Have you ever gone into the studio and you can’t figure out what to paint? I bet you have as every artist I know has come across this problem.
This is what I call Artists Brain Fog. But, how do you clear it and get yourself back to normal?
First…make sure you know how to make a solid design…if not, pull out those design books and start studying girl!
Let’s say you are a pro at design but you still have this problem every once in a while. Your creative mind is empty…just plain empty.
Take a break from the studio and go for a walk. When you get back get on Pinterest to get some inspiration, or pull out some old Artists, International Artists magazines and flip through.
However, during this process….your “little itty bitty shitty committee” has decided to chime in on the situation with thoughts such as…”you’re not good at this”, or “how come I can’t be like Ann…she never has this problem!” or….”see, I told you!”
First thing you know you are going down the rabbit hole of “can’t”
So what’s a girl to do?
Start taking control and ask questions. Questions give you clarity and this is exactly what is needed in this moment.
Questions such as…
Where do you want your Center of Interest to be?
What colors are you going to use?
What’s your subject?
and
What do you want the painting to say?
This gives you a starting place, it gives you direction and suddenly you are out of the rabbit hole of “can’t”
It is amazing as in about an hour your design is up and running, you know the information and feeling you want to project and your “brain fog” has dissipated.
When you do all this…guess what…you produce good paintings just waiting to get into the next juried show.
Give it a try and let me know if this works for you.
