We all have things we say we love, that we’d love to be better at, but what’s the proof of true love? Being willing to practice — to stumble through lots and lots of imperfect before we get even close to something like what attracted us to the activity in the first place.

If you follow me on my “artlife” Instagram account, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been posting more frequently. I’m participating in a 20-day creative challenge started by artist Michelle Wooderson. The idea is that for 20 days, beginning on January 20th, participants work on one creative endeavor for at least 20 minutes — and then post their work on Instagram. I decided to sketch because I need to improve my drawing skills. I haven’t done it every single day, and I don’t always post what I do, but most days over the past few weeks I have sat down and sketched. It has been so beneficial! I’m getting reacquainted with some principles of drawing that I’ve learned, and forgotten, repeatedly, over the years. Sketching has been an excellent warm up exercise for the watercolor paintings I’ve been working on. It’s been emotionally nourishing to connect with other people doing the same thing. And most importantly, it’s reminded me that a regular habit of working is the only way to see progress — making art is a practice.

Next week I hope to finish up a couple of “Sanibel” projects and will probably spend at least one afternoon making hearts — because it’s February and I love, love, love hearts. On the blog next Friday — Valentines Day, I’ll share some of the many ways to make Heart Art and a couple of simple DIY projects that are especially appropriate for this month, but actually cute for anytime. Then it’s on to the next big theme and another great love — doggies. For about five (?) years, maybe more, I’ve been collecting small ceramic dog figurines that were made in Japan in the 1940’s and 50’s. I’ve had a pretty clear idea of what I want to do with them for awhile, but have never really started putting things together until now. I’ll show you that work in progress, and the little doggies that inspired this collection on the blog on February 28th.

The Doggies Collection will be small assemblages, so they won’t require drawing or much painting. But I really want to keep up the momentum I’ve gained in watercolor and sketching since the New Year. So I’m committing to keeping up a regular sketching practice. Even 20 minute intervals three or four days a week will get me further than just thinking about how I need to improve my drawing skills. Hold me to it — follow along on Instagram @rebeccadegroodt.artlife where I will post pages from my sketchbook (at least a few times a month).

What about you, is there something you would love to get better at — enough to give it 20 minutes a day, a few days a week?