Rose Hip

 

In my Art Forum we run a few projects and challenges every month, as a bit of fun. Most members of this very small  online community join in and it is nice sharing our work and seeing how others have tackled the same subject. It's not a competition to see who's painting is the best, but a sharing of approaches and techniques that widen our own appreciation of our chosen medium. 

Another big benefit, which I for one appreciate greatly, is that it puts before us subjects that we wouldn't otherwise consider tackling. Take this Rose Hip for example. Left to my own devices, a subject such as this wouldn't cross my mind - it's just not my cup of tea. Also, some subjects are well outside our comfort zones as I suspect most artists stick with what they know they can do. 

Tackling new subject matter and being dragged outside our comfort zones may not sound like 'fun', but it is, and I'm convinced my art has improved as a result.

Some previous forum projects

Cannon

Kitten on a fence

Turtle