My friend Donna Vines introduced me to artist Mary Gilkerson's 20-minute challenge, which means doing a small painting in just 20 minutes. Here is my first attempt, a scene in Florence, Italy. I learned from this one that the subject was a bit too complex for a 20-minute execution!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisH_6CQGCgzSFmGcFqWMb5RFBdtNgi0RR9KQasjwm08EnoDaai6b6gFU5U_LuIIRkmdhhmAV6ke0Ae4bRmSmIuEnEEAT7TPM9jEpJFEBVFQf2xfvMNI7lbHObMuP8HsaT3xSYfoI5zAxM/s320/florence+in+20+min.jpg)
This was my second attempt, and it went much easier. No buildings or people!
I was more deliberate with this last one, and stopped panicking over the time ticking by.
If you want to paint more loosely, this is a great exercise. One important tip: mix up your paint before you set the time.
Below is a page from my sketch journal, starting with my gym class the other day. Jean Thomas's class really inspired me to sketch more about everyday happenings.