Artist Block
by Stefan Baumann
Painting stems from your own experience, your own thoughts, and your own vision. If you don’t live it, it won’t come off your brush. Experiencing Artist Block is common. In fact, that’s why they have a name for it. Symptoms of Artist Block include boredom, no inspiration or motivation, lack of passion and discipline, and I’m not talking about your sex life. Artist Blocks can be broken through in just a matter of seconds by changing your thoughts. Blocks are not mysterious moments that are only for the painter who is just starting on the quest of being an artist; famous artists throughout history in all disciplines of the arts have experienced some kind of block.
First, you must ask yourself if there is a payoff for your not working. We all do this as artists; if we don’t paint, we have more time to do other things. Sometimes it is just easier not to paint.
- Ask yourself what you would be doing if you never painted.
- Be grateful for having an opportunity to have art in your life. Being grateful allows you to see what gifts you have.
- Ask yourself this question, “Am I having artist block only because of this project or is it in general?” If it is because of this piece, take a knife and destroy it. What a relief to realize it is only canvas and paint and not something important.
- Do you put too much importance to what you do? Remember, the world does not care whether you are an artist; you paint because it means something to you.
- List any fears you might have on paper -- all of them. Number them 1, 2, 3, and so on. This is important because our fears change the way we look at our lives. After listing them, read them over and over and over and over. After ten or fifteen minutes of this, your fears will seem silly if you look at the state of the world today. Get some perspective.
- Ask friends to look at your painting and ask for their thoughts about your work. Listen to them. Sometimes we are afraid to hear what others might say.
- Paint a self-portrait from a mirror. A self-portrait is a way to see the inner you. This is a great opportunity to see yourself and deal with your fears. Be grateful for what you have and the amazing machine that you are.
- Join a local art club or painting group. You may need a coach for feedback. This is very important because even top sport personalities have coaches or get feedback from a community. This is your team. If you don’t have a group in town, get involved with an online venue to show your work and be a part of an artist community.
- Join an art class or painting workshop or set one up in your area. Many artists will give workshops in your town; all you have to do is ask. If you are not sure, contact us at Outdoor Painting and we can set one up for you.
- List five reasons you paint and why you love to be creative. Then make a Mission Statement -- one or two lines that put you in touch with your desires, wants, and dreams and post it on your studio wall.
Learning to paint is an action; you need direction and coaching. Be part of a community. Share your fears, love, and passion with others online or in your town. Get some perspective and, above all, be grateful because the world is a better place because you have decided to paint.
