Creative Ways to Get Your Artistic Juices Flowing

Creative juices can be like syrup. When it's warm, it's viscous and flowy. But when it's cold, it can be thicker than your great-grandma's Russian accent. When that happens, it can be tough to get it running again. It’s like trying to start your lawnmower after a long winter. You pull on the cord, but all you hear is sputtering and no start. I’ve faced this problem more times than I care to admit, but I have found ways to overcome it.

Understanding Blockages in Creativity

Before diving into solutions, it’s essential to understand why creativity can feel blocked. Unlike popular belief, creativity does not thrive on complete freedom. Too much free-range thinking can lead to chaos and confusion. Without guidelines, our brains often struggle to know where to go. By placing some boundaries, we can channel our thoughts and ideas more effectively.

Here are a few ideas to help you wrangle your mind into creating something fun.

1 - Paint Something You Wouldn't Normally Try

If you typically paint landscapes, challenge yourself by attempting an urban scene or even figures. Trying something entirely different can ignite a new passion for your art.

2 - Flip It Upside Down

Take a photo and flip it upside down. The brain won’t recognize the image, and you’ll be amazed at how well your painting turns out once you flip it back. I usually take an extra few minutes to clean it up after it’s right side up. This technique works particularly well with chaotic-type photos.

3 - Use a Limited Palette

Narrowing your colour range can ignite creativity. Challenge yourself to select just a few colours. For example, try using red, yellow, blue, Nathol Red, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, and Chroma Black. You will be surprised at what you can achieve with such limitations.

Check out Diego Velazquez's self-portrait. He used the following colors:

• White

• Yellow Iron Oxide (Goethite)

• Red Iron Oxide (Hematite)

• Ultra Blue (Azurite)

• Bone Black

  
  

Using a limited palette could even lead you to create a monochromatic painting or a nocturne.

Here is a nocturne boat painting I did as a recent demo.

4 - Try Creating an Abstract Piece

Paint something non-representational. Use a black paint marker to draw random circles or shapes on a piece of paper, then start to fill in those shapes with colour. You might be amazed at what emerges. Leaving behind judgment can be liberating and fun.

Check out Susan Wollgar's painting. It's all about shapes and marks!

5 - Find Beauty in the Mundane

Look around you. There is an abundance of things to inspire your art. For example, here’s an interesting painting of a ketchup bottle in watercolour. Yes, even ordinary items can make for great subjects!

6 - Step Away from Your Usual Mediums

Experiment with new materials and techniques. Try your hand at watercolours, mixed media, or palette knife painting. Let the medium inspire your subject matter. For example, the fluidity of watercolour can evoke ideas of movement or water-themed art.

7 - Attend Live Events for Inspiration

Nothing helps refuel creative juices quite like experiencing art and culture firsthand. Go see a live band, catch a movie, or visit an art gallery. These experiences can inspire your own creations.

8 - Limit Yourself to 20 Brush Strokes

Challenge yourself to create a painting using only 20 brush strokes. This limitation can simplify your approach and give your brain more space to create.

Here’s a gouache painting I did—although I ended up using 27 strokes. I originally intended for it to be only 20, but as I refined the details, it crept up to 27. Sometimes, a little flexibility can lead to exciting results.

Conclusion: Get Your Creative Motor Running

Keep these strategies in mind if you're struggling to get your creative juices flowing. I hope these tips will help you get your motor running again. Creativity isn’t a fixed state; it ebbs and flows. Sometimes you just need a little nudge to get it back on track.

Your friend in art,

Doug.

Ps...

"On the plains of hesitation bleach the bones of countless millions who, at the dawn of decision, sat down to wait, and waiting died." - George W Cecil.