I think I am stuck

It has been challenging for me lately to paint – not sure why, I truly love to paint, but I am just stuck. I think I need a vacation, can’t remember the last time I have been on one. I go into my art room and paint but just having a difficult time getting inspired. What do you all do when you get like this….I don’t think I have been like this ever? Maybe you all don’t feel uninspired – but if you have some suggestions feel free to pass them my way.

I think when I get the Plein-Air group to gether that may help also....Wish you well and look forward to hearing suggestions -- thank you, Dana

This might be a good time to study some art demos - I read the ones in International Artist magazine - they can be pretty inspiring.

Another idea is to do an exercise and paint something very loose and experimental - playing with form and colour and getting into the feeling of what you are doing, not worrying about thye finished product. This can help open up pathways and getting you past a block.

I do something simple like a still life or do a random pick of a subject. Sometimes I read art related books, go through old master paintings or watch Youtube videos that are art demos. Good luck!

I've been in kind of a lull myself. It must be the time of year. I did go to the art store today and picked up some new Princeton Brushed that I like and came across a canvas which is 30 by 15. My brain is starting to visualize what I've wanted to do on this size canvas. Hopefully the inspiration will get me going.

Judy

I often use Judy's tactic - go to the art supply and get something different. Then i feel wasteful for spending the $$$ if I don't use it.
You might try doing a few un-art related activities to take the pressure off. Allow yourself some "down-time". Maybe you'll find yourself itching to get back to painting if you take a break for a bit.

I'd guess that most of us go through this now and then. My wife and I usually take a combination vacation and art workshop in the summer. She does watercolors and I do WSO's. (To quote the song; "You say po-TAY-toe and I say po-TAH-toe". But we're definitely not going to "call the whole thing off" as the song suggests.) This gets us away (the vacation part) and we have a chance to meet new artist friends. A number of artists bring their non-artist spouses. They tour the local attractions while their wives/husbands slave away with brushes .

I also subscribe to The Art Biz Blog http://www.artbizblog.com/. It's free and has lots of good info and inspiration. E.g.; "Get out and gain inspiration" (http://www.artbizblog.com/2009/01/get-out-and-gain-inspiration.html). Fair warning though, Alyson is a whirlwind and few can do all the things that she suggests artists might do (she even says that somewhere in her blog).

This year has been sort of an event-driven crisis of confidence for me. Just one example; I finally got into a prestigious auction (YEAH!). But they advertised it as a chance to pick up great artwork from newer artists at great prices. Well it wasn't a bit great for most of the artists!!!!! I don't have to agonize over whether to submit to that auction again -it's gone.

It was guilt that finally got me going again. Not the best of motives I guess, but I'll take it. Luckily the piece is going well and a glimmer of enthusiasm is beginning to show through the storm clouds. And it really does help to know that you aren't alone when inspiration has taken its leave.

Last night, I was tired after work and didn't really feel like painting. I told myself I would just go to the studio and look at my umbrella painting. Sometimes that painting seems never-ending.

Once I was standing in front of the canvas and looking at it, I figured I would just do a little bit of painting, that's all.
Well, I painted for half an hour, and then stopped.
Not bad for an 'off' night.

When I can't manage to get any inspiration to paint at all, but still feel "arty", I usually skim through art magazines or art "how-to" books. Or sometimes sit by a window and just observe the colours of the clouds, trees, that sort of thing. Look at the effects of the light and try to figure out what colours I would mix.

When I don't feel like doing any of those, I take a real break.

Dana, you might just need a change of pace or routine.

The new brushes and the August "Summer Challenge" inspired me to start a painting I been dragging my feet about starting. I'll start posting it in the challenge shortly.

Judy

Hi Dana
I'm feeling pretty fed up with not being able to get 'Sylvia' right. So once I've finished this I'm going to get out my charcoal, paper and eraser and scribble. Sometimes something good turns out, but, what the 'h' I can just crumple it up and bin it. A gorgeous feeling. Can't do that with an oil. Burning my paintings is now out of my system.
Cheers
Jack

Why you are think that you are stuck.