Where You’ve Been: A 20-Day Painting Challenge to Reconnect With What Matters
Recently, I realized something that made me stop in my tracks. I was spending the majority of my time doing all the other things that come with being an artist—managing emails, updating websites, curating shows, posting to social media, planning events, and so on. All important things, yes—but I wasn’t painting.
That realization hit hard. Because painting is the core of what I love. It's the reason I started this journey in the first place. I wanted to get back to that feeling of flow, connection, and freedom that only happens when the brush hits the canvas.
So I challenged myself. I set a goal to paint one mini mountain piece every single day for 20 days straight. No skipping. No excuses. Just me, my tools, and the commitment to carve out time for the thing that matters most.
The result is a collection I’m calling “Where You’ve Been.”
Each piece is an original textured painting—a small mountain escape. These aren’t just abstract peaks; they’re rooted in the memory and magic of place. And while I created them from my own imagination and experience, the title of the collection says it all: Where You’ve Been is about you.
I’ve left each piece intentionally open-ended, simply titled “Day 1,” “Day 2,” and so on. The idea is for you, the viewer or collector, to assign the title yourself. What does it remind you of? A sunrise hike with your best friend? That secret camping spot by the river? A road trip through the Rockies? A long walk in your hometown after a hard day?
That’s the beauty of this project—it’s not just about where I’ve been. It’s about the moments and memories that live inside all of us. I want these paintings to connect you to something personal and meaningful. I want them to stir a sense of place, belonging, or adventure in your soul.
Each day, I filmed a short video of the painting process and shared it online—not to show off, but to stay accountable and invite others along for the ride. I’ve been so inspired by the responses. Artists, creatives, and dreamers alike have reached out to say: “I needed this reminder.”
And that’s what this project ultimately is. A reminder to make space for the work that fills you up. Whatever it is—painting, writing, gardening, building, baking—carve out that sacred time. Even a few minutes a day. Do it before the rest of the day takes over. Do it because you deserve to feel alive in your work.
"Where You’ve Been" is not just a series of paintings. It’s a commitment to showing up, again and again, for your craft.
You can view the full collection now online HERE. And if one of them speaks to you—I invite you to give it a name. A title rooted in your own story.
Because only you know where you’ve been.
With love and paint-stained hands,
Erin Oostra
