Overcoming Artists Block (part 2)

Once you are ready to start working again you will know it instinctively. All artists go through periods of 'creative block' - it's normal, but after one such episode there are ways of stimulating ideas and getting the creative juices flowing again.

Visit your local library and take out books that cover materials, techniques and subjects that are not familiar to you. If you are a watercolour artist, why not try oils for once? If you paint large acrylic abstracts, would it be possible to try soft pastels on a smaller scale? What results could you achieve by doing something completely different to what you're used to?

What about trying collage or mixed media work? Take photos of your neighbourhood, family or friends. Local places of interest, the countryside, the seashore, the city. Manipulate your photos on your PC and print out as digital art. Use the images, either natural or manipulated as collage pieces. It is so therapeutic cutting pieces and sticking them down. Use a range of materials to finish your work.

Instead of going straight back to paintings or drawings on normal scale, why not create some miniature pieces? How about greetings cards? White card 'blanks' are very easy to source. How delighted family, friends or customers would be to own an unique hand painted card.

Try drawing for once instead of painting, if that's your usual medium, or vice versa. Fill a sketchbook with small quick sketches. You could even time yourself. Three or five minutes maximum for each sketch.

When you're ready to go full size again, try loosening up your technique, by again setting a time limit for each piece of work you create. With a deadline to meet, you will speed up and loosen up. Try not to be precious with your art. Be quick and bold - see what happens.

Paint upside down. Start a new piece, then half way through turn the paper or canvas round 90 degrees. This is a great technique for abstracts. Use new colours - let them flow into each other. Splatter colours onto the wet surface. If you like, you could turn the work once more to finish. What a great way to create 'happy accidents'.

Paint or draw to music. Use only your emotion to make marks on the surface of your support. Play your favourite rock, pop or classical music, let the melodies and rhythms wash over you, influencing how your artwork evolves. I often paint to 'Smile' by Brian Wilson .... and boy do I get inspired!

What about painting left handed if you're a right-hander and vice versa. Trying to do a representational work with your weakest side will produce art that is still yours, but will have a completely different edge to it. Challenging and great fun to do ... if you have the discipline!

Finally, once you get back into full flow, remind yourself of all the artwork you have created successfully. How appreciated you are by your customers. Read their testimonials. Feel that glow again, when you realise that your creativity block was only temporary and that there are fans out there just waiting for you to release some wonderful new artwork into the arena.

Gail Miller is a professional artist whose artwork is a visual feast of colour and fun. Her fascination with bold colours and fluid, expressive shapes and line are evident in funky abstracts, sinuous nudes, vibrant still life paintings and lively townscapes. Visit her website at http://www.gailmiller.com

Canon USA Stimulates the Creativity of Experienced Photographers ...
MarketWatch - Aug 25, 2008
Canon is taking steps to give advanced amateurs more flexibility with a new "CA" Creative Full Auto setting on the EOS 50D Digital SLR camera's mode dial. ...

Vanguard
Let us mainstream our creativity into our economy— Adetokunbo ...
Vanguard, Nigeria - 2 hours ago
We intend to use the event to expose and project our creativity and the prospects that abound in the culture and crafts industry. ...

SkySports
Portsmouth Lose Kranjcar...and Creativity?
Bleacher Report, CA - 4 hours ago
The concern is that, much more than simply a young and talented player, Niko Kranjcar is the very heart of Portsmouth's creativity. ...
Pompey handed Kranjcar blow InTheNews.co.uk
all 203 news articles

Kalam enthrals Singaporean students
NDTV.com, India - 8 hours ago
Former president APJ Abdul Kalam on Wednesday unveiled his vision for a knowledge-driven world in which creativity and courage would help future generations ...

UI Art Students get New Home
KCRG, IA - 1 hour ago
In June, flood water swallowed the epicenter for creativity and expression on campus. But construction crews worked 20-hour days for nearly one month to get ...
U of I studio arts will stay in "big box" for at least a year DesMoinesRegister.com
all 2 news articles

Unique blend of creativity by FJWU artists
The News - International, Pakistan - Aug 26, 2008
The VC termed it a stunning combination of spontaneous creativity and expression as well as a unique display of art by the students. ...
Life, society art exhibition at FJWU Daily Times
Art exhibition held at FJWU The Post
all 4 news articles

Want A Surefire Path to Creativity? Explore All Your Options
3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany - Aug 26, 2008
As creative thinkers, we value this very highly because we get to explore those options. Having the ability to explore different options allows creative ...

The Shopper Online
08-27-08 Students Display Their Creativity
The Shopper Online, IL - Aug 26, 2008
Classes in tile mosaic, beginning and advanced pottery, painting, creative writing and photography were taught by area artists and art teachers. ...

Baker uses creativity to brighten others' days
Post-Bulletin, MN - Aug 26, 2008
The baking, the creativity and the love of teas all came together on a recent weekend, with the first birthday celebration of the Schmidts' daughter ...

For the Sake of Summer Fun, Let’s End Boredom, Here and Now!
3x24 - Your Newspaper and News Magazine, Germany - 19 minutes ago
She said that if a child gets bored it produces creativity. Need to ponder on it more? If they are bored, they will definitely look for a thing to do. ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

Trying to Create From Distorted Perceptions?