I SURVIVED!!!
I can’t say ‘I survived’ as there was no danger or hardship. This process was a challenge, though. I enjoyed the journey very much, and I look forward to doing it again next year! I already have a theme.
The hosts, co-hosts, helpers and assistants share plenty of information before launching the challenge. I was able to find the answer to most of my questions in a post. However, I did send two email messages and each time received an informative response promptly.
The participants and the organizational team were very positive and supportive of one another leading up to, and following the challenge.
Things I would have done differently:
•although I did plan ahead and had an idea of what each letter would be subject wise, I did end up changing a few when, at the last minute I found animals with the corresponding name, which were in need of homes. I chose to create portraits and feature them instead of going with my original idea.
•expanding on the above, by planning ahead and being a bit more organized I will have more time throughout the challenge to visit the sites of other participants. This challenge is not over for me; I plan to visit everyone on the list before I call it a complete success.
•I had a difficult time working so quickly even though that was my goal. I generally take too long to work on a portrait. The artwork throughout this project was meant to be somewhat whimsical and done WITHOUT all the detailed work I typically exhibit.
Successes:
•there are fabulous sites belonging to other participants. I enjoyed visiting these and look forward to reading more of their posts in future.
•artwork for twenty-six posts created (plus two: original intro. and re-do shown above).
•getting comfortable to work quickly did not take too long. I am pleased with the look of these portraits and will continue to produce work in this style.
•some of the artwork will be printed on note cards, and these cards will be available for purchase. Which do you think should be made into cards?
•a significant portion of proceeds from the sale of the note cards will support various causes including the organization that inspired my theme: Pilots N Paws Canada. The remainder covers the cost of printing and art supplies.
•To further support the efforts of various rescue organizations, I will be donating custom portraits at silent auctions or as raffle prizes to help raise funds.
I hope you enjoy the gallery I created to include the challenge pieces. Thank you, everyone, who visited and for your words of encouragement – I truly appreciate your comments.
Thank you,
Hi Sadie, thanks for visiting my website via the A to Z challenge. I like your idea of being more organized so you can visit more participants blogs. I would like to do this too but still need a theme. The animal pictures are really nice.
Fran @travelgenee
from the TravelGenee Blog
Thanks Fran. I do have a theme picked out for next year. Perhaps I should get started on the posts now!
So glad I found your site. Love your artwork and all the animal stuff xx
Thank you! I’m glad you found us too!
Congrats on completing the challenge! Those are gorgeous water colors.
Nichole recently posted…NEW Craft Class SALE – Get Your Creativity On + SAVE 50% #Craftsy
Thanks Nichole
I did A-Z one year and boy was it a lot of work! Fun, but challenging!
Carleen recently posted…5 Warning Signs Your Dog Is Dehydrated
It’s good to challenge ourselves every now and then.
Congrats on surviving! That was a lot of art to create in a short time period.
Yes, it was lol
Wow, that’s some beautiful art!! That must have been soooo much work!! Glad you survived!!
Valerie recently posted…Homemade Dog Treats: Chicken Jerky
Thanks Valerie. I chose this ‘loose’ style and challenged myself to work with less detail than usual.
Wow, this is impressive! I have thought about participating in the A-Z challenge, but it always seems so intense. You posted and painted which is even more impressive! Great that you are also using the challenge to raise funds for Pilots and Paws
The Daily Pip recently posted…The Dogs of The Fairway House
I’m hoping people will see there are different ways to raise funds for the causes we believe in.
I greatly admire those who participate in the A to Z Challenge. It seems so daunting, so kudos to you! And I love that you are supporting rescues.
Rachel recently posted…La Troupe in Granada, Spain
Thank you Rachel.
I love your pictures! I can’t imagine how much time and energy it must of taken for you to pull this off. Did you notice a bump in your analytics?
Maureen recently posted…Things To Do Now To Prevent Ear Infections In Dogs
a little ‘blip.’ 😉
it was more a test of self.
I love your pictures, the time and patience that you have to have done them is just amazing
I found this challenge very therapeutic.
I’ve not participated in the A-Z Challenge but love following the different posts. Your artwork is fabulous. ☺
M. K. Clinton recently posted…Twigo Pet Tags Are A Great IDea
Thank you so much.
Well, I am biased but I think you should do Kilo the Pug. I LOVE his painting- it really captures his cute little puggy cheeky face. I will definitely buy some and I could sell some as well I imagine. I love the idea of fundraising. I think they could make great gifts for different breed lovers.
Talent Hounds recently posted…Super Simple Super Cute Dog-Friendly Cupcake Pugs
Kilo is definitely a cutie! Thanks Susan – I will definitely let you know when he is ‘in print.’
Congratultions in your achievement. Something like this is a real challenge, for consistency, and for discipline. * high paw *
Marjorie and Miranda at Dash Kitten recently posted…Rio may be HOT but we have Olympic Chills!
Thanks. Yes, I learned the art of discipline.
That’s very impressive! We never started the A to Z challenge because we didn’t think we could keep up with it. Great job!
I did scramble on a couple of the days!
I think you’ve done awesome.
Much appreciated Jana
I can see the love in each brushstroke of these art pieces. The love you have for animals shines through.
Thank you for your kind words, Carol.
Your artwork is lovely! I am impressed that you completed the A-Z challenge and that you already have a theme for next year! You must be super organized and creative!
Beth | Daily Dog Tag recently posted…Fetching!
Thanks Beth. We’ll see if I can pull it off!
I admire you for being able to complete the A to Z Challenge.
Great learning experience!
Yay on completing the challenge! Your artwork is lovely 🙂
Kia recently posted…Tether Tug Review + Giveaway
Thank you Kia
It would be quite a challenge to pull this off! You did an amazing job. I love the watercolor style photos that you used for each pet. Great work!
Robin recently posted…Funny Cat Picture: I’ve Got This
Thanks Robin
I can’t tell you how impressed I am with this. I did the challenge last year and could barely keep up with posting words and photos. You even created art which took more time. Congrats on a successful challenge. I don’t know if I’ll ever do it again — maybe if I come up with a theme.
Ava at Savvy Pet Care recently posted…10 Things to Expect When Owning Sugar Gliders
Thank you Ava. I think I will start organizing for next year very soon.