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Writer's pictureKaren Hanna

Suffering from an Artist Block? Creative Block?

Updated: Nov 4

An overwhelming block that has impeded my art process

It was a challenging summer for me, and as fall approached, I found myself still struggling with a block. I was worried that it would persist. This wasn't a creative block, but rather a slowdown in my creative process. Despite having numerous creative ideas, I couldn't translate them from my mind to my brush. Have you ever experienced this? It feels like a disconnect between my brain and my hand. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make progress. It wasn't impostor syndrome or a quest for perfection. I couldn't find anyone discussing this issue. I ended up organizing my work into two piles - one to paint over and one to potentially rework. It was a different kind of challenge altogether. I knew I was capable of creating better work, but I couldn't bring it to life on my canvas.




The Struggle, it's real

When you encounter such feelings, how do you typically address them? Many artists share how they tackle creative blocks by engaging in activities like nature walks, experimenting with new techniques or tools, keeping art journals, or participating in retreats. When your artwork starts to feel uninspired, what strategies do you employ? I found myself in a creative rut, unable to capture the essence in my pieces. They seemed cliché and uninteresting. If you, like me, have been practicing art for a while, you may have faced similar challenges. By the middle of summer, I had stopped painting on canvases and began researching ways to gain a fresh perspective on my discomfort with my work.


As an artist, there are certain things you come to understand about yourself. For instance, I realize that I am not the type of artist who can paint anything; I need to feel inspired by the subject matter. Whether this trait is advantageous or not is uncertain; it is simply part of who I am. I believe I would have struggled as an art student given structured assignments. I detested the sensation of examining my work and sensing that I was not operating at a higher level, as if I had reached a plateau and could not progress further. Consequently, I started identifying aspects I was dissatisfied with (conducting a self-assessment of my strengths and weaknesses), making note of them, and devising strategies for enhancement.


I started watching various artists on YouTube, and one day I came across an artist who shared his struggles. He talked about his challenges in creating art that would boost sales of his work and how he eventually discovered the key to success through the type of art he was producing. Some of his comments deeply resonated with me and motivated me to progress in my own artistic journey. One key point he emphasized was the importance of consistent practice, which was something I already did as I painted almost every day, despite feeling frustrated with my progress. He also mentioned that when exhibiting his work at art fairs, fellow artists commented that his art seemed scattered in terms of content and techniques. Essentially, he highlighted the value of experimenting with various art supplies and techniques, but ultimately advised focusing on a few to gain expertise and develop a unique artistic style.


Observing artists with large social media followings and high-priced sales prompted me to delve into their unique styles and preferred subject matters. I noticed that each artist maintained their distinct artistic style and focused on specific themes consistently. Some focus on landscapes, some on abstract others do portraits. Other artist once they have reached a certain level will focus on a couple of themes that appeal to them. Becoming an expert in the themes they choose. Interestingly each artist creates a style of brush strokes and approaches to their art that are unique to the individual artist. The trick is your style needs to be unique enough that it captures the attention of the buying public. Additionally, I observed that most of these artists followed very few or no other accounts, yet their posts attracted significant attention. This phenomenon can be attributed to their commitment to producing art in their distinctive style and their consistent artistic practice. While this perspective may not resonate with everyone, it personally makes sense to me. Despite having experimented with various approaches in recent years, I believe that to progress further, I must now dedicate myself to discovering my own artistic identity. I think this is the hardest thing for an artist.


He also mentioned that one must understand the fundamental principles of art before daring to challenge them. I can't pinpoint exactly why his post struck a chord with me, except that it seemed to guide me towards the necessary actions for progress. It inspires me to explore further in creating my distinct painting style, aiming for my pieces to be unmistakably mine. The quest for this unique approach often feels intangible, leaving one to wonder: How does one cultivate their own individual painting style?


Playing head games with myself:

Returning to the fundamentals holds different meanings for different individuals. I deliberated on where to commence this journey, both for others and for myself. Despite my admiration for the exquisite art journals created by fellow artists, this form of expression has never resonated with me. I find myself inconsistent with art journals, starting and stopping intermittently. While I aspire to be more consistent, I have come to accept that it is not inherent to my nature. Therefore, throughout the summer and into the fall, I dedicated my time to art studies on watercolor paper. I now incorporate these studies as a warm-up routine before commencing my daily art projects. I have also realized that I feel more at ease when my art projects are planned. This realization has led me to adhere to some fundamental principles of art. To initiate the planning process, I sketch a small drawing or thumbnail to ensure that my design concept will translate effectively onto my canvas. A highly recommended resource for learning design composition is Edgar Payne's "Composition of Outdoor Painting." Despite its title, the design principles discussed in the book are applicable to various subjects you may paint on your canvas. I touched upon this topic in a previous blog post about self-taught artists. For those interested in delving deeper into composition, the book is available for download on some websites for a nominal fee. I will include details about different design concepts in the freebie section for your convenience. Furthermore, I have started planning my color palette for my art studies to enhance the cohesion in my paintings alongside the design composition. Occasionally, I conduct studies in black and white to develop my understanding of light and dark values. I am also striving to be more mindful of creating distinct hard and soft edges, as well as mastering brush techniques like dry brushing. These pursuits have steered me away from mixed media and florals for the time being, focusing instead on landscapes. Although I am still exploring this new direction and uncertain of where it may lead, I feel compelled to concentrate on landscapes. I acknowledge that I have much to learn, particularly since I am not entirely comfortable with this genre. This discomfort prompts me to be more meticulous in planning my design composition, color palette (including warm and cool colors), light and dark values, and hard and soft edges. Juggling all these rules simultaneously can be challenging, which perhaps explains why artists often seek to break the rules before fully grasping them.


Putting it all together:

One of the groups I belong to has taught me the importance of creating a roadmap for my painting process. This roadmap serves as a guide for determining the placement of different values, hard edges, and soft edges in the painting. By adhering to these guidelines, a stronger painting can be achieved. In my most recent artwork featuring a blue heron, I have adopted a new approach to painting, which has propelled me beyond my previous artistic limitations. While some may find this approach restrictive, I have found it to be beneficial for me at this moment. I require a structured framework before I can freely express my artistic vision. This transitional phase from summer to fall signifies a new chapter in my artistic journey towards improvement. Establishing these painting rules as a roadmap will eventually become instinctual to me. This progression has propelled me forward, as evidenced by the development seen in my latest blue heron painting. I am committed to continuous learning and eagerly anticipate honing this new technique in my artistic endeavors.


In conclusion:

Although the summer was challenging, it provided me with valuable lessons that I had to navigate independently to acquire the necessary knowledge. Initially, I believed it consumed time I considered wasted, but in hindsight, it was crucial for my growth, pushing me beyond my comfort zone. Is my heron painting a triumph? Undoubtedly, it holds significance for me on various levels. Is it flawless? No, my painting skills are still a work in progress and will always be evolving. However, I have overcome my creative block, reconnecting my brush with my mind. While I have yet to find my distinctive artistic voice, I believe I am closer and may stumble upon it one day. Therefore, my current objective is to practice diligently, chart a course for my paintings, and discover myself within my artwork. I have concluded my exploratory phase in art for now and am transitioning to the developmental phase, both in my art and as an artist. The future is uncertain, but I am filled with excitement for the journey ahead.


I know my approach may not work for you but we are all on are own journey. However I do hope you may have gleaned a nugget of information that will work to push you forward in your own art journey. I have included four pages of design compositions from Edgar Paynes book in the freebie section below. I hope you find them useful.


Freebie:

Get the design ideas from Edgar Payne's Composition of Outdoor Painting. The download includes four pages. The second download consists of the templates I created for my holiday ornaments. Below, you'll find a demonstration in case you require assistance. You are welcome to utilize the template to craft your own holiday ornaments or gift tags.


Design Concepts












Template for Ornaments







Video/Demo: Holiday Wooden Ornaments

Supply list:

Wood round slices (I got mine on Amazon by 5arth Store 2-2.4 inches)

Glitter (optional for back of wood) I purchased mine at Walmart)

ONAO Japanese paper (again I got it at Amazon. Look for ONAO Rice Paper Printable A4 size)

Matte medium I used flat but you can use satin or gloss if you like

An old flat brush to brush on matte medium

a catalyst, brayer or old credit card to smooth out the wrinkles when gluing the rice paper to the wooden disk

wooden skewer for poking paper through the hole in wood disk or whatever you have on hand

fine markers for outlining and highlighting on the paper (optional)

Let the decoupage paper dry before sealing back with matte medium and glitter. Glitter is optional.

Twine or ribbon to hang ornament





Tips/Books:

Ever start to paint on a canvas to see your acrylic paint bead up as you place your brushstrokes?

If you are experiencing this issue, it may be due to a cheap layer of low-quality gesso being applied. You can address the issue by lightly sanding the canvas and applying a few layers of gesso, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. Your canvas will then be prepared for toning.

Why should you tone your canvas?

Enhancing the coherence of the painting's atmosphere, toning the canvas not only lends a more polished appearance but also establishes a tonal ambiance. Although it may appear as an additional task, this process is a vital foundation of your painting, capable of significantly influencing its ultimate outcome and success.


What is toning?

Typically, a thin and translucent layer of color is applied as the base of a painting. Artists often opt for a warm tone like burnt sienna, a red or orange with translucency. Warm tones evoke a feeling of comfort and warmth, whereas cool blues can suggest peace and serenity. By selecting a tone that matches the intended mood or emotion, you can amplify the emotional resonance and produce a more captivating artwork.

How to tone your surface.

I choose Golden Fluid paints for toning over the heavy body because then give a stronger staining effect than using the heavy body. Mix with water or I use Goldens Airbrush medium, to thin my paint instead of water. It maintains the color saturation. Then scrub the wash into your canvas with a brush or rag.


What I'm working on:

Can you believe it's almost the end of October and we're approaching the holiday season? Time seems to be flying by, doesn't it? Since completing the blue heron painting earlier this month, I've shifted my focus. In August, I discussed in my blog the key areas to concentrate on in the final quarter to ensure a successful year-end in terms of sales. I'm making a change in


direction, which may not be the typical approach for this time of year, but I trust my intuition. While it may seem more logical to wait until after the holiday shopping season, I don't want to lose the momentum I've recently regained. I'll continue my studies, hoping they will inspire a productive series of paintings. I'm also starting to think about my goals and revenue plans for next year. Normally, I would wait until after the holidays to consider this, but I have a strong feeling that now is the right time to begin. Although focusing on this now may not yield significant profits this quarter, it seems that many are holding off on their plans until after the upcoming election. Much of what I'm working on will cater to my local market. I'll be adding some pieces to my website, so feel free to take a look. The collection will mainly consist of small paintings and cards, so be sure to stop by for a browse. Wishing you all the best for the final quarter, and as customers, I encourage you to support local and small online businesses this holiday season. Happy Halloween, my friends!


New on my website:

Expect an email from me regarding my holiday sale. This email will allow you to have an early look at my online store and make purchases before the general public. Feel free to reach out if you have any inquiries.


Inspirational Quote:

"The earth paints a portrait of the sun at dawn with sunflowers in bloom. Unhappy with the portrait, she erases it paints it again and again.

Rabindranath Tagore




 




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