Because it's still the fourth of August where I am.

I am challenging the 970 users (at time of publication) of this sub to an art challenge. I would like us to challenge ourselves by stepping outside our comfort zone and creating something based on a random theme.

Every month I, or someone who effectively looks like me, will unveil a theme. You will be asked to create a piece of art that reflects that theme in a new and interesting way.

  • Sketches,
  • songs,
  • paintings,
  • poetry,
  • short stories,
  • a set of jokes,
  • photography,
  • digital art,
  • dance to a song,
  • crafts of any kind, and
  • any other art form I missed (that's appropriate for this sub. Obviously, no hate or pornography.)

This is open to all skills and levels.

It doesn't matter whether it's "good" or if it's what you imagined it would be, post it anyways and receive support from fellow men and artists.

I encourage you to dive in, though. Say 'screw it' and just friggin paint something or write a poem or whatever. Just create. It makes a difference, trust me.

I've seen this kind of art challenge work quite well (in the Order of the Stick forums, for any fans) so I figured we could give it a go.

Submissions will be due on September 1st. That allows time for people to upvote their favourites and then a new challenge will be issued on September 4th.

Edit: I will create a new post for August's submission and a new post for the kick-off for September's challenge and a new theme.

The theme this month will be: Summer Haze. It's appropriate to the time of year and it seems to offer a lot of artistic choices.

You are encouraged to talk about your art. What you were thinking, the choices you made, what the piece means to you. Anything that helps us to connect to you as well as what you've created.

It's not required, though.

Please extend your thanks u/Extra_Spider_Silk for his most excellent suggestions on how men can support each other (I hope you don't mind that I tweaked the art therapy idea a bit).

I was hoping if I took this on he may feel more free to organize one of his other ideas because they could definitely set a unique tone for this sub.