Overcoming Challenges in Your Art Practice
Here are 3 steps to help guide you as an artist to create your masterwork
#1 Only create when you have the ability to channel a positive mindset- and take the time to do so.
This may seem obvious but even professional artists can easily forget to focus on this very important step. Mindset is a huge factor when creating art that has meaning behind it and it usually takes a moment of awareness to get there. I often begin my practice with breath work and meditation to help calm myself and focus. I also create playlists in advance that will help guide me into the desired rhythm. Many artists have times of the day that are optimal for creation so take notes on when you enjoy making your art. I typically enjoy painting during late morning when the sun is bright in the studio but many artists love working into the night and find energy during the later hours. Whatever works best for you is where you need to put your energy.
Another key point in this is taking the time. I never even begin painting unless I have plenty of time to devote to it without worrying about other obligations. I always want my work to be the focus and if there are other things on my schedule that day it is harder to enter flow state because I’m having to keep track of time.
I recommend clearing your schedule for at least 3- 4 hours to devote to creating art. This will help your body and mind relax knowing there is plenty of time to get in the right headspace, experiment and then focus on your art. Without having to check the clock. This one step changed the progression of my art immensely.
#2 Seek Abundant Inspiration
Before the paintbrush even hits the canvas immerse yourself into your inspiration. It is something that needs to be actively sought after. If nature is your inspiration ensure that the weeks leading up to the creation of your work that you explore, hike and spend as much time in the wilderness as possible. If people are your inspiration spend time at a coffee shop or park with others. The more we experience life the more fulfilling our art has the possibility to become. If you are feeling stuck in your practice or lacking inspiration, experiencing something outside of your art will reward you as an artist.
Read books that inspire you on the subjects you want to capture in your work. Experiment with colors that are directly tied to what you’re wanting to capture. Paint outside. Gather and collect items to draw from. Bring a camera with you and photograph what inspires you, then study the photos and sketch the composition. Hang the photos up on your wall along with quick sketch studies up around them. Journal in the space your creating art in and give yourself ample time to let your inspiration permeate.
Immerse yourself in your inspiration and actively chase it! When our inspiration becomes so ingrained into our sub consious that we think about it without even trying, that’s when it will actively reflect in our work.
With this being said, don’t get in the habit of putting of creating for too long because you simply don’t feel like it. At a certain point it is time to begin. Along the way in the process you will find even more inspiration, you will unlock even more ideas once you just begin. Especially once you’ve surrounded yourself with ideas to pull from and reference.
#3 Accept when a painting is meant to teach you something and not be sold as part of a collection
Even years into my career as an artist there are paintings that I accept are not meant to be sold. It used to be more difficult to judge which ones those were in the beginning but overtime you just accept this is part of the process. Don’t let this discourage you because nearly every artist has paintings that during the creation just don’t work out. Sometimes they can be really pivotal, especially when you challenged yourself, tried a new color palette, composition or style. Take them as a learning experience and decide what worked and what didn’t and then keep creating your art. It’s the process and journey of creating the art that will reward you.
#4 Work through any disappointment and take time to rebuild
If and when a painting doesn’t end up the way you had hoped it would, remember to work through this and allow it to build strength in yourself as an artist. Part of becoming an artist is building your skillsets and its inevitable that mistakes will happen along the way. It will take a little time to re-channel a positive mindset and accept that this is part of the journey of exploration. Guide yourself through this and be patient with yourself. You can achieve more through your art then you ever thought was possible.
Are you looking for more guidance as an emerging fine artist?
Inside the Artist’s Guild Membership I teach how to create stronger artwork, develop your unique style and vision, and build a thriving creative business.
Click the link above to Learn More about The Artist Guild Membership and whats included!
The Artist Guild
A community built to guide you into a meaningful art practice and thriving creative business.
Follow my creative journey on Instagram
