What I have learned while attempting to Painting 30 28 Paintings in 30 Days

Once I got over the initial fear of committing to a project of this magnitude, I made the decision to approach it with a few ground rules for myself:

First – that I would not compromise on quality; and

Second – that I wanted to use this challenge to explore new surfaces and mediums

What I have learned:

That I like to paint watercolors on larger paper 11.5 x 14, what is call ¼ sheet. It only took one day for me to realize this size was not sustainable as it takes too long to complete a painting!
That factory made canvasses will always require an additional coat of gesso. Without this coat you get those frustrating little white spots that show through the paint.
That I LOVE Ampersand Claybord and Gessobord with acrylic paint. The smooth panels allow me to paint with the degree of detail that my work is known for. Only thing is that you have to learn how to paint all over again when you use Claybord. It is slick, non-absorbent and has a personality all of its own. What I love is that the paint appears brighter on this surface that on canvas.
That I cannot compromise detail. I simply can’t. It’s not in my DNA. I am unable to paint loose because it looks unfinished to me. Then I am compelled to go back in. As a result of this quirk, my little paintings took 3-4 hours to complete. One or two took much longer – hence the 2 paintings shy of 30.
Have I mentioned I do not like painting small scale with acrylics on canvas? Acrylic on canvas has to be reserved for HUGE pieces!
That sometimes you have to grab yourself by the shoulders and say get into the studio. Once I’m there I’m pretty happy about it.
That it is ok to squeeze out too much paint. No one else is watching.
To use a strippable palette for my paint for easier clean up or to allow easy switching of colours if one is foolish enough to try to paint two at a time.
That acrylic paint can go pasty in the tube. It becomes almost the texture of toothpaste and not is no longer workable. It is time to replace those compromised tubes. Most brands of acrylics do this unfortunately.
Tri-Art tube lids are garbage. I love the paint but it is not much good to you if it goes bad or dries out so that you cannot use it.
Tri-Art mirror pigment is amazing! But it also dried up in the tube! I wonder if they still make it?
That painting with metallic and iridescent colour will flatten your work or make it look too crafty. Use with caution.
That people love to purchase smaller paintings ☺. A number of people were excited to start their new art collection! Gotta love that!!!

Realism rules!

Overall I have to say that completing 30 paintings in 30 days was a success. I learned a lot about my painting preferences and also to stay true to myself. Realism rules!