How I deal with Art Block

Hi friend!

I hope everything is going well in your art journey.

I wanted to take a moment and talk about art block. It happens to everyone, and we all have ways of overcoming it. I love to paint when I have a clear picture in my mind of what I want my painting/drawing to look like. When my mind draws a blank, that is when I struggle to even start.

The main way that I look for inspiration is through Pinterest. These pictures I like to use as references. Anytime you copy a picture make sure you credit the creator. Another way that I like to get references is through Pexels, in this app photographers have given their permission for anyone to use their photos. There are also books on different topics that you can buy or check out from your local library that you can get inspiration from.

I also love cutting up magazines and pictures and placing them in a sketchbook or book and using these as reference photos as well (more on this on my last post).

When there is art block another thing that can help is to do something else. Try a different craft or a different medium that has not been used for a while. Going for a walk or doing some form of exercise can also change your mind set to open new opportunities for inspiration. I love to go hiking and taking pictures as well. I use these as references when I want to paint something.

Trying an online class, an in-person class or using books as guides gives you different viewpoints and techniques that you can then bring into your drawing practice. There are different online classes that are available to take. The one that I am currently using is Domestika.com.

Modern Watercolor Botanicals by Sarah Simon, The Art of Gouache by Viktorija Semjonova, and DIY Watercolor Flowers by Marie Boudon

 I have also found books that give you guidance on what to do. It takes out the guessing game of what you should do. These books are a mix of coloring books and learning techniques. They have specialty paper where you can use wet or dry mediums. You can use whatever materials you have.

Watercolor Workbook by Sarah Simon and The Creative Way by Sarah Simon and Archer and Olive

And lastly, I would say just sketch. For the fun of it. Don’t think too hard about it. It doesn’t have to look good. You don’t have to share it. But then you can take one of those sketches as ideas so that you can use it for another project. No matter what you sketch or draw or paint you learn something.

Art does not need to be “perfect”. Art is an expression of yourself. So let the pressure go. Give yourself permission to learn and make “mistakes”. Remember mistakes are just learning curves.

Jane Davenport: Whimsical and Wild, and Whimsical Girls

One thing that I have learned is that “work yields more work”. Whether that work is good or not, it doesn’t matter. The most important thing is to create, and through that creation you learn and continue creating.

 Remember If you wait for inspiration to hit you, you might never get started at all.

 So, create my friend. Whatever you paint or draw is important because that is your voice. And what you have to say is important. So, keep creating.

Your artist friend

-Luamy