I had no idea what could happen, what was possible, when I started a daily drawing practice I named #100daysofdrawingpracticewithmaitri (I only added “with maitri” because the rest of the hashtag was already taken). I wanted a daily practice, a project that would keep me drawing steadily as I write and illustrate my book. I invited my Patrons from Patreon to join but it is mainly an Instagram project because I wanted any and as many artists as possible to join. And this isn’t just a draw any little thing each day as I’d originally thought (Mind, it can be if that works for you, there are no rules except to make a drawing of something or other each day in whatever way you choose. I started trying to make rules but they fell flat by the second day!). I will here show you the first 4 day’s pieces I have done so far. I wanted to get this out now at the beginning so others could join in…

Everyday I see more import to this project. I am learning a lot about me, about my life and work, about what I want my work to be in my life. And as I draw each image, as my pen glides across the sketchbook page (I am currently using my favorite 7×10″ Canson Mixed Media sketchbook. I also have their watercolor sketchbooks in several sizes. I will use any old thing my heart desires.) all manner of memories, bursts of creative thoughts, a feeling that my soul is being filled with unexplainable joy — even though yesterday I was very depressed and crying as I drew, that’s alright, you aren’t just drawing pictures, you are capturing a life, your angels are speaking to you, you are being guided, just go with the flow — and a very exciting thought has come to me as I have been doing this. First of all you can make this project work for you any way you desire but the one thing that is important is that you do something every day, maybe some hard days it’s a few squiggles on a page, that’s okay just keep going.

You see it’s all about momentum. I’ve only been doing this for 4 days but I have done many 100 day challenges as well as 365 day challenges, everything from writing challenges to blogging and more, but this is the first art challenge I have set myself because this is where the thrust of my work is centered. I am writing a book, yes, but it is the art that is leading the way, informing the book, helping me to understand just what this book is about. It has shapeshifted many times but when I stopped trying to make it a certain thing and just let myself draw all of a sudden a world of possibilities exploded inside of me. After I draw, letting whatever wants to come, no matter how unrelated to the rest it might feel, I write fast and furious all of my thoughts that came up while I was drawing. The drawing is leading the way and it is absolutely amazing. But back to momentum… you don’t have the amazing discoveries, the deep insights, the revelations, if you don’t do it everyday. I have a feeling I won’t stop at 100 days, I may do another 100 day challenge or carry this one on for 365. All I can say is that it takes but a short time each day, you can use any materials you like or have on hand, and just let yourself play. Put NO pressure on yourself, you are not here to abide by anyone else’s rules or worry about what anyone else thinks, you are doing this because of the lift you feel in your heart each time you do another day, and then you look back over a body of days (I learned from doing long challenges in the past) and you see something happening. It is a magical, amazing process and even only 4 days into this one I already feel something rising within me. I am somewhere in the magical mists of the unknown with the sure sense that I am on the right path no matter where it leads.

If you are not on Instagram it is free to join if you are interested, the challenge is free, you just sign up (IG is owned by Facebook) and post your piece each day and make sure to add the hashtag at the bottom of your post: #100daysofdrawingpracticewithmaitri or we won’t be able to find you and see your work. That link will take you right to the group page which is just getting started but another lovely artist friend has already joined and I am just delighted. If you would like to see my personal Instagram page it is here. I would love it if you would follow me and I will follow you back!

I have notes with each day’s drawing as it goes up on Instagram and talk more indepth with my Patrons on Patreon about what I’m doing, why, how I’m doing it, what I’m discovering, what materials I am using and more. I’d love to have you join us.

Blessings and Love to each and every one of you. I hope you join us with the challenge. It will change your life!