30 Sketches Project V - Finito!

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Another 30 Sketches Project bites the dust.  A lot was learned during Project V:  Specimen Drawer, two of the biggest lessons:
1.  Learning about materials and how they work with one another - in this case specifically graphite, charcoal, pastel, watercolor, and gouache.  Combined, they fuse into one super medium which can be lovely if it's not overworked.  It can quickly get soupy, thick, and opaque and there's no turning back.  One of my professors used to say, "You only know when you've overworked it, when you overwork it".
2.  Some sketches are better than others, some days are better than others.  You always have another shot.

I have a 14"x11" black workbook where I keep all of my ideas, notes, inspirations, projects, goals, book lists, movie lists, wish lists, etc.  If something set my gears in motion in some way, it's in there in some form or fashion.  30 Sketches V fills a page...

There is something nice about looking back on a project calendar to see a strand of days connected to finish a goal.  It feels good to check a box of completion at the end of the day.  I thrive on structure when it comes to making work.

The next 30 days will  fill the time before going to Madrono Ranch Artist Residency in Medina, Texas.  In mid-April I'll spend two weeks on a 1,500 acre bison ranch which also serves as an environmental artist in residence program.  I'm hoping to stuff my workbook to the max!