if you intend to use with watercolor paints, you will want waterproof ink.
Pilot Iroshizuku Bottled Fountain Pen Ink, Take-Sumi, Bamboo Charcoal, Black (69224)
The TWSBI fountain pen was my first. I was attracted to it because of the ease of use yet versatility. It does require more maintenance than the Lamy, but also has a well (that you can see how much ink is left if you get the clear barrel model) as opposed to a cartridge. It's a bit tricker to use but another great option if a full on fountain pen is intimidating.
TWSBI Diamond 580 Fountain Pen nib EF or F
There are certain moments that you will want to blend ink, so using a water-soluble ink will be your ticket. You can fill one of the pens above with such an ink, or if you'd like a different option check out the Tombow. It had two sides and is a BRUSH pen as opposed the extra fine nibs on the fountain pens. One side is like a brush, the other is like a fine tip marker.
Tombow Dual Brush Pen Art Markers, Black N15, 6-Pack
I live for color, so I always have my Windsor and Newton Watercolor travel kit handy. There are a ew different sizes, depending on how many pans of color you want available. I suggest starting with the one I've listed as it's a little more budget friendly as well as more compact for travel. When the pans of color run down, they are easily replaced. You can even swap out colors if the stock colors aren't your colors of choice. This set is a staple of my travel bag. I never go anywhere without it.
Winsor & Newton Cotman Water Color Compact Set
And if you intend to use watercolors, you'll need a handy option for brushes that travel well. You don't want to be fiddling with brushes and water cans while on the go, so these water brushes are a necessity. This set has 4 size options which is also nice. You just unscrew the cap and fill with tap water at home, or refill on the go. Simple.
Water Brush Pen, Self-moistening, Portable, (Assorted Tips, Set of 4)
And Lastly, there's a myriad of options for your sketchbook, and a lot of it is personal preference. I do suggest however that if you are planning to use watercolors or wet media, get a sketchbook with watercolor paper. I've used the Moleskine Watercolor sketchbook. It's taken some getting used to the size, but it captures my watercolor nicely. I've also used other Moleskine (as well as other brands) that weren't watercolor paper but with varying degrees of success. It might come down to how wet the paint is.
Moleskine Art Plus Watercolor Album, Large, Black, Hard Cover (5 x 8.25)
The point is to get out there and start sketching! Try different supplies as your budget allows. Go with friends, and swap supplies. Now get out there and sketch!
Bringing Smiles Through the Art of Social Media
If you've been following me for any length of time, you know that I practice a daily art habit. I create at least one piece of art a day, and post it to social media. As of late I have also been incorporating public images I find through my social media streams, namely Instagram.
Some people have wondered why I would choose to pick a random stranger and use their post for inspiration to create a daily digital drawing. Aside from looking for ideas and inspiration, I have found that when I create a piece of art centered around someone else, it brings surprise and delight to that person (expect only once, where the person was a little apprehensive).
There has been so much noise on social media with everyone airing their opinions on current events and politics. So much hate and division. Rather than add fuel to the fire or checking out completely, I'd rather start another conversation - using social media to spread JOY and KINDNESS.
Below are two recent examples of recipients of my daily art from their posts to Instagram, along with their reactions. This is why I do it. To make people smile. To make them feel noticed and loved, even if for a moment in their day. You never know what someone else may be going through. And as an Artist, you have the power to use your art to benefit someone else's life. I mean, it's blessed you in the act of creating it right? Why not share that blessing?
Where can you share your talents or art to enrich the lives of others? Try it for 7 days straight and see what happens. I'd love to hear about it!
One of the many Yoga inspired digital drawings I've done as of late. @flyandreleaseyoga
This drawing was following a recent Walker Stalker event, where I was part of the Artist Alley. So many fans of The Walking Dead were excited to meet their favorite stars. I just had to capture this moment from @ProducerJamieNYC with #NormanReedus @BigBaldHead
Why I want to Help You on Your Artists' Journey...
Are you an artist who struggles with the idea of finding your voice or style?
Have you ever found yourself wanting to get back to a place of creating your art, but you just don't know where to start?
Do you find yourself wishing for a creative comeback after a long hiatus?
Do you struggle with finding the time to devote to your passion of creating?
Do fear and excuses stop you from creating your art?
Are you an artist who struggles with the idea of finding your voice or style?
Have you ever found yourself wanting to get back to a place of creating your art, but you just don't know where to start?
Do you find yourself wishing for a creative comeback after a long hiatus?
Do you struggle with finding the time to devote to your passion of creating?
Do fear and excuses stop you from creating your art?
That's exactly where I was 5 years ago. And it SUCKED. I knew that I needed to embrace my art again. I just wasn't sure how to do that. I desperately wanted to ENJOY my art process and create with confidence. But that was far from my reality. I vividly remember watching other artists excel who seemed to have some sort of map that I was missing. And it was so frustrating and discouraging.
Can you relate?
It was at that point when I stumbled upon something that radically altered the course of my art making journey forever. As a result, I'm in my fifth consecutive year of a daily art making practice.
Through talking with fellow artists, I realized I was not alone. The things that I was experiencing were common plagues. So when my art making finally started coming together, I knew that I had found a solution that wouldn't just help me on my journey, but others as well. That's why I created a self guided video course called "Your Artists' Journey: Finding Your Voice & Style Through Daily Practice".
In this course, I share from my own struggles and experiences, along with several principles I learned during my 365 daily art making practice. (As I mentioned, I'm now in my fifth consecutive year with no plans to stop!)
I let you in on my step by step plan for you to start your own creative journey through this course...
Your Artists’ Journey: Finding Your Voice & Style Through Daily Practice
>> http://theartistsmentor.com/yajmikebrennan
In this self-paced course you will:
- Find your own daily art habit
- Learn new insights and gain confidence in your art
- Discover tools to maintain your momentum
Click the link to meet me inside and enroll (you will get immediate access)!
>> http://theartistsmentor.com/yajmikebrennan
There's even a bonus: After you enroll, you will also get exclusive access to our private community group and discussions only for our students!
“Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”
Cruise over to the link above and check out my intro video. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know. Remember, the reason I created this was to be a tool and a HELP to artists. Feel free to share with any artist friends you know who might benefit!
So is today the day you take ACTION? It would be my honor to come alongside you on your own artists' journey!