30 Day Sketchbook Challenge


30 Day Sketchbook Challenge

It’s time again for the annual contest here at TheVirtualInstructor.com.  Each year, about this time, I host a contest.  Past contests include a book give away and an artist’s postcard event.  This year’s contest is…“The 30 Day Sketchbook Challenge”.

The Challenge

The challenge is simple.  For the next 30 days commit to draw at least one sketch in your sketchbook from observation every day.  Each sketch should represent 20-30 minutes of attention (it can be more).  It can be any subject matter that you wish, but it should be drawn from observation.  Any medium is acceptable.

How it will Work…

If you chose to take on the challenge, draw a sketch in your sketchbook every day for the next 30 days. Choose one of your sketches and post it over at the forum.  I have created a special thread for you to do so here.  (If you are not registered at the forum, you will need to do so before posting – it’s free.)

You do not have to wait until the end of the contest to post your work.  If you complete a drawing today, and want to share it – go for it.  You can share as many of your sketches as you like. (But please keep them clean and appropriate.  I will remove any images that violate the terms and conditions of this site.)

On September 10, 2014 the contest will end and I will choose one winner at random from the posts on the thread.

The winner, which could be you, will be notified by September 15, 2014.

What You May Win

If you are the winner, you will get the following…

  • Lifetime Membership at TheVirtualInstructor.com (If you are already a member, you will become a lifetime member and all recurring fees will be canceled.)
  • TheVirtualInstructor.com T-shirt
  • Sanford Prismacolor Premier Drawing Kit
  • Hardbound Sketchbook
  • Prismacolor NuPastels set of 24
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Lesson Discussion

  1. Hi Matt,
    Just wanted to say this sketchbook challenge was brilliant, I posted 3 sketches.it was great to see other people’s sketches too, really good ones !!!
    Plus I just wanted to say thank you so much for the work you do on here for us ‘budding’ artists.
    The membership fee is very reasonable at it is real value for money.
    A little bit about me, I used to draw a lot as a school kid, just because I liked to really.when I left school and then later on got married when I was 21, then a few year later had my 2 lovely kids who are 18 & 21.
    I did do odd drawings when my kids were younger but not much.
    5 year ago I became Ill , I had existing back problems which to cut a long story short came back with a vengeance 5 year ago and developed into a chronic debilitating illness which affects my legs meaning I have difficult walking and this year I was also diagnosed with ‘Fibromyalgia’.
    The bit I really want to say now is that I found my drawing passion again a couple a year ago andmy pain counsellor told me it is good to have a hobby to focus my mind and after realising I could indeed still draw I wanted to get better and I found you and your wonderful site.

    I am proud to say that I am half way through your ‘secrets to drawing’ and I am loving learning lots of new things and my friends & family have commented that I am getting better already !!!! :).

    I have to pace myself of course because I suffer bad fatigue on & off constantly & pain of course but I try to draw as much as I can.

    Thank you for what you do for everyone who wants to become a better artist, I don’ t know how you manage the time, you must be a very very busy artist & I for one are greatful for the time you put in.
    I even got a commission !!! My best friend wants me to do a pencil portrait of her two border collies, my passion is pencil drawings, black & white and colour plus pastels too, I am using the ‘grid’ method for the first time following your lesson with the gorilla and it going well :).
    After I finish the secrets to drawing course I will be moving on to coloured pencil course and then pastel landscape 🙂 plenty to keep me going !!!!

    I will post the dog portrait once finished if I am happy with it ha ha ;).

    All the best Matt, hope you & your family are doing okay
    Christine x

  2. Upon late I have been sketching flowers and working on using colored pencil. I really enjoy graphite but want some color so I attempt color pencil and get frustrated put them away. I seem to enjoy them more on black paper, struggling using them on white paper. I am downloading two. One in graphite and one of colored pencil. Matt, I would enjoy your feedback and than you for offering your instruction for such a reasonable price.

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