Real or not real? I don’t know why there is a controversy about this. I think it’s a real thing and not just an excuse. Since I’ve been at this art game so long I have experienced times when ideas don’t come, my motivation is lacking, and I have creative fatique where things just don’t work right.
A blank canvas can be intimidating. I take photos of all my work so when I have an issue with “what to do?”, I take a look at my archived paintings. It’s very helpful to see where I’ve been and where I’m going. In looking at the pictures, I’ll choose one or two, duplicate them and crop them or maybe flip them around, so now all of a sudden it becomes a fresh new look and worthy of putting on a canvas. Seeing the work with new eyes is liberating.
If motivation is an issue, I find working on a small piece can be helpful. You don’t have to labor over it and before you know it, it’s finished giving you a feeling of accomplishment.
Trying a new technique or using a new art supply can do wonders too. Experimenting with new tools and techniques is invigorationg.
If all fails, give yourself permision to step away and take a break. Go for a walk, go to a movie, visit with a friend. Get your head out of the work space.
The photos below are the original painting with the cropped version next to it. For some reason, this program wants everything to be a square so if you click on the image it should show the entire painting
Fascinating, as ever, Karen. I think your idea of focussing in on a segment of the painting for inspiration demonstrates the depth that lies there. The cropped version stands alone.
Thanks, David.
Thanks for the comment, David, and for subscribing to my blog. I appreciate your support. When I’m stumped for ideas taking another closer more isolated look seems to work for me.