In March 2012, I wrote:
I no longer wanted to be swept along. I was spending so much time and energy getting work done (class samples, instructions, assignments from manufacturers or magazines, etc.) that I hadn't been taking the time to experiment and play and fail. And I was scared that I was getting stuck in an artistic rut doing the same old things over and over because I knew they would work.
I happen to be a great believer that all success rises from the ashes of failure. Mediocrity is all you get if you never fail. And yet it would be irresponsible of me to push myself to the point where something might fail when I'm working on an assignment or a class sample. Failure requires freedom and I knew I needed to set aside some free time….
…I believe that in one year, we'll all be better artists with a whole bag of new tricks. As the old saying goes, a year from now you'll wish you had started today. I'm hopeful that this project will inspire lots of people to take the time to experiment and push themselves a little further.
Well, we didn't quite make it a full year with the challenge, but Nat and I had a good time encouraging each other (and hopefully you) to "take it to the Second Floor." Here's a look back at what I made:
Challenge #1: Gold Paint
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #2: Use Something New
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #3: Truth
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #4: Circles
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #5: Found Object
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #6: Use a Pencil
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #7: Just Five Items
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #8: 3 or More Stamps
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #9: Embossing Powders
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #10: White Cardstock
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Challenge #11: All Six Primary & Secondary Colors
Read about what I did.
Read about what Nat did.
Here are some of the wonderful things that came out of the Second Floor Challenges for me:
- I have 100% and without question internalized the whole notion of "taking it to the Second Floor." No matter the project, I always look to see how I can push it further. In fact, in later challenges this became a bit of an issue as my comfort zone kept expanding and I wasn't sure how crazy I'd have to get to fulfill the challenge!
- I now consistently make time to create art for "no reason" and just to play. And I've even gotten much more comfortable with sharing my failures. After all, the only true failure is not trying.
- The Second Floor challenge helped me to fall in love with my Gelli Plate, create some awesome and uncomfortable paintings, reconnect to beading, and open my mind to possibilities I hadn't even considered.
- I learned a lot about myself as an artist. Look at this collection of work. I see a distinct style — even across so many different formats. I love color, pattern, circles, and a slightly off-center composition.
I'm so glad to have spent the past nine months engaged in pushing myself to try harder and leap without looking. I know those are lessons I will carry with me for the rest of my artistic life.
Thanks for stopping by!
This was an awesome idea…I started it with the best intentions but found, exactly for the reason you developed this…I spend most of my creative time making art for someone else and not for me!
This was an awesome idea…I started it with the best intentions but found, exactly for the reason you developed this…I spend most of my creative time making art for someone else and not for me!
This was an awesome idea…I started it with the best intentions but found, exactly for the reason you developed this…I spend most of my creative time making art for someone else and not for me!
This was an awesome idea…I started it with the best intentions but found, exactly for the reason you developed this…I spend most of my creative time making art for someone else and not for me!
This was an awesome idea…I started it with the best intentions but found, exactly for the reason you developed this…I spend most of my creative time making art for someone else and not for me!
Thanks for the summary. I liked these challenges and it was fun to see how you and Nat would do something totally different from each other. (Of course you would since you’re different artists, but I hope you KWIM.)
Thanks for the summary. I liked these challenges and it was fun to see how you and Nat would do something totally different from each other. (Of course you would since you’re different artists, but I hope you KWIM.)
Thanks for the summary. I liked these challenges and it was fun to see how you and Nat would do something totally different from each other. (Of course you would since you’re different artists, but I hope you KWIM.)
Thanks for the summary. I liked these challenges and it was fun to see how you and Nat would do something totally different from each other. (Of course you would since you’re different artists, but I hope you KWIM.)
Thanks for the summary. I liked these challenges and it was fun to see how you and Nat would do something totally different from each other. (Of course you would since you’re different artists, but I hope you KWIM.)
So interesting that your comfort zone expanded so much that you really had to work to push further! Great exercises, and great wrap up.
So interesting that your comfort zone expanded so much that you really had to work to push further! Great exercises, and great wrap up.
So interesting that your comfort zone expanded so much that you really had to work to push further! Great exercises, and great wrap up.
So interesting that your comfort zone expanded so much that you really had to work to push further! Great exercises, and great wrap up.
So interesting that your comfort zone expanded so much that you really had to work to push further! Great exercises, and great wrap up.
What an awesome collection…I found you as a brand new artist at Challenge 6 and have a been a faithful daily reader since then. I look forward to having the time to look back at first 5 blog entries. It’s a wonderful series, if you don’t do a repeat in the future I can see myself personally engaging in these challenges. Being new I have no comfort zone yet…everything feels like a challenge. I think I’ll write these down in my everything book right now. Thank you for always being here and sharing your talent, knowledge, processes and everything else!! I truly appreciate it!
What an awesome collection…I found you as a brand new artist at Challenge 6 and have a been a faithful daily reader since then. I look forward to having the time to look back at first 5 blog entries. It’s a wonderful series, if you don’t do a repeat in the future I can see myself personally engaging in these challenges. Being new I have no comfort zone yet…everything feels like a challenge. I think I’ll write these down in my everything book right now. Thank you for always being here and sharing your talent, knowledge, processes and everything else!! I truly appreciate it!
What an awesome collection…I found you as a brand new artist at Challenge 6 and have a been a faithful daily reader since then. I look forward to having the time to look back at first 5 blog entries. It’s a wonderful series, if you don’t do a repeat in the future I can see myself personally engaging in these challenges. Being new I have no comfort zone yet…everything feels like a challenge. I think I’ll write these down in my everything book right now. Thank you for always being here and sharing your talent, knowledge, processes and everything else!! I truly appreciate it!
What an awesome collection…I found you as a brand new artist at Challenge 6 and have a been a faithful daily reader since then. I look forward to having the time to look back at first 5 blog entries. It’s a wonderful series, if you don’t do a repeat in the future I can see myself personally engaging in these challenges. Being new I have no comfort zone yet…everything feels like a challenge. I think I’ll write these down in my everything book right now. Thank you for always being here and sharing your talent, knowledge, processes and everything else!! I truly appreciate it!
What an awesome collection…I found you as a brand new artist at Challenge 6 and have a been a faithful daily reader since then. I look forward to having the time to look back at first 5 blog entries. It’s a wonderful series, if you don’t do a repeat in the future I can see myself personally engaging in these challenges. Being new I have no comfort zone yet…everything feels like a challenge. I think I’ll write these down in my everything book right now. Thank you for always being here and sharing your talent, knowledge, processes and everything else!! I truly appreciate it!
Your dedication to this project, and the results, are both awesome. I bow to your expertise.
Your dedication to this project, and the results, are both awesome. I bow to your expertise.
Your dedication to this project, and the results, are both awesome. I bow to your expertise.
Your dedication to this project, and the results, are both awesome. I bow to your expertise.
Your dedication to this project, and the results, are both awesome. I bow to your expertise.
I’ve sure enjoyed the Second Floor Challenge! I’ll miss it but look forward to what new things you have planned for the future!
I’ve sure enjoyed the Second Floor Challenge! I’ll miss it but look forward to what new things you have planned for the future!
I’ve sure enjoyed the Second Floor Challenge! I’ll miss it but look forward to what new things you have planned for the future!
I’ve sure enjoyed the Second Floor Challenge! I’ll miss it but look forward to what new things you have planned for the future!
I’ve sure enjoyed the Second Floor Challenge! I’ll miss it but look forward to what new things you have planned for the future!
This was so cool to see all together, what great things you did each month. Just seeing you want to learn and try new things inspires me to keep learning more too. CONGRATS ON YOUR DISCOVERIES!!!
This was so cool to see all together, what great things you did each month. Just seeing you want to learn and try new things inspires me to keep learning more too. CONGRATS ON YOUR DISCOVERIES!!!
This was so cool to see all together, what great things you did each month. Just seeing you want to learn and try new things inspires me to keep learning more too. CONGRATS ON YOUR DISCOVERIES!!!
This was so cool to see all together, what great things you did each month. Just seeing you want to learn and try new things inspires me to keep learning more too. CONGRATS ON YOUR DISCOVERIES!!!
This was so cool to see all together, what great things you did each month. Just seeing you want to learn and try new things inspires me to keep learning more too. CONGRATS ON YOUR DISCOVERIES!!!
VERY Creative I love your white cardstock and your primary color challenges the best! Amazing work!
VERY Creative I love your white cardstock and your primary color challenges the best! Amazing work!
VERY Creative I love your white cardstock and your primary color challenges the best! Amazing work!
VERY Creative I love your white cardstock and your primary color challenges the best! Amazing work!
VERY Creative I love your white cardstock and your primary color challenges the best! Amazing work!
I am cheering loudly and with added clapping – to a latin beat as I read your post today Julie for the following reasons:
If we live a cornflake life with no fibre and delicious additives then BLAND is what we will be.
If you don’t take the challenge and step off the high cliff you will never keep your muscles ready to fly.
Life is for learning and growing every day and if we don’t reflect on our actions and interactions then it is just exixtence NOT living!
Thank you for creating this challenge. I have enjoyed every one of your posts and I believe that you are every day and in every way becoming a better artist.
I look forward to seeing where your wings take you.
Julie
I am cheering loudly and with added clapping – to a latin beat as I read your post today Julie for the following reasons:
If we live a cornflake life with no fibre and delicious additives then BLAND is what we will be.
If you don’t take the challenge and step off the high cliff you will never keep your muscles ready to fly.
Life is for learning and growing every day and if we don’t reflect on our actions and interactions then it is just exixtence NOT living!
Thank you for creating this challenge. I have enjoyed every one of your posts and I believe that you are every day and in every way becoming a better artist.
I look forward to seeing where your wings take you.
Julie
I am cheering loudly and with added clapping – to a latin beat as I read your post today Julie for the following reasons:
If we live a cornflake life with no fibre and delicious additives then BLAND is what we will be.
If you don’t take the challenge and step off the high cliff you will never keep your muscles ready to fly.
Life is for learning and growing every day and if we don’t reflect on our actions and interactions then it is just exixtence NOT living!
Thank you for creating this challenge. I have enjoyed every one of your posts and I believe that you are every day and in every way becoming a better artist.
I look forward to seeing where your wings take you.
Julie
I am cheering loudly and with added clapping – to a latin beat as I read your post today Julie for the following reasons:
If we live a cornflake life with no fibre and delicious additives then BLAND is what we will be.
If you don’t take the challenge and step off the high cliff you will never keep your muscles ready to fly.
Life is for learning and growing every day and if we don’t reflect on our actions and interactions then it is just exixtence NOT living!
Thank you for creating this challenge. I have enjoyed every one of your posts and I believe that you are every day and in every way becoming a better artist.
I look forward to seeing where your wings take you.
Julie
I am cheering loudly and with added clapping – to a latin beat as I read your post today Julie for the following reasons:
If we live a cornflake life with no fibre and delicious additives then BLAND is what we will be.
If you don’t take the challenge and step off the high cliff you will never keep your muscles ready to fly.
Life is for learning and growing every day and if we don’t reflect on our actions and interactions then it is just exixtence NOT living!
Thank you for creating this challenge. I have enjoyed every one of your posts and I believe that you are every day and in every way becoming a better artist.
I look forward to seeing where your wings take you.
Julie
Hi Julie!
I came across your blog via Nat’s, when I was on the lookout for some painting supply only a few days ago, so I only made the two last second floor challenges, of which one isn’t finished yet. I was fascinated by Nat’s approach of sharing and the interesting techniques she was introducing.
Now you two have very different styles, but that’s the good thing with art!
About your style I like the strong lines in your painting, they are very expressive. And I really adore your 100 canvases-project – your way of painting faces…
It is interesting to see what you made out of the challenges, the variety of material and techniques you use. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Hi Julie!
I came across your blog via Nat’s, when I was on the lookout for some painting supply only a few days ago, so I only made the two last second floor challenges, of which one isn’t finished yet. I was fascinated by Nat’s approach of sharing and the interesting techniques she was introducing.
Now you two have very different styles, but that’s the good thing with art!
About your style I like the strong lines in your painting, they are very expressive. And I really adore your 100 canvases-project – your way of painting faces…
It is interesting to see what you made out of the challenges, the variety of material and techniques you use. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Hi Julie!
I came across your blog via Nat’s, when I was on the lookout for some painting supply only a few days ago, so I only made the two last second floor challenges, of which one isn’t finished yet. I was fascinated by Nat’s approach of sharing and the interesting techniques she was introducing.
Now you two have very different styles, but that’s the good thing with art!
About your style I like the strong lines in your painting, they are very expressive. And I really adore your 100 canvases-project – your way of painting faces…
It is interesting to see what you made out of the challenges, the variety of material and techniques you use. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Hi Julie!
I came across your blog via Nat’s, when I was on the lookout for some painting supply only a few days ago, so I only made the two last second floor challenges, of which one isn’t finished yet. I was fascinated by Nat’s approach of sharing and the interesting techniques she was introducing.
Now you two have very different styles, but that’s the good thing with art!
About your style I like the strong lines in your painting, they are very expressive. And I really adore your 100 canvases-project – your way of painting faces…
It is interesting to see what you made out of the challenges, the variety of material and techniques you use. Thanks a lot for sharing!
Hi Julie!
I came across your blog via Nat’s, when I was on the lookout for some painting supply only a few days ago, so I only made the two last second floor challenges, of which one isn’t finished yet. I was fascinated by Nat’s approach of sharing and the interesting techniques she was introducing.
Now you two have very different styles, but that’s the good thing with art!
About your style I like the strong lines in your painting, they are very expressive. And I really adore your 100 canvases-project – your way of painting faces…
It is interesting to see what you made out of the challenges, the variety of material and techniques you use. Thanks a lot for sharing!