Please say it isn’t so but you are faced with sudden burnout, boredom or shifting life priorities and you make it less and less into the studio. Once your get there you stare at the blank canvas. You are holding that negative energy in your body!
Is it practical? Is it emotions? Or just plain burnout? Or maybe life just got busy and complicated for awhile. We all have days like that.
When our brain responds to novelty; when work becomes predictable, motivation drops. Yikes!
After many projects, the internal well of inspiration can feel depleted, making each session more effortful than joyful. I experienced this once from creating 36 new pieces for a gallery art show. It is real. So I took some time off. I was physically tired. I learned to say no to excess art shows, teaching workshops or attending art fairs.
Self criticism or harsh self-judgment can turn painting into a source of stress rather than satisfaction. Time to pause and be kind to yourself. Practice self care.
When I paint , I paint with my entire body. Therefore, it can be physically demanding—standing for hours, repetitive motions, or working with heavy materials leads to aches and tiredness. Sensory overload from bright colors, smells (solvents- just stop using) , or intense focus adds to fatigue. Don’t forget eye strain! Take care of your back and shoulders. Time to take a break. Time to stretch out your body. Set the timer and stop painting when the bell rings. Go for a walk or have a healthy snack.
External pressures: You know it - laundry needs to be done, shopping for groceries, cooking, dishes, appointments and even deadlines. Check yourself before creation becomes primarily a grind. This can get you into a negative mind set. We are what we think. Our brains are always listening to our negative self talk.
Lack of growth or challenge: That moment when it fills like your skills have plateaued or your ideas. Without new techniques, media, or goals, motivation dwindles at times. Time to change your mindset. Go to a gallery or museum and see some art.
Constant life demands and priorities: Family, health, jobs, and financial obligations pull time and energy away. Painting becomes lower on the list, and returning can feel harder each time. Been there and done that. Just recognize it and block creativity time out on your Personal calendar. You are important too! If the artist isn’t happy neither is the art.
Distressed economy or economic anxiety. We all understand that! Which can include poor sales or unsupportive feedback can sap anyone’s enthusiasm. Conversely, over reliance on external validation can make painting less rewarding. Everyone feels this from time to time. No Artist sells something every single day of their life. If they say so I call a “fibber” there!
Solutions: Take intentional breaks, experimenting with new materials or methods, setting small nonjudgmental goals, practicing self-compassion, working collaboratively, take a class or online workshop, changing subject matter, limiting client work to sustainable levels, and addressing physical ergonomics. Learning to say no - when necessary. Sometimes the best remedy is a pause that allows curiosity and energy to return on their own. Don’t forget healthy eating, exercise, rest, self care, and spirituality. I always feel better after earthing or just getting outside in nature and touching the earth, making a snowball, touching leaves, picking up pinecones. You catch my drift! If you can’t get outside then turn on a nature show or listen to nature sounds . Try using the calm app.
https://www.artbytsh.com
My best,
Sunny