Nikki Hawkins

I write this post having just completed my 31st consecutive daily sketch of a boat! Which is surprising because I don’t ever really draw boats and have never committed to such a long challenge.

Everyday in October the fabulous Doug Jackson posts a reference photo on instagram for anyone to get involved in and draw/sketch/paint/collage their own version of the photo. I’ve dipped in and out of instagram #dtiys (draw this in your own style) challenges before but never stuck to one for the duration like this.

The two biggest challenges I faced were

1. finding the time! It’s the age old problem isn’t it? Looking after kids, running a business etc etc is all pretty demanding but once I’d got into it I found it became part of a new habit. I don’t have the luxury of sketching exactly when I’d like but I don’t take very long with any of my sketches so the odd half an hour after lunch or dinner seemed to work well.

2. Overcoming my fear of posting for all to see! There’s something pretty scary about ‘putting yourself out there’ for critique! You feel quite exposed but again the more I did it the more it felt the norm and it was quite liberating posting not just the good but the bad and ugly too.

I think my favourite ones are where I added a wash of ink before starting the sketch.

Here are some of my favs from the month

I think a monthly challenge is a great way to keep a daily sketch habit going and be a part of something other people are doing. I will certainly be looking out for more to get my teeth into.