#20for20 Spotlight: Alane Foug

Alane Foug saw the #20for20 Challenge as an opportunity to break out of creative ruts and focus on a specific skill, like brushstrokes. From aha moments to unexpected challenges, her experience is a powerful reminder that showing up day after day is just as valuable as the finished work itself. Learn more about Foug on Instagram or Etsy.

What were you hoping to explore? Why those goals?

I thought the challenge would be a little bit of a New Years jumpstart. I did it last year and that’s how I remember it. It’s a way of getting out of any ruts I may have dug myself into and to explore something specific like brushwork.

Did the parameters you used help you explore more deeply? Why?

I think the parameters of 20 minutes and sticking to the same materials were helpful in preventing distraction. I started off with a lot of energy and inertia which got me through the first 3 or 4 paintings. Then I started to worry about making a recognizable picture and had an urge to grab a smaller brush, but I didn’t do it since that would have defeated the purpose. I wanted to work on large long brushstrokes, not details. I think of the parameters like a fence which help keep me focussed.

How long did you work each day? What did that way of working give you?

I spent 20 minutes on each challenge photo which made me hurry up sometimes and not fuss too much and also just stop when the timer went off.

Sticking to the 20 minutes helps with not overthinking or overworking.

How long did it take you to adjust to the 20-min way of working? What were the challenges and what were the benefits?

The first few paintings I felt like I was sprinting the whole way, but after a few I got used to the time frame. Another change- I also thought about simplifying right away and got better at just moving along. The 20 minutes helped me learn to look at the overall painting more than just the details.

How did you decide where in your day to put your 20?

Last year when I did the challenge I was very good about doing it first thing in the morning. This year I was a little more relaxed and let myself do it whenever it seemed I had some time. This was usually in the morning, but a few times in the afternoon. From experience I know that if I put too much pressure on myself, things can fall apart.

How and where did you keep your materials the same?

I think the limitations were helpful. I chose to keep everything the same every day. The only thing changing was the reference photo, and the time of day I did it.

It seems like kind of a scientific way to go about painting. The paintings were all 6 x6.” I used the same palette I normally use, which has about 10 colors in it. This is helpful in keeping me painting regularly although I do miss some days.

You decide to use the references from the Starter Pack. What did having someone else choose photos and you just followed give you as artist?

Oh yes, decision fatigue, that has wiped me out more than a few times. I welcomed having someone else choose the photos and seeing what I could do with them, even if it’s something I probably wouldn’t have chosen on my own.

Any days jump out as having aha moments? Could you share what those were?

I’ve had trouble using enough paint sometimes. As I went along I felt a bit more relaxed and aware that I could use more. On day 18 (above) when we painted the yellow flowers, I finished the picture fairly early and had time to glop on more paint which was fun. Day 5 (below) with the glass bottles was a day when I lost my self consciousness about painting so loosely because many of the comments seemed to appreciate that. Day16 (above), the Italian view, was a beautiful picture but difficult to paint because I may have felt some pressure about ‘travel paintings’

So often we try to finish complex, finished paintings as our goal. What benefits did you find in shifting your focus to showing up first and finish work second?

When I first heard that showing up was considered a triumph I thought, “Oh I can do that. No problem.”

But it’s also easy not to show up.

Respecting showing up helped set a tone for this short endeavor of being present and doing your best with a minimum of stress.

Although I did not continue with the practice after day 20, I felt I’d learned a tool which I could use in my painting, to not worry so much about the outcome and be present.

What was the most helpful mindset for you to try and keep during the 20for20?

I think feeling that just showing up and doing whatever is fine! That posting was safe, no one was going to criticize me for anything.

In fact so many of the comments were helpful and encouraging.. I told myself that the whole purpose of this was to learn and explore, not to produce sellable paintings or even good results.

What advice would you give to someone who is doing the Challenge for the first time?

Relax, have fun, listen to Kelly’s advice, and be prepared.

Learn more about the next #20for20 here.