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How to Paint When You’re in a Creative Slump (And Everything Feels Boring!)
TERAVARNA- May 23
- 5 min read
You sit down with the brush in hand, with all paints ready, and then…nothing at all. The excitement you feel is turned into dull boredom, frustration, and nothing else. Creativity just seems buried under a mountain. Sounds familiar? Probably you are in a creative slump- if every new idea has the moldy smell of stale bread, and none sounds motivating.
But that's okay. Every artist, be they a beginner or seasoned pro, faces periods of drought in creativity. You are neither broken nor untalented; you are just stuck. And yes, you can get unstuck!
In this blog, we will be delving into practical, encouraging ways to instill motivation for painting, come up with refreshing ideas for beginner painting, and learn how to get out of an artistic block-even when everything around feels so boring.
If you want to find painting ideas when you are bored or have clicked on the page after a spurt of 'art inspiration,' keep reading. You are closer to your next breakthrough than you imagine.
Why Creative Slumps Happen
If you understand how you get into a creative slump, the way out becomes easier to find. Most often, we find ourselves trapped by placing undue pressure on ourselves without realizing it. Whether it is constant comparisons made by or to work done by others online, or an unwavering commitment to every brushstroke, or that ever boring repetitive doing of a particular style or subject until it becomes less than inspiring, it could just be burnout after going through the grind 24/7.
Life outside the studio sometimes chokes you with stress or distracts you, and may dim your light of inspiration. Regardless, none of these things means a creative slump stands for no creativity on your part. It is rather your brain and spirit signaling the need for a reset.
Reignite Your Passion with Beginner Painting Ideas
One of the finest methods to step out of one's rut is by going back to basic courses. Painting can come back to ignite your excitement without needing elaborate projects and intricate concepts. Simple and low-stakes activities are often best for giving you a little nudge back into creative inspiration. Think about baby painting projects you can enjoy without considering the outcome too much.
Examples include painting various colored abstract shapes, using only one or two colors, or exploring another medium (e.g., watercolors, acrylic pouring, etc.) that could invigorate your fun.
Paint something dumb, like cartooning your breakfast or your pet. These simple-minded exercises will help you rekindle the joy of creation, even if it does not seem that fun at first.
Try Painting Ideas When Bored
Feeling bored with your usual go-to subjects? Think outside your comfort zone—maybe you have never painted from memory, or perhaps you have never used a limited palette. This is the perfect time to shake things up with new painting ideas when bored.
Some fun ideas to try:
Paint using only one brush for the entire piece.
Use your non-dominant hand for a quirky and liberating challenge.
Paint sound—listen to music and create abstract visuals based on what you hear.
Paint your mood instead of a literal subject.
The goal here is not to create a masterpiece, but to disrupt the routine and get your creative wheels turning again. Often, the act of doing something new—even if it feels silly—can shake you out of monotony and reignite your spark.
Seek New Sources of Art Inspiration
It's good to look for an outside source of art inspiration when your creative juices run dry. Thumb through art books, scroll the sites like Pinterest or Instagram, and hit up the galleries or museums. Just be careful not to compare your art negatively with others'. You should use them to learn about new techniques, colors, or subject matter.
You can also read poems, then paint to the sound of music. Watch a movie and stop the frame to check out something beautiful you would like to recreate in your own way. Even just a stroll in nature would offer potential color palettes or textures to consider. The more you take in, the more your mind will be inspired.
How to Get Out of an Art Block with a Routine
While spontaneous inspiration is the best, sometimes a nice routine is the answer that will carry you out of an art block. A little bit of regular creation - even if it's just 15 minutes every day - could get you that momentum. Use it like brushing your teeth or making morning coffee: It is a habit rather than a high-stakes event.
Set a timer, sit down with your supplies, and paint without expectations. It could be doodling, mixing colors, or practicing brush techniques. Gradually, that constant practice creates room for natural creativity.
Another useful habit is to set something small and manageable: "I want a beautiful painting by the end of today" may be a little too giant; something better might be, "I want to fill this canvas with color," or "I want to try painting clouds." All these small efforts will build momentum along the way.
Reframe the Block as a Growth Opportunity
How to overcome creative block and turn it into an opportunity to rise? These quiet times often bring a lull in questioning our process, trying out new media, and contemplation about why we create in the first place.
Perhaps your stagnation speaks of a need to change the style, or nudges you to stop putting undue thought into your work being created.
Use these times for exploration. Maybe carry out an online painting class or try a tool you have never used. Paint expressionism for a change if you have always done realism.
As for oils, try gouache for a change. Growth occurs through discomfort, and such discomfort may be just what you need to fast-track your art to new levels.
Find Painting Motivation Through Community
Having drunk from the well of imagination, an artist at times feels so weary that he feels he doesn't have anything in him anymore. Once in a while, for an artist, a visit to an online or local art place, meeting with people who do art, and sharing challenges would enliven his budding enthusiasm. Another proposition would be joining an organization of artists, agreeing to participate in an art challenge, or simply exchanging chats with other artistic minds on various forums or social media networks.
When hearing about others experiencing the often all-too-frequent breakdown in artistic form, one is reminded that the person is also going through the same thing.. Added to that, a community can allow an extra push that most times is just what you need when there's no getting past it.
Be Kind to Yourself
Most importantly, be gentle with yourself. Everybody has periods of low creativity. It doesn't make you any less of an artist. Instead of beating yourself up, acknowledge the slump with compassion.
When you need a break, attend to other parts of your life. Understand that your creativity isn't gone-gone; it's just sleeping. Trust the motivation to return, and your next painting might just be around the corner.
Let’s Vanish The Creativity Slump!
Experiencing art blocks can bring you to such a state of despair and absolute fright, but this is not the end of your creative composition. It's often just the start of new adventures.
You need to take on some beginner painting ideas, get into fresh painting ideas when bored, and scout new sources of inspiration for exploring art to break through the block and find joy in painting again.
The next time you feel like everything is turning boring, just remember that creativity does not mean continuous output, but it connects you to your curiosity. Just be patient. A little playfulness, which helps guide you back into your unique rhythm in artistry, should do. You got this!
