20 ways to help you find your way back to creativity through painting
Opportunities are Everywhere!
1. Start Small: Begin with simple sketches or small canvases to ease back into the creative process. Smear paint on the canvas to eliminate the white space; that's what I do.
2. Experiment with Materials: Try different types of paints, brushes, and surfaces to spark inspiration.
3. Set Aside Time: Dedicate regular blocks of time for painting to establish a consistent creative routine.
4. Explore Different Styles: Experiment with various artistic styles and techniques to discover what resonates with you. I started out drawing, y'all I can't draw, but I'm learning. I used watercolor for a year, then acrylics for a year, now I'm learning how to oil paint this year.
5. Draw Inspiration from Nature: Take walks outdoors to observe and capture the beauty of the natural world in your paintings. On walks around my neighborhood, I'm always looking for inspiration. You should try it too.
6. Create a Comfortable Space: Designate a specific area in your home as a dedicated art studio where you feel comfortable and inspired. I have an art studio now, but i started out in my dining room area, using a table.
7. Listen to Music: Play music that inspires and uplifts you while you paint to enhance your creative flow. Also pay attention to those YouTube videos or other social media sites playlists: you never know what you might discover.
8. Join a Painting Group: Connect with other artists through local painting groups or online communities for support and inspiration.
9. Set Creative Challenges: Challenge yourself to paint something new or outside of your comfort zone to stimulate creativity.
10. Keep a Sketchbook: I'm working on #4 as I never leave home without it. Carry a sketchbook with you to jot down ideas and sketches whenever inspiration strikes.
11. Take Breaks: Allow yourself to take breaks and step away from your paintings when feeling stuck in order to gain a fresh perspective.
12. Attend Workshops or Classes: Enroll in painting workshops or classes to learn new techniques and gain inspiration from other artists. Or, just to add some fun into your life. I recently taught a workshop and had fun.
13. Study Art History: Explore the works of famous painters throughout history to gain insights and inspiration for your own creations. I can't tell you how many books I've purchased over the last two years on various artists. And I've been so inspired.
14. Experiment with Color: Play with different color combinations and palettes to evoke different moods and emotions in your paintings.
15. Embrace Imperfection: Don't be afraid to make mistakes or embrace imperfections in your artwork as part of the creative process. Want to see my pages of crooked lines and circles?
16. Paint from Memory: Recall a favorite place or moment and paint it from memory, allowing your imagination to guide the process. And, remember, embrace imperfection.
17. Document Your Progress: Keep a visual journal or document your painting progress to track your growth and celebrate achievements. I love the portfolio I've created for my own personal use. I enjoy going back to the beginning and looking at how far I've developed my artistic skills.
18. Find a Mentor: Seek guidance and feedback from a more experienced artist or mentor to help you develop your skills and style.
19. Reflect on Your Work: Take time to reflect on your finished paintings and identify what aspects you enjoy and what you'd like to improve. After two years of painting, I've decided to take my art to the next level and enrolled in an online school. I'm enjoying the process of becoming a professional painter/artist.
20. Stay Curious and Open-Minded: Approach painting with a sense of curiosity and openness, allowing yourself to explore new ideas and techniques without self-judgment. Enjoy every moment that you get to create!!
Remember, creativity is a journey, and it's okay to experience ups and downs along the way. The most important thing is to keep painting and nurturing your creativity.
Stay Creative My Friend
Michelle Joy Brown
