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How I Prepare for World Watercolor Month (My Art Challenge Plan)
It’s always a challenge to participate in an art challenge. (haha)
July kicks off... WWM
I don't always make it through the entire month with this one but it's fun to be involved. It's also unlikely I'll finish a piece everyday, but I will be 'creating' in the form of sketching, designing, and planning.
World Watercolor Month is a Charitable Event to Support Arts Education.
An annual global charitable event featuring the ultimate challenge of 31 Watercolors in 31 Days! But you can join and post however often you like during the month, whether it’s every day or once a week.
Making time each day for art can be very satisfying once I get over that initial anxiety of a constant, continuous schedule. It allows me to experiment with different ideas and apply my creativity. It can also be a great way to relax, unwind, and appreciate the process of creating.
For a month long art challenge like World Watercolor Month, I know from experience, it’s best to narrow my focus.
Planning ahead helps to keep me on track. Narrowing my direction by choosing one or all of the variables for my daily art. That helps simplify the process. I find consistency a real help, but I also try to keep an open mind and not set too many rules so I don't feel confined and lose interest.
These are a few of the things I think about when planning ahead:
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where will I work
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what medium do I want to use
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what substrate do I want to paint on
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do I want to stick to a particular size
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what subject will keep me engaged
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should I decide ahead on a certain style or technique
My World Watercolor Month this year:
Christmas in July
This year, I’m diving headfirst into a Christmas in July theme! Sure, it's usually a sneaky sales ploy, and yes, my creations will be up for grabs, but it's really about the creative process!
Back story: As last year was wrapping up, right around mid-December, an irresistible urge hit me (they usually do hit too late): I just had to paint ornaments! My heart was set on splashing my favorite Line & Wash technique on watercolor paper. This involves sketching a subject, adding the 'line' details with fountain pen, and applying a 'wash' of watercolor over it.
I created several pieces last year and absolutely loved the experience! This is the ideal opportunity for daily art-making.
throughout July, because...
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I’ve already outlined the entire process.
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I have all the necessary supplies readily available.
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The size will remain fairly consistent.
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The painting style will be uniform across each piece.
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Almost any subject will be suitable, which will help keep my interest.
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Lastly, I will add to my art inventory to sell during the 2025 holiday season.
But how do I use watercolor on paper to create a durable and beautiful ornament?
I worked out all the kinks last year!
Paint on 300lb Paper! This sturdy paper is robust and stiff, similar to cardboard but even more durable.
Once I finish my painting, I use heavy-duty scissors to cut it out a contour shape, apply a couple of coats of wax for sealing, punch a hole, and add a metal eyelet along with a ribbon for hanging. Voilà! A beautiful ornament ready to display on a holiday tree OR right on the wall as a mini piece of fine art.
If you’d like to follow me while I attempt this years World Watercolor Month, here’s how...
My Newsletter (subscribers will get some special treats this month)
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