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.
Oh Bill, already you are an incredible artist!
And of course we do have cycles, and we need them. At times it’s just prayer and meditation that is our medicine, at times its quiet observation. Ultimately that moves to a vast leap in some area of your creativity.
And truth be told, the only workshop I ever went to with that same particular teacher left me feeling more than a little inept and not much of an artist. I believe it was the comment that sure “I could paint cute little pictures of people’s pets that they may as well have framed a photo of, or I could be a real artist”. I wouldn’t somebody else’s comment, no matter how highly esteemed they are leave you marked in the way I let get to me.
Thanks, Laurie. I think I’m up against a block that will lead to a leap forward at some point. I’ll keep trying!
Sorry to hear about the hurtful comment you received. I know that for myself, that kind of comment is crushing. Prayer and meditation are our way of staying mindful with our own art in our own way.
Your brush is telling you to take a break! My piano keys tell me that too sometimes. It is usually an indication that something new and special is developing. Listen to your brush!!!
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us that to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. God has blessed you with an amazing gift, and for whatever reason, He’s directing you and your talent into a new season. You may not know or understand it now, but trust God and let Him direct your paths. Whatever this new season is, I look forward to enjoying your amazing work. Keeping you in prayer.
Blessings,
Carol
Thanks, Carol. There’s a lot of wisdom in that Ecclesiastes passage. Thanks for reminding me of it, and for your encouragement that God is directing me into a new season.
Thanks, Chris. It’s helpful to know that you’ve had similar artistic blocks. I do hope that something new and special is developing.
I think it’s true what your other commentators have said: you should consider a pause and just let the creative juices flow. I think this is necessry with any creative endeavor. It’s no different with a hard worker who needs to take a vacation. You will come back renewed and reinspired.
Thinking of you Bill as you pass through this time, listening deeply within as wisdom and clarity bubbles up. Peace!
Thanks, Bev. I appreciate the wisdom and clarity you have always brought me. Going through a slump might just bring some benefits, if I can only find them!
Dear Bill. I agree with everyones advise and suggestions above. Take a break and let go of your expectations. Spend time in the woods, beach or somewhere and just breath. Walking or other exs usually helps too. So having said that and read all above I will take my own advise and see if I can get out of my slump. Maybe it’s just spring fever. You are a fabulous artist and this is just temporary. I look forward to your renewed energy.
Thanks, Irene. It’s good to know I’m not the only one who can have a slump. Good painting to you!