I have reached day 183 in my year of drawing every day!

I thought I would reflect upon my experience at this landmark moment.

First of all, thank you to anyone who has looked at my blog, been interested enough to like a drawing, make a comment or begin to follow it. When I began my aim was to post a drawing each day in order to have one place to keep them – as they are all drawn in different sketchbooks. To have some viewers, commentators and followers is a bonus that I did not expect!

Looking back over the drawings it is easy to see where I have more time or inspiration and where I have forgotten until just before bedtime! I have tried, even on challenging days such as the day I moved house or days when I’ve had a migraine, to do some kind of drawing – even if its just mark-making or drawing on my iphone. I did find it easy when it was lighter in the evenings or when something caught my attention – like the recent snow. Over time I’ve begun to wonder what a drawing is – how long or short a time can I spend and still say I’ve done a drawing that day? Is a drawing on my iphone still a drawing? Sometimes my drawings have a purpose (such as a poster or preparation for a print), often they are from observation and occasionally from memory or imagination.

Since January 1st 2013 I have an additional impetus because Gareth Lloyd started a drawing a day group on Facebook – this has had a positive effect on my own drawing. It’s been great to see what others are drawing, their drawing styles and approaches and their comments. I now feel that I’ll want to carry on beyond my goal of 4th August 2013 so I can remain part of the group. if you want to see Gareth’s Daily Drawing Challenge there’s a link on this blog.

Some ideas to think about if you want to have a go:

• have a sketchbook and pencil with you everywhere. I have one in my handbag, one in my work bag, one in my car, one in my yoga bag – so if you have a a few minutes you can draw.
• try to work it into your daily routine – if you have to go somewhere, go a few minutes early and draw in the extra few minutes.
• look out for other people doing a drawing a day – there are some on wordpress and elsewhere or there maybe people local to you

What shall I draw? Sometimes I spend longer trying to decide what to draw than actually drawing!

• make a list of places that you’ve seen that you want to draw so that when you have time and the weather is OK you can go there.
• on a Sunday collect some things to draw, one each day for a week – when I had the six worry dolls to draw I was able to draw every day
• choose one object / view and draw it from a different angle / at a different time each day.