Completing #The100DayProject As An Artist

Completing "The 100 Day Project" was very beneficial for my own personal development and practice within my work. With the daily stresses of running a business, certain tasks begin to take over quiet moments. As the to-do list lengthens, you find yourself cutting out anything that you consider 'unproductive'; that yoga class every morning, cooking dinner, watching a sunrise, journaling with coffee, and maybe even creating something just to create. 

I have been a lover and supporter of Elle Luna since the debut of her book, The Crossroads Of Should And Must, and always wondered what it might be like to complete the 100 days. Friends had done it and developed their work in new ways. Others had tried and given up halfway through. After a few weeks of back and forth, I decided that the only way to know was to actually try. What harm could come from it? I was in need of a refreshing personal project. Something just for me. 

With goal setting, I've always been taught to speak it out loud. If you're nervous that you won't follow through, tell a friend, tell a stranger, just send it out so that the universe holds you accountable. I knew that announcing my commitment to the project on social media would be the only way I could push myself to follow through, even when it became difficult. Knowing that others were watching was the first push I needed to begin.

Choosing a medium and subject really was the easiest part for me. The figure was the study I was going back to in my work. Ink pen was the original drawing medium in which I had been taught as a child. And adding color, in some form of abstract stroke, kept it fun and interesting. A form of mindless play. I never worried about the composition or palette. Whatever I had, I used. Whatever I felt, I created. 

The most interesting part about this project was that so much changed depending on the day. I never really gave much thought to how much can happen in the course of 100 days. There's days you don't feel like doing much of anything. Hard days. Emotional days. There are days of travel and those you want to shut your brain off. Days of deadlines, days of no sleep. Days of visiting family or celebrations. But still, I made a commitment. And I learned that pushing through and keeping that practice whole can really make a positive impact on your mentality and emotional connection to your work. It became a form of mediation. Those simple moments, no matter what time of day. They were for me. No one else. I craved them. I began needing them.

Working through this project from the start date to end was helpful and encouraging. You cheer on others who are creating with you. You search hashtags and discover new work you've never seen before. I highly encourage anyone to take part; whether you write or paint or sing or craft. It may just be the reset button you need. 

Below are some of my favorite studies from my 100 days. Did you participate in this project? Comment below to share your project and social handle! 

To see more of the project, visit #100DaysOfFigureAndForm hashtag on instagram 

I'm so grateful to have had such positive feedback in this personal project. To make one your own, they are now available for purchase on my website. 

My Traveling Sketchbook: A Walk Through Amsterdam

As the Netherlands' capital, Amsterdam is an extremely historic and artistic city- visited by nearly 3.5 million travelers a year. The views of intricate architecture, canal system, street markets, and bike travel left me breathless. With only two days to explore, I decided to ditch sleep (push through some serious jet lag), and begin to explore the city's exquisite character and charm. 

Known for beautiful canal houses and architectural charm

Our hotel of choice: HotelNotHotel

As an artist, I cannot tell you how grateful I am that my fiancé researched and found this unique place to stay. Each room in the hotel isn't like any other "hotel room" you've stayed in before- they are all created by designers who allow you to experience a stay unlike any other. Our room entrance was a hidden bookcase, like something you see in a James Bond movie. ( I had to memorize the books on our shelf, just to be sure I was pushing open the right door) Others include an actual tram car, crows nest, or printed house.

Front entrance of Hotel Not Hotel. They even offer bike rentals! (Which you'll want to do, it's perfect for exploring the city.)

Each room is very little over 100sq feet, but the rest of the hotel is created to function as one large living room. The downstairs is filled with great nooks and comfy spots to read a book, fill a journal, listen to some tunes, or indulge creativity. The restaurant bar is as unique as its name, "Kevin Bacon" (yes, the actor) The all-around quirkiness of this place is exactly why we fell in love. AND- the community showers/toilets are extremely clean, which is always a plus.

One of the intricately designed rooms- an actual tram

Breakfast is served at the Kevin Bacon restaurant  

The entire upstairs is styled as a public library, and the room entrances are "hidden" doors. 

After checking in to our hotel, we grabbed coffees and headed to Vondelpark, one of the most famous parks in the Netherlands. This park is loved by both locals and tourists, filled with joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, families, and dog walking. We were amazed by how many dogs roamed free- well trained and always returning to their owners. Many locals would strike up conversation and encouraged a game of fetch with their furry friends. How could you say no?! On top of the beautiful 47 green acres, there are also beautiful sculptures, gardens, and an open air theatre. 

Being the chilliest part of our trip, we had to stop at a local market and purchase scarves. Grabbing a coffee to go often kept us warm, and encouraged the 15+ mile walk/bike ride each day. EVERYONE rides bikes in Amsterdam, it is a favorite means of transportation for locals; and has me wondering why the United States isn't as "travel savvy" as the Netherlands.  

There were too many great restaurants and local cafés to name! One little spot that stuck out the most to me was "Jacketz"- home to the best baked potatoe my lips have ever touched. A quaint atmosphere and a unique twist on dinner is what you'll find in this small corner restaurant. "Jacketz" offers 1lb potatoes with numerous fillings and toppings (I chose the chicken salad and garlic sauce)- and I guarantee you won't be able to finish! 

The inviting upstairs seating of "Jacketz" restaurant  

Many trips, I try to stay far from museums or large tourist attractions- but there are some I can't resist! Example: The Vincent Van Gogh Museum. My favorite artist of all time; the one I have studied and idolized since I was a little girl. And let me tell you, this iconic display did not disappoint. As most museums, you are unable to take photos in undesginated areas. But this museum is filled with work all through out van Gogh's lifetime, hundreds of letters to his brother Theo, and family history/biography. 

Incredible fine art galleries to explore

Amsterdam is absolutely, without a doubt, a city for artistic inspiration and historical significance. Until next time.

Next, catching our 7am flight to Prague.

Stay Tuned

xo S