2016 #THE100DAYPROJECT

I have stepped WAY out of my comfort zone this week and have not only drawn pictures but shared it with the world.  Well, if you call the few people on my Instagram and Facebook a world but still... that's more people that I've shared this journey with and opened the door for feedback.  And possibly criticism.  Drawing is not my strength and I cannot come up with an amazing concept on my own. My hand doesn't just magically create some fascinating, realistic looking face or landscape.  In fact, my first two pictures look like something a kindergartner would draw although that might be an insult to the little 5-year-old's.  So for my third picture, since I wanted to test out my skills with facial drawings, I turned to the all mighty YouTube channel.  And found some great tutorials, especially for us beginners.  And I followed the instructions.  Very carefully.  Very diligently.  And the results, I must say and toot my own horn, were not as bad as I thought.  In fact, I can even say I'm a little proud of some of the work I've accomplished so far.  AND I'm having fun.  I look forward to my evenings where I can settle in, pull out the sketch book (that my oldest daughter gave to me because I didn't have one of my own because I never thought I would try to draw or even share it with my handful of followers), and get to work.  After today, Day 5/100, I've stepped up my game and practiced shading and adding some personal touches that are not taught in the tutorial for beginners.

So why the attempt at drawing?  Several reasons...

1. I've always wanted to draw and envy those who can.  My number 3 daughter is a talented artist and one of those people who can sit down and start creating without the YouTube tutorials.  AND make things look very realistic, lifelike, and really, really prettiful.  My husband has that talent although he hasn't drawn anything since college.  Which was quite some time ago.
2. I have a couple of children's books and I need illustrations so I can publish them.  Last summer I even attempted to bribe my children and held a drawing contest. Gave them a project to keep them busy over summer with a monetary incentive...  good idea, Mom!  Not really.  I got NUTHIN'!  My youngest tried her best but only completed two of the animals I needed without background or anything else.  So I scratched the idea.  And saved some dollars since I didn't have to pay anyone.  But I still have no pictures...
3. I've been following an author and artist named Elle Luna (I even met her by bringing her to our college to speak about following your passions and dreams) and she began a new 100 day project 5 days ago.  I know because I've been drawing for 5 days now.  95 more days to go... The 100 day project is anything a person wants to create, whether it's drawing, photography, story telling, etc.  They share what they've completed each day but it makes a person conscious of completing an assignment each and every day.  And I say assignment in a positive and fun way.
4. Did I mention I need illustrations for a couple of children's books I've written and have been wanting to publish them for how many years now?  And I feel like THIS is the year?  It shall be done!

Have you ever thought about trying something new, different, and maybe even something a little scary?  (Not illegal...)  My first leap was sharing my writing with my peeps on Facebook.  Exposing my writing and thoughts to family and friends has got to be one of the most nerve wracking things a person can do.  But I jumped in and so far, I'm still around and have received positive feedback. So I thought, why not, let's take another leap and try something that will stretch my imagination as well as my comfort zone.  And so, after 5 days, I'm improving on my drawing skills, creating new ideas, and even coming up with some more ideas.  I'm excited, I'm rejuvenated, my creative juices are a-flowing, and I've found renewed energy and imagination.  So, if you've been thinking about a new project or idea, try it out.  And if you want to join in the fun (we're only 5 days in), start a project and post on Instagram using #THE100DAYPROJECT plus your own hashtag.  Have fun!

https://www.instagram.com/michelletagot/