In a slump
I’ve been in a slump since I returned from the Eric Wiegardt workshop a couple of weeks ago. My brush seems to have died. Nothing I paint seems any good to me, and I’m discouraged. My paintings look clumsy and awkward. I’ve lost my confidence.
I’m not sure why I’m in such a low place. Maybe it’s just part of the ups and downs of the creative process. Or maybe the workshop raised my expectations too high. Maybe I need a break from painting, although I don’t feel burned out. Possibly it’s my anxiety about an upcoming plein air competition in the Columbia RIver Gorge. Or it may be, as Eric suggested, that I’m going through a change in my painting style that will take some time to result in better paintings.
I’m grateful that I have a good support system. Katy has given me lots of support and encouragement, and Eric even called me to offer moral support and suggestions. And I appreciate your support, too! I plan to keep plugging away, believing that this, too, shall pass.