20 Hour Challenge

Lori Woodward wrote

on 6 Jul 2009 5:28 PM

JB, I have a digital voice recorder which I bring with me on walks, drives etc. Sometimes when a great idea or resolution to a painting problem pops in my head, I record my idea by voice.

Yeah, if I don't get my ideas down I can never recall them. I recall that I had an idea, but can't remember what it was.

Hope you get enough sleep.

Lori Woodward wrote

on 9 Jul 2009 5:04 AM

Well, it's been practically a month since I've challenged myself to 20 hours of pure work per week (painting and writing). As I had susepected, my enthusisam for this committment is fading into the background of my life.

I need to pick myself up and return to the challenge. Anyone else fallen off the wagon?

j.b2 wrote

on 9 Jul 2009 12:19 PM

I've also fallen off the wagon.

But it's not how many times you fall, but how many times you pick yourself up!!

So I'll pick myself up, dust myself off & ride a-ways down the trail...

Robin11 wrote

on 11 Jul 2009 10:24 AM

I'm not reaching my goals, but I'm definitely doing better than before the challenge.  I am about to go on vaca, and that includes art.

MLevenstein wrote

on 11 Jul 2009 2:54 PM

I think setting a goal is a good idea, but I don't think I could manage 20 hours.  I go to painting class Tuesday nights, so that's 3 hours. If I can add one more evening or a weekend afternoon, I would be happy. 6 hours a week would be a good goal for me.

j.b2 wrote

on 12 Jul 2009 3:29 PM

Have fun on vacation. I always take my paints and a drawing pad with me, but I'm a bit weird. The drawing pad is in a lap top bag so it goes everywhere I go. No lap top, just drawing pad and supplies!

I'm off to a good start this week with 4 hours today!!

And Saturday evening I finished a painting. I'll photograph it and post it tonight. Now I can get to a new idea!!!

Michelle Basic Hendry wrote

on 13 Jul 2009 9:43 AM

Hi everyone!

I was slow to get started, but I got in 30 hours last week....

Lori Woodward wrote

on 13 Jul 2009 10:12 AM

Some weeks, I can only get in 10 hours - what matters is that I make the effort, and when I keep track, I do better.

Last week, I got 20 hours plus, and put in 4 hours this morning... even though I feel sluggish - Monday morning blahs. I'm glad I did coz at first I wasn't making anything worthwhile, but after about the first hour, things started to fall together.

Still tired though, so will move on to "chores" which need to get done now that I've accomplished some work for the day.

Just showing up is 90% of progress.

Joanne Giesbrecht wrote

on 17 Jul 2009 9:25 AM

This summer has been so weird with weather that it is VERY tempting to be outside when it is sunny, so I've made a deal with myself. I will get up earlier on days that I know will be sunny and warm, get into the studio and put in a certain amount of time, then reward myself with an hour outside, in the garden, on a walk, or on my bike. If I find I've taken more time outside than I thought I would, well, there is always an hour in the evening to make up for it. Or maybe tomorrow will be cloudy and rainy. This way I don't feel like I've missed out on summer, yet still get in those 20 hours a week. It's one of the many benefits of working from home! 

Lori Woodward wrote

on 17 Jul 2009 9:35 AM

I hear ya Joanne! Like you, there are more activities I want to do during summertime. Winters let me cocoon and spend more time in my studio.

If I can get myself sitting in front of my work first thing in the morning, I'll naturally continue with it and everything else falls by the wayside. Congrats on getting over 20 hours! I did too, but still wasted too much time... in my estimation.

Yep, you're absolutely right - show up and you've made progress!

n2art wrote

on 20 Jul 2009 2:33 PM

I've just returned to the site and I think I will try the 20 hour per week challenge, because I am disillusioned with myself as I watch days pass by and I haven't put any work into my paintings. If I can make myself go to work for someone else and do all of the nonessential things I do, I can muster up 20 hours for my work. Its crazy but every time I do paint I paint for 4-5 hours and the clean up is crazy. Does the set-up and clean up count in the 20 hours?

Lori Woodward wrote

on 21 Jul 2009 6:31 AM

Yes, the setup and cleanup counts - as long as you're working in the studio.

The trick for me is to set up as much as possible the evening before so I can just settle into work.

Having an organized studio helps me avoid confusion when trying to figure out what I'm supposed to be working on, and I'm not a naturally organized person. I'm also a major procrastinator - especially when stressed out. This has not been easy for me.

j.b2 wrote

on 21 Jul 2009 2:09 PM

Off to a slow start this week.

My regular Sunday drawing & painting was canceled on my part..

Monday = 3.5 hours on a small cone flower painting...

n2art wrote

on 21 Jul 2009 3:38 PM

Thanks Lori, Well its Tuesday 5:32 pm and I am getting off the computer and starting to paint. For the past week or so I have been trying to get myself on a day schedaule to no avail. I just get up and sit around thinking how sleepy I am and then by 10 or 11 I am wide awake, but thanks to the 20 hour challenge I think I'll get on schedule on matter what the time is. I usually paint at night for whatever reason and I am tried of trying to reset my life. Especially since when I go back  to work its back to the night schedule anyway. It just seems cool to go to bed when its dark

n2art wrote

on 22 Jul 2009 5:04 PM

Painting until this morning about 5am though I can't say I painted straight through, interruptions from cooking dinner, visiting with my daughter and running to the store. Though I did get a lot done, I ak still GRRRR working on the hands my nemise, but one I am determine to mastered Its 7;01 pm I preparing to return to the task. Darn So you think you can dance is on Ok lets say I'll start at 8pm But I'll be up all night again so we'll see. Oh I think I got at least 5 hours yesterday.