As an intuitive painter, I rely on instinct and memory rather than strict replication. I wanted to push myself further, so I committed to a 30-day paint-from-life challenge using oil paint and fruit as my sole subject. My goal? To refine my ability to see, mix colours instinctively, and strengthen my connection between observation and brushwork and how to use oil paint. 

Now that I’ve completed the challenge, I want to share my experience—the struggles, the breakthroughs, and my honest opinion on whether it was worth it.

Why Fruit?

I chose fruit because it’s simple yet rich in complexity. Each piece has its own character—unique shapes, textures, and color variations that shift under different lighting. Painting fruit daily allowed me to explore subtleties in color and form while keeping my focus on the act of painting itself rather than getting lost in over-complicated compositions.

The Process: Painting Faster, Seeing More 

At the start, I was slow—each painting lasted close to an hour as I tried to get the subject right. But as the days went on, I noticed something change:

• I became faster. My painting sessions  shrank to 30–40 minutes 
• I painted with more confidence. Fewer hesitations, more decisive marks.

Lessons Learned

1. Seeing Beyond the Obvious

A piece of fruit is never just one color. What seems like a “red” apple contains hints of warm orange, yellow, and soft reflected light. This challenge trained my eyes to pick up on these nuanced shifts without overthinking them.

2. Speed Sharpens Perception

Because I limited my time, I had to focus on what truly mattered in the painting. I blocked in big shapes first, ensuring the values and colors were right before refining. This approach made my paintings feel more dynamic and spontaneous.

3. Consistency is Key

Some days, I wasn’t in the mood to paint. Some pieces felt like failures. But showing up every day mattered more than perfection. The act of painting daily built momentum, making it easier to get into a flow state.

Was It Worth It?

Absolutely! This challenge improved my speed and deepened my connection with direct observation.  Of course, the biggest challenge was staying consistent. Some days, motivation was low.

Would I Do It Again?

Yes, but next time, I’d explore:

• More complex compositions—perhaps introducing drapery, multiple objects, or unexpected color backgrounds.
• Even tighter time constraints, challenging myself to capture the essence in 20–30 minutes.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Going forward, I’ll continue incorporating life studies into my routine, not as a rigid exercise but as an extension of my practice. If you're looking to strengthen your colour mixing and observation skills, I highly recommend setting up a similar challenge. Pick a subject, commit to daily painting, and let go of expectations. You’ll be surprised by what unfolds.

Have you ever done a daily painting challenge? Share your experiences in the comments—I’d love to hear how they shaped your work!