Reflections on the Sketchbook Challenge- first 10 days

Written By Galia Alena
Sketchbook Challenge- Water colour Tea Cups

When I start these challenges I wonder about my sanity- committing to add something else to my already overflowing plate. Yet there is this way that the challenges push me to do a daily practice which I can not maintain daily except for these short stints. And with daily practice come growth, just a little, bit by bit growth, but it adds up; I don't see it daily but at the end of the 30 days there's a small body of work that stretched the muscles, found new ways and explored the edges.

 
Practice- The mere act of the challenge provides an opportunity to practice the craft. With practice comes more confidence and with confidence comes a boldness and a looseness that frees your work- sometimes you have to go tight in order to find loose.

Expansion- Showing up everyday to the challenge means that eventually you get bored or exhausted of your usual go tos and you end up trying something new, experimenting, pushing the edges of your comfort and routine.

Discernment- The daily practice allows you to try new things, new ways, new mediums and tools, new mark making, new combinations and so on. It provides as opportunity to learn what you like and what you don't like, what works with your style and what works with your voice.

Sketchbook Challenge, ink work, art journal
Days 3, 4, 7 & 2

What I'm noticing so far:
  • One line may look wobbly and imperfect or a mess but add it in with a whole slue of other messy lines and you have something - keep going.
  • Sketching slows you down.
  • The camera rolling wants me to rush and I have to consciously slow down and bring myself present to the practice.
  • Sketching brings attention, makes you look closer, makes you notice things.
  • I like the balance of the "careful" line work dancing with the freedom of the watercolours.
  • I'm getting to know my favourite pen and brush.
  • I like mixing pens and mediums.
  • I'm excited to see what's next.
  • I'm curious to try a different journal with a different paper next time ( one that takes the watercolour better).
  • Watercolour tests my patience but also offers a chance to hit the mat.

Videos for each day can be found over on my Youtube channel here.

Sketchbook Challenge, drawing painting sketching
Days 5, 8/9, & 6
Galia Alena
I’m a visual poet working in just about any medium I can lay my hands on although I am a professionally trained photographer and a so called “self-taught” artist (of course there have been many teachers on that path). I’m in love with the creative process. I’m a beauty unveiler, light huntress, moment caresser and visionary poetess. Ultimately, all of my work is about helping people peel back the layers to experience the intense beauty of each moment allowing access to both their intuitive wisdom and a deeper connection to spirit and self. (Because the beauty of this life cracks our hearts open and it is through the cracks that light can flow both in and out and connect us back to our divine selves) That is what I do and I do it through photography, art, journaling and teaching. I live in the insanely beautiful Blue Mountains, just shy of Sydney, with my family, our cat and all the winged ones who frequent our garden. Each day here is a wondrous delight of tiny miracles through either the glorious light or magical mists. I would love to work with you, have a look around and see where you are called... "Where I create, there I am true." Rilke
www.galiaalena.com
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Sketchbook Challenge- Day 1