How I Overcame My Creative Block and Rediscovered My Artistic Flow

As an artist, staring at a blank piece of watercolor paper can be frustrating. Of the 12+ years I've been painting full time, I have faced this challenge as my creative energy seemed to vanish. It felt as if a wall had been built around my imagination. When I finally broke through, I not only discovered techniques to fuel my creativity but also gained insights about who I am as an artist.

Understanding Creative Block

Creative block is an obstacle that all artists deal with at some point in life. It often has various causes: stress, a lack of inspiration, or fear of failure. For me, it was a mix of these feelings. I felt pressured to create something perfect, which only worsened my block.

Each day, I would try to create but nothing would come. No ideas came, no sketches formed, and no colors made their way onto that dreaded paper. Instead, self-doubt settled in, making me question my worth and abilities as an artist.

Embracing the Uncertainty

One of the most significant lessons I learned was to embrace uncertainty. I always thought creativity should flow effortlessly, but I soon realized this isn't true. Granting myself permission to create without judgment was essential in overcoming my block.

I made a conscious decision to create small, simple pieces without any expectations. For example, I set aside a weekend to produce a series of small, loose watercolor landscapes, and gave myself permission to enjoy the process rather than aiming for perfection. This practice helped me remember the joy of creation.

Shifting My Environment

I also began to recognize the impact of my surroundings on my ability to create. I decided it was time for a change. I cleaned and rearranged my studio, and set out art supplies that I hadn't reached for in a while, including the new ones I 'had to have' but never got around to opening. I pulled how-to art books off the shelf and placed them within easy reach.

This fresh environment offered me a new perspective and made me excited to sit down at my art desk, eager to create - even if I didn't know exactly what I was going to do. I started to feel more at home in my workspace, and as a result, I found myself more willing to experiment.

Seeking Inspiration from Nature and Other Artists

I sought inspiration beyond my studio with long walks in the woods, listening to the birds in the early morning hours, and watching the wildlife in my own backyard. Back in the studio I sought classes from other artists that would offer me a new set of skills I could incorporate into my own style.

Sticking to painting felt limiting, so I played with digital art and collage as well. These new methods allowed me to express myself without the constraints of traditional painting. This taught me that creative exploration can take many forms and that I don't have to limit myself to the same techniques and style I'd been doing for years.

as a wildlife artist, I could step outside my back door for inspiration

Understanding that it's all a part of the journey

Overcoming creative block is often challenging, but it can also lead to personal growth. Along the way I learned to embrace uncertainty, redefine my space, and reconnect with nature. If you find yourself facing a similar situation, remember that you are not alone. I know it's not always easy but if you try to embrace the journey, you might uncover a renewed spark of creativity waiting for you.