In January 2024 I started a new project with the aim of committing to regular drawing and painting practice as well as getting outside and reflecting on the changing seasons. Given my track record at this sort of thing, I only half thought I’d manage to keep going all year. Surprisingly though, I did. I walked, noticed, drew, painted and posted my efforts on my Instagram each week. Now I have a sketchbook full of drawings and paintings and with 52 pages that look like those below. I’m incredibly proud that I managed to complete the year – it wasn’t always easy and was definitely a large time commitment. I estimate in total it took around 700 hours of work – not including the walking and noticing! It was 700 hours well spent though as over that time I learned a lot about the nature I was seeing and my skills and confidence increased considerably.
It was with a real sense of achievement that I posted this reel showing a flick through of the final sketchbook on Instagram.
As the 52 Weeks neared the end, I started to think about what I would do next. I knew I wanted it to continue in some way but I had begun to find the challenge of filling a whole double page each week quite a struggle. So, over the last couple of months, I’ve been managing what has felt a like a succession! I’ve chosen a new sketchbook, decided a new format, a made that bold step towards making those first marks.
I’ve opted for a square sketchbook this time but again I’ve gone for good quality paper, around 200gsm, so that it will take watercolour well. This year, I’ve opted for a longer term project and a slightly different layout to the sketchbook. Rather than completing a whole double page each week, there will be just one drawing and a small amount of written comment on the opposite page. This will then be added to the following year and the year after that and so on. I like the idea of building a picture of a week over several years. I also think this will be a more manageable and sustainable way of keeping up regular practice with a longer term commitment.
I’m already looking forward to turning back to pages in 2026, 2027 and possibly 2028 to add to each week whilst also reminding myself of the previous years. I’m wondering if I’ll notice any improvements in my art or any differences in the weather and climate year on year?
I’ll continue to post my progress both on Instagram and Facebook so you can follow me there. I know that since my project was so beautifully featured in the Simple Things magazine this month, many people have been n touch to say that they have tried to do similar projects or have been inspired to give it a go. I would say go for it! All you need is to get out, notice and a sketchbook to draw in! I’d love to see what you create and maybe start a lovely community of 52 Weekers!
Leave a comment