Why do a challenge?

 

I am already at Day 4 of my 25 Day Painting Challenge in support of Bracelets For Buildings. All the paintings created for this challenge will be sold with net proceeds being donated to the charity to help fund the construction of a home for a family in rural Cambodia currently living in accommodations that could be best described as sub-standard. I've seen a range of shelters in our time volunteering in Cambodia, from traditional palm thatch matte covered shelters to lean-to structures with absolutely no protection from the outside world.

When we first started doing doing this work, the cost of a home and latrine was in the $4,500 - $5,000 range. However, with inflation and the drop in the Canadian dollar, the total needed to make this happened has increased by several thousand dollars. Unfortunately, it is US dollars that are accepted in that part of the world.

We are not in a position of make a cash donation to do this on our own. However, I am able to donate a portion of my day to create paintings that can be sold to make this donation. On the first few days of the challenge, I've spent more time than intended on each portrait. I really want them all to be great. There is also a strong creative imperative driving me. I want to get better at what I do. These challenges demanded considerable output over a short period of time. My process is very iterative: I improve my skills by painting over and over again.

I set out on this challenge with several intentions.

1. I'm hoping to attract one or several matching partners - a company (or companies) that want to match whatever I am able to raise through the sale of the paintings. 

2. I am bouncing back and forth between male and female subjects. Admittedly, I've painted way more males over the years. I want to strengthen my ability to paint women. I have been getting some tremendous suggestions and have collected a diverse collection of subject ideas. Thank you!

3. Each painting is regularly priced at $450. They will be available for a special $300 BUY NOW price in our web shop throughout the challenge. All unsold paintings will go into an auction at the challenge's end with no BUY NOW option. In other words, if you see something you really love, it's better to snag it right away like someone did last night with the Taylor Swift portrait. 

Have an idea for a subject? Send me a note. I'd be happy to add that person to my inspiration folder.

Want to buy one of the portraits created so far?  Here is the link to our web shop: https://www.birdsongstudios.ca/russellthomasartoriginalpaintings.  

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