It's going well so far. Not only this month's project, but also the whole idea of a "project each month" in general. I don't know why I am so surprised. Except that it's way surprising to have an idea and also have follow through.
I've continued March doing cartoon background paintings. I've done four of them now!
There's a definite part of me that feels like a hack making these paintings, copying someone else's creation. But I have to talk myself down from there. The paintings are studies and still art on their own. And they are bringing me so much joy to stare at.
There's roughly a week left in the month. I'm not sure how many more paintings I'll accomplish, but I know that just because the month is over, doesn't mean I have to stop that activity.
February's project was "humorous essay writing." I took a four-week class and produced four essays. (Interesting that "four" is a reoccurring number here. I wonder if that means something.) And after the class was over, I realize that having an essay each week in my Google Drive felt good. It was making me feel accomplished to continue to add to a "body of work."
And so, I've been keeping the writing going! I put an hour block on my calendar every Thursday morning titled "Write." I've also told people in my life that I'm challenging myself to write an essay every week for the rest of the year. Some of them will be shit, but some of them won't. And I'll want to work away at some of them and who knows what it will all turn into. But it could be something. And it's keeping me writing, keeping me in practice. And by putting it on my calendar and telling other people about my goal, it's keeping me accountable.
So far, at least.
So I'm starting to view this whole painting project in a similar light. Just because the month is going to end, doesn't mean the series of paintings has to come to a screeching halt. Maybe this year, my projects will just encourage me to do more in general, not just each month. And that really lights my fire.