How to Get Inspired and Start Painting Again When You’re Not Feeling Inspired

As an artist, it’s natural to experience periods where inspiration seems elusive. However, showing up and maintaining a routine can help keep your creative juices flowing. Here, I’ll share some strategies to help you find inspiration and motivation to paint again, even when you’re not feeling particularly inspired.

Immerse Yourself in Art

Dive deep into different art styles and mediums:

Explore Art Online: Look at paintings by artists you admire. Websites, social media, and art platforms like Pinterest or Instagram can be great sources of inspiration.
Read Art Books: Biographies of artists, art history books, and technical guides can offer new perspectives and ideas.
Visit Galleries and Museums: Physically immersing yourself in the art world can be incredibly motivating. The atmosphere of a gallery or museum can reignite your passion for creating.

Find Inspiration in the Everyday

Sometimes, the most mundane aspects of life can spark creativity:

Take Walks: A simple walk around your neighborhood can provide inspiration. Pay attention to how different things make you feel, the colors of the sky, the textures of buildings, or the play of light and shadow.
Observe Nature: Nature is a boundless source of inspiration. Notice the intricate patterns in leaves, the vibrant colors of flowers, or the movement of water.

Engage with Other Artists

Connecting with fellow artists can offer fresh perspectives:

Join Online Art Communities: Participate in forums, social media groups, or online classes. These platforms allow you to chat with other artists, ask for advice, and discover new talents.
Attend Workshops and Art Classes: Engaging in group activities or learning new techniques can reignite your passion for painting.

Take a Break

Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to reignite creativity:

Allow Yourself to Rest: Don’t be afraid to take a day or a week off. Rest can prevent burnout and often leads to a burst of creativity once you return to your work.
Establish a Regular Routine: Consistency can help maintain your creative flow. Setting a routine for creating art, even if it’s just a small daily commitment, can make a big difference.

Clean Your Work Area

A tidy space can lead to a tidy mind:

Organize Your Studio: Refreshing your workspace can support creativity. Clear out clutter, rearrange your supplies, and create a space that feels inviting and inspiring.

Elevate Your Mindset

Your mindset plays a crucial role in your creative process:

Believe in Yourself: Practice self-affirmation and work on building your confidence. Overcoming self-doubt is key to tapping into your creativity.
Open Up to Intuition: Meditation or mindfulness practices can help you connect with your inner self and the higher creative channel. This connection can bring forth ideas that are greater than you.

Artist Ritual: The 3 Core Elements

To get into a great creative space, follow these core elements:

Mindset Aspect: Elevate your mindset to believe in yourself and move past self-doubt.
Spiritual or Meditative Space: Create a space to open up to your intuition and the higher creative channel. Tap into what’s greater than you and bring it to your canvas.
Physical Element: Move stagnant energy through your body to tap into the good creativity inside you.

Final Thoughts: Finding Inspiration and Joy

Inspiration isn’t always a lightning bolt of creativity. Often, it’s about showing up, being present, and trusting the process. By immersing yourself in art, finding inspiration in everyday life, engaging with other artists, taking necessary breaks, cleaning your work area, and elevating your mindset, you can overcome creative blocks and rediscover the joy of painting. Establishing a regular Artist Routine can open doors to new ideas and possibilities. Remember, the journey of creating art is just as important as the final piece. Embrace it with joy and passion!