Are You Up for an Art Challenge?

October is a key month for the art challenge known as Inktober. Daily prompts for the month of October, created by artist, Jake Parker. I’ve participated a few times and had immense fun each time. This particular challenge grows worldwide every year…it’s a challenge and it’s fun! It’s also a great way to improve your skills.

But if you’re not the inking type, what’s an artist to do?

Photo Credit: 123RF.com Image ID: 45610390 Copyright: racorn

Well, initially I wasn’t the inking type either. But I saw the great stuff other artists of all levels were posting and I couldn’t resist. And even though I have my fair share of artist’s pens and even artist quill or nib pens, I’m much more comfortable using ballpoint pens. It’s still ink, right? I’ve seen artists using alcohol inks, drawing inks, Copic markers, and even watercolor and ink.

But what if none of those floats your boat?

My answer to that is…who says you have to wait for Inktober? Google drawing prompts and you’ll be inundated with prompts to last you a lifetime!

If inking isn’t your thing, maybe that’s what makes it the perfect challenge. (Photo Credit: Myra Naito)

The only thing you have to figure out is what the art challenge will be. I’d humbly suggest that if you’re not the inking type, then there’s a challenge right there! Or, if you are totally comfortable with inking, and doing it on a daily basis, try something else. Maybe try something so outside of your usual realm of art supplies and abilities that you’re sure to stretch your skills.

If you know me at all, you’ll know that I’m also into fitness. One thing I always repeat in terms of exercise is, “If it’s not a challenge and doesn’t burn by the last 3 reps, it’s not going to change you.” The same goes for anything else, including art. If it isn’t a struggle, you won’t learn from it. Progress only happens outside of your comfort zone.

Why not create other challenges for yourself to occupy the other months of the year? (Photo Credit: Pixabay – by Pexels)

Now let me be the first to admit that I am absolutely guilty of being comfy in my non-challenging art life. When I do my black and white pet portraits, I’m on autopilot. It’s something I can do in my sleep, with my eyes closed, without thinking, etc. But I did take on an art challenge a while ago that has taken me way outside my comfort zone. The project has gone on way longer than I’d hoped, but it’s a commission and so I’ve pressed on and am happy to say that there’s finally a light at the end of the tunnel. And thankfully, my client is understanding and patient.

The challenge was that the pet portrait was in color pencil. I had no clue the patience required or the amount of layering necessary when working with color pencil. I was literally learning on the fly. But now, towards the end of this project, I’m happy to say that my understanding of the medium is much greater than when I started.

One of the questions I get asked the most is…”How do you do that?”

The simple answer is…”Practice.”

The answer no one wants to hear, right? But it’s the absolute truth even for established artists. If we don’t continue practicing our art, we become rusty. And, if we don’t continue challenging our skills, we become stale. There are no shortage of prompts out there. You can choose to do a daily or even weekly drawing. You can devote a month to a theme or a particular medium. It’s entirely up to you.

So, while Inktober is fun and something artists the world over now look forward to every year, might I suggest keeping the art challenge going all year long? For those of you who would rather do a weekly challenge, Inktober now has Inktober 52!