Ruth Reid Art

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9/17/2013 3:31:09 AM

90/100 I THINK I CAN ... !

Ruth Reid / 16 Comments

Rock Stack, West Coast, South Island, NZ
Rock Stack, West Coast, South Island, NZ

So close to 100! and here I am writing my blog for the 90th painting in my 100 day challenge!  For the first time I'm running late, as I'm half a painting behind.  I've had a lot of visitors to my home and studio/gallery over the last week.  Sometimes several people in a day and they've been most welcome.  However, now that I've come so close to the end, I simply MUST put aside everything else to ensure that I finish my 100th painting by the 100th day which is 26 September!

The things I've learnt along the way could fill a book, however, I will condense some of the most valuable things down and put them in an article (and future blogs) to help inspire others who are tempted to try a project of this size.

The painting I've featured here is the second one I've done from inside a dark place looking out to the light.  Quite a challenge, but it was enjoyable to paint.  It reminds me of a quote of Vincent van Gogh "One of the most difficult things to do is to paint darkness, which nonetheless has light in it."  Makes me think of his 'Starry Night' painting.  A copy of that painting or of a really dark night would be fun to try in the future.

Another painting where I learnt a lot was this one of Motunau Island, as I spent some time studying waves to try to depict this small one forcing its way through the rocks to the shore.  It was satisfying to have managed it.

It was good to have my friend Sue Alderman painting with me on Monday and lovely that our previous art teacher Lyn Taylor came and spent some quality time with us again too.  One more Monday to go ...

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16 Responses to 90/100 I THINK I CAN ... !

Looking good, only 10 more and you're done!

Posted by Jacinda · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

Thanks Jacinda. One day and one painting at a time. I'll be thrilled if I manage to get to the 100 by the 26th!

Posted by Ruth Reid · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

You are going to make it Ruth,I have no doubts about that.Team NZ is looking strong in the yachting to bring home the Americas Cup and yet I have even more confidence that you will make it to 100 days. This challenge has been tough, but you're almost over the finish line and its an achievement that you will never regret and brings with it great rewards for years to come.

Posted by Sue · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

Hello Ruth..

Love what you are doing. Beautiful...and what an inspiration you are. A painting a day. Huge project for sure. That sure takes dedication and a lot of determination. What a great feeling you will have when you have reached your goal!!!

I read your blog and think, hey surely I can do that too. Hmmmm. But, have not.

Posted by Sandy Askey-Adams · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

What a neat comparison - completing my 100 Painting challenge and NZ winning the yachting Americas Cup! If both happen we'll have to open the bottle of Italian bubbly that Brent gave me and celebrate 2 victories next week! I'm on the swing seat having my morning cuppa in the sun watching the monarch butterflies. I'll try to finish the butterfly painting this afternoon/evening.

Posted by Ruth Reid · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

Hello to you too Sandy. What a surprise I got to check my emails this morning and find your post. When I Googled your name and found out that you're the winner of so many prestigious art contests, I'm amazed that you've taken the time to read my blog and write to encourage me! I really loved your 'Winter Woods' painting - it's just my sort of scene. I wasn't surprised to see that it won both the National Paint America competition and the Bold Brush outstanding pastel for July 2013.

Amongst the many things I've learnt while plodding along doing this challenge is that encouragement from others is an essential part of it all. There have been days when it has truly bolstered my resolve to keep going. So thank you again - Ruth

Posted by Ruth Reid · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

Thoughts and prayers are with you Ruth.The finish line is within reach so keep going girl!and I'm pretty sure we will be drinking that bubbly, as Team NZ has only one more race to win!

Posted by Sue · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

You've been huge support throughout this epic journey, thanks Sue. I'm looking forward to the finishing line and enjoying those bubbles with you. SEVEN TO GO!

Posted by Ruth Reid · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

Dear Ruth..

I am wondering how you have been doing with the paintings. Seven to go was posted 5 days ago and I am fired up here to see what you have completed within those past 5 days.
You are doing so well in those 100 days,,, and creating wonderful work.
You truly are inspiring. If I could get myself to do 20 paintings for 20 days straight that would be wonderful.
Hmmmm. Again I think maybe at least 10 paintings for ten days. I will let you know if I do.
Best to you.

Posted by Sandy Askey-Adams · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

Hello Sandy, thanks so much for stopping by my blog posts and leaving another encouraging comment. I've certainly learnt the value of encouragement during these 100 Days! I'll be making an effort in future to do the same for others no matter what they're trying to achieve.

Yes, I'm slowly getting there. Painting number 99 as we speak. One more painting and one more day after that...

I'll be keen to hear when (not if) you decide to challenge yourself. Your skill level should make it easier for you too. Go on - you know you can do it :-)

Posted by Ruth Reid · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

One more painting and one race to win!!! phew, then its all over, rover!We are,praying, begging, holding our breath for tomorrows race to cap off this amazing contest, but it will be 'caps off' for you and the wine,tomorrow when you finish the last painting! you couldnt have timed your challenge to end on such a critical day for us Kiwis.Your grandchildren will be able to tell their families about it one day.

Posted by Sue · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

I love the 'caps off' idea Sue! It's gorgeous. Yes, imagine if NZ wins the yacht race AND I finish my 100th painting on the same day. What fun that would be!! Also Richard's birthday will be remembered for lots of reasons every year.

Only one more painting to go. I can hardly believe it after all this time!

Melanie and I have decided to pack skis, golf clubs and fishing rods as well as wine and other treats for our time away. In spite of planning NOT to paint while we blow the cobwebs away, I bet I come back with a whole lot of new ideas for paintings. :-)

Posted by Ruth Reid · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

I will be calling in tomorrow to congratulate you, as its such an auspicious day!!

Posted by Sue · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

So sorry about our lovely team N.Z boys getting beaten today. By rights they won enough races to have won the Cup a few days back .As for you, you've not been competing against anyone but yourself and thats been a challenge and a victory! Well done Ruth!!

Posted by Sue · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

Well Sue, that gave me a laugh ... competing against no-one but me ... that shouldn't be so hard, should it? As it turns out I can hardly imagine anyone that I'd find it harder to compete against!

I hear you ask, what can I do to beat my own challenge now that I've done this project?

Posted by Ruth Reid · via ruthreidart.fineartstudioonline.com · 157 months ago

yes Ruth ,funny tho it sounds competing against yourself, as you have confessed,it is challenging! dealing with feelings of tiredness,deciding each day what to paint,perhaps some fear of failure, wanting to be doing something other than the task set!! friends and family ,housework(maybe),meals, the garden, and you managed it all really well!

Posted by Sue · via ruthreidart.com · 157 months ago

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