The idea began with artist and teacher Mary Gilkerson. She shared that, even while teaching at a college, she had challenged herself to complete one painting a day for 90 days.

At the time, I was working at a gallery, and I decided to take on the same challenge. What I hadn’t calculated was that the 90 days would overlap with an Alaskan cruise and the land tour that followed.

I kept the paintings small and portable, working primarily on cradled boards—usually around 4 × 5 or 5 × 5 inches, although some were a little larger. I painted wherever I could find space: on the ship’s deck, on balconies, and even in bathrooms. Each week, I planned my subjects in advance so I wouldn’t lose precious painting time deciding what to make.

The project became an exercise in commitment, resourcefulness, and momentum. For 90 days, painting had to happen—not when the conditions were perfect, but wherever I happened to be.

The 90 Day Project