The 100 Day Project is a creative challenge that encourages participants to commit to a daily practice for 100 days. The duration may seem daunting, but the theme is entirely free, and each person can choose a project that is more or less ambitious, sometimes requiring only a few minutes of daily creation. Each participant decides the framework in which they want to create, as well as the tools they want to use: drawing, writing, creative arts, photography, etc.

The project begins every year in February. I invite you to follow the Instagram account @dothe100dayproject if you’re interested.

This project helps develop skills, establish a routine, and experiment with different techniques. Setting “constraints,” such as using a limited colour palette or a single format, stimulates creativity. Sharing your work on social media also allows participants to connect with other artists and exchange ideas. It’s a wonderful opportunity to progress and discover what you are capable of over time. Practice is undoubtedly what makes us improve, and I strongly encourage you to take on such a project!

Where to Find Your Idea?  

How to Run a 100 Day Project?

I decided to start my first 100 Day Project in 2022. In 2025, I completed my fourth project.

These projects have shaped the way I paint and defined my style. Today, they continue to evolve it, allowing me to innovate, use new tools, or explore new subjects.

2022: I focused on landscapes with predefined colour palettes. It was my first time working with guided palettes and colour harmony using a colour inspiration book. I limited myself to painting landscapes using the given palette. I discovered the importance of colour, the necessity of working with a limited palette, and how to plan colour placement on the paper. This has become one of the foundations of my watercolour style.

2023: I chose a more focused and less time-consuming project, studying skies on small formats collected on large sheets. This project was easier to manage and allowed me to develop a style for skies, which can sometimes feel outdated in watercolour, while creating a cohesive collection.

   

2024: I embarked on a very ambitious project: the 101 French departments. I added a new constraint: drawing inspiration from photos. I anticipated painting time and chose mini 10x10 cm formats to save time—but I hadn’t anticipated the time needed to find the right subject! Finding a suitable, inspiring photo that represented each department was my main challenge. I was very strict about the final result, so I redid many paintings and, I admit, I exhausted myself. But I am incredibly proud of the outcome!

     

 

2025: To keep up the pace, I imposed a rule: never redo a drawing or painting. This helped me let go and move on to the next piece. I chose mountain summits, as mountains lend themselves to all colours, techniques, and creativity. Again, I wanted a harmonious collection and decided on a 15x15 cm format, without taping the edges. I allowed myself to use coloured pencils and watercolour pastels—and I loved it!

 

The project is quite solitary. Even if you share it on social media, it’s really for yourself. Doing it for others turns it into a constraint and stifles creativity. Everything starts to look the same if the goal becomes just “finishing” the project. 

100 Day Project: 2025 Review The 2025 project is fresh, so here’s my first impression! Finally!! That’s the first word that comes to mind. As in previous years, I’m happy it’s finished. It was intense! I’m not surprised by the workload—I’ve come to understand the project’s demands—but I’m exhausted! I’m also proud to have completed it, satisfied with all my discoveries, and ready to take them further. The moment I wrote 100/100 on my last drawing was indescribable. I never got bored of painting mountains—in fact, I loved it—but now I want to place them in a frame, in a landscape, develop my drawing techniques, and build on everything I’ve learned. I’ve also developed a real passion for wax pastels: the colour intensity, the textures, the ease of use, and the simplicity of drawing without all the watercolour supplies (brushes, water, etc.). If you’re interested, I’ll make a video or article about it. This year, my project received less engagement on Instagram than in 2022 or 2024. It was a good reminder that it’s primarily personal, even though it’s wonderful to be supported and encouraged.

I don’t know if I’ll start a new project in 2026—I may not find the perfect idea that motivates me for 100 days. Only time will tell. For now, I’m resting and focusing on other projects: my YouTube channel, online watercolour courses, and creating content for you!

See you soon!

Ondine