#30×30, 2025, Day 13: Cheat Day!
Every so often you need a Cheat Day.
This is a *significant* cheat! These are not from the 30 day marathon window. We’re not supposed to post older art, otherwise it turns into a portfolio showcase – so don’t do what I’m doing :)
In any case: here’s a couple of sketches from the Pointe-à-Callière Museum’s unfortunately disappointing exhibition on witchcraft.
What can I say about these drawings? It’s not really direct watercolor is it? But I feel like the wash is handled in a direct manner. I know I keep saying that – and I’m not sure why I can’t bring myself to just paint purely directly anymore. I have mentioned before that it’s a kind of performance anxiety. The act of showing your work to the public, as we do in this marathon, often creates a significant mental pressure that it has to be perfect. To the point where some people can’t even do it. Too much anxiety! So I know it’s related to that. (Even though I know nobody will criticize me :) Just my own brain).
I know I could get back to it (pure directness) – especially if I publicly shamed myself about it – and perhaps that is what I’ll do next year. I kind of put myself in weird position this year, going in with the plan of ‘Miniatures to Masterworks’ – that is far far too much focus on results.
Anyway, that’s why; here are some museum sketches :)
The best thing in the exhibit was a display of movie-costumes from various cinematic witches. They were just dresses on body, forms, so I added the heads. I believe the one with the skirt of twigs is from The Princess Bride. She was a very short person! The other robe is from the Netflix series, The Witcher, worn by Meng’er Zhang playing the character of Milva.
I can’t say there was much else of interest. A few preserved animals, some Halloween-y looking props, and some random pop-culture items and toys. I am very sure they will do better for the upcoming exhibition on Knights Chevalier!
~m
Citizen Sketcher 
Well Marc, i get the discipline of the direct exercise, but at this stage in my life I am doing more oils, fantasy map making and such, so didnt even try this year. You are completely free to do whatever make you enjoy.
I’m into fantasy map making that sounds cool :) I do want to do a pen and paper RPG some time in my lifetime :)
I do a lot of art these days on procreate, urban and other. Maps are an easy addition, even have some brush sets making it easier, yet still a learning curve.
Very beautiful 😍😍😍
Hi Marc. I don’t understand having ‘performance anxiety’ or ‘mental pressure to be perfect’? Your ‘pure watercolor’ (I feel) is/was your best work. I really don’t care if people like my art – or not – because I create ‘to make me happy,’ and to feel like I accomplished a ‘fun thing’ during the day. Maybe it’s my age? The older one gets – the less we care about what people think. Being kind to others, having both morals and ethics – those are important to me – but who judges my artwork — ‘no big deal.’ Sometimes I don’t like my sketches, etc. – so, I throw it away and start again. You’re right – “It’s your own brain” that “inner critic” so many artists talk about. You are too talented, so just do what you want and love. Hope this doesn’t hurt your feelings as it’s more about sharing my life’s accumulated knowledge. karla kay hull