The Great Showdown

(Based on a true story)

The white watercolor paper mirrored my blank stare. There was an uneasy feeling of tension in the air and I could vaguely hear the soundtrack of an Old West showdown in the background. “Funny…” I think to myself, ” Why are they playing Old West showdown soundtracks on the radio?” I refocused my attention on the piece of paper as if we were in a staring contest. That was one contest I was not going to win. And so I took a step back, let out a frustrated sigh, and wondered what in the world I could paint. Nothing came to mind, I was a complete blank. I felt defeated. The blank paper had won. Then, I came to the realization that I was in a *GASP* creative rut! (Old West showdown music intensifies)

Creative ruts, artist’s/writer’s block, lack of motivation and inspiration happen to everyone from time to time. When I’m in a creative rut, I turn to running, painting, and writing. I run to get my mind off of not being inspired and to get the creative juices flowing. I paint abstracts (mostly in watercolor) to free up any tension and loosen up. I turn to journaling and write about how I feel and what’s going on in my life. These are my go-to ways to get out of a creative rut, but I know that everyone is different, and their creative process is different, so the way they get out of a creative rut is just as unique as they are. Here are some other ways people try to cure their creative block:

meditation, cooking, biking, hiking, yoga, dancing, shopping, visiting art galleries and museums, brainstorming/collaborating with other creatives, sports, video games, listening to music, cleaning/organizing their work space or home, focusing on other tasks and errands that need done, singing, playing musical instruments, switching up the location of where they’re working, playing board games, being with friends and family, and of course, writing lists 🙂

When I am painting, I sometimes draw a blank as to what to make (see above.) In times like these, I use a few simple techniques to loosen up. These exercises focus on easing any tension and just having fun with the paint!

#1: Painting with the Non-Dominant Hand (Or if you’re ambidextrous, use your feet or hold the brush between your elbows!) This is actually really difficult for me sometimes!

#2: Using a “Non Brush” Brush (Such as a toothbrush, a popsicle stick, your fingers, a fork, etc…) I’m using a Q tip in this picture. What kinds of textures can you create? What is the most absurd brush you can find?

#3: Attach Your Brush to a Yardstick ( I like to stand up and paint a piece of paper on the floor. You could also stick your paper to the wall or on a table.) I first starting using this technique after seeing some works by a local pastel artist. She would tie her pastel to a long, sturdy stick, and paint portraits of historical figures. This is a fairly common practice in art schools, and it is one I really enjoy.

And there you have it, a few new ideas to add to your arsenal of creativity boosters! Enjoy!

Artfully yours,

Cassie 🙂