First of all, creative ruts are normal! They’re part of the artistic process. Our inspiration ebbs and flows. As artists we often make demands on ourselves that are unrealistic. Not every piece will be our best, not every one will be easy. I’ve found that the paintings I struggle with the hardest often teach me the most and, that when I come through a creative block, it’s often with renewed inspiration and creative energy.
So, what do you do when the art isn’t flowing? Above all, give yourself permission to experiment and be in the process rather than making product. When I feel this way, I imagine a bubble surrounding me that allows me to say “this is not my serious art, I’m just playing”. Often you need something new to get the creative juice flowing. If you usually work in a particular size change it up. Try a different medium to spark new ideas. Work from an existing piece in a new way to create a series. Put on your favorite music, sip your favorite beverage and mix colors. I find this particularly soothing. Perhaps, take a break. Only you can be the judge of when you need a few days or weeks off. And if you take time away come back to it, just as the muse will always, eventually, come back to you
