Monday, May 30, 2011

Beating the Block!... or... Inspiration Comes Through Perspiration!






















All of us who are driven by an inner passion to express our Selves... no matter or art form or genre... face fallow periods... and not surprisingly... because creating is such a personal process... we come down hard on our Selves because of this situation. We assume that our "Mistress"... has left us.... forever!



It is a painful process... and in visiting a number of blogging friends sites, I have recently discovered a fair number of folks who are suffering from this affliction. Perhaps this feeling is driven by the slowing sales in the art world all over... or perhaps simply because we spend so much of our time seeing many other artists... who (supposedly) by their almost daily postings... are always "on top of their game."



If one looks carefully at those artists... one can readily discover that they share one thing in common. They are not trying to paint a "master" piece. They are quite simply...painting! They simply find something(s) close at hand in their immediate environment... and set down to paint it. That's one strategy to overcome the dreaded "block"!



Other artists connect with other blogging friends to create thematic challenges... throwing down the gauntlet to their friends to take a stab at a common theme... let's say... "Camera". In so doing ... they create a group enthusiasm and creative spirit by responding to an "Idea" that wasn't their own. It works for them and great things come out of that exploration... for everyone involved.



Other artists sign up for a workshop with someone they admire to add new ideas and instruction to ignite their flagging enthusiasm... and usually they come home vaccinated against depression and withdrawal with a good "shot" of new possibility to suppress despondency. Another great strategy!



There are countless ways to approach this very ordinary creative occurence , but as with all hurdles we face in life... it is the individual themselves who must think and act to create their own solution in the end. Each of us is different... unique in our needs... our process and our goals.



I would like to share some insights into my own strategies for keeping this demon at bay. When I feel drained... artistically impotent,,, unmotivated... looking for my next "Idea"... a number of strategies come to mind. Obviously... working en plein air is my "magic bullet." It never fails to revive my spirit. Simply put: ... "beside still waters... it restoreth my soul." But weather... or at this time of year black flies makes that an impossibility for allergic ol "Me"... so on to plan B !





I slip into second gear - change medium for a spell. During the past week... I have worked in acrylic instead of oil. Boy... that approach sure created new thought and perspiration... believe it! But after my third piece... I was over the top... excited and refreshed. As well... I REALLY shuffled the deck... and changed subject matter... going to figurative work... definitely not my forte. Astonishingly... to "Me"... there was an epiphany moment in that genre for "Me". That moment would not have happened... if I had stayed on my usual... safe... and well-travelled landscape route. I will not become a convert to figurative painting... but it did inject new enthusiasm... and create an awareness in "Me" that I was not limited to just painting landscapes.



Yesterday I took three separate views of a wonderful Charlevoix, Quebec site... and with scissors in hand... "cut n' pasted" an entirely new and "virtual" subject. How freeing it was to create... first with scissors... then with acrylics... on a new painting surface (I'll load that story for you on another post). The result was nothing short of the feeling one gets... standing at the foot of "David"... towering 25 and a bit feet over you. Get the picture?



And did I mention? Deb is away with her Grand Gals in Yorkton Saskatchewan for a week... a well-deserved and necessary shot in the arm for "Her." She unconditionally supports my family members and "I" in every area of our lives... every day 0f the year. Travel is another way to support a positive and creative spirit. Our trip to the Barbados was just that in early April.



I will mention (gleefully) as well... that as the sole person manning the Gallery... I am in charge of the daily play list for a whole week! My diet yesterday... Diana Krall... Forest Music... James Taylor... Gordon Lightfoot... Andrew Lloyd Webber... and... The Jersey Boys!!! How good does it get! Boy...did I "cut the carpet"... all day around the studio. Back n' forth to the easel... just being sweet sixteen again... "Me"... my Self... and "I"!!!



No... I'm not at all manic -yet! But "I" am full of energy... vitality... and productive! I could run on at the mouth forever... but I'll leave you with this food-for-thought... from God (only) knows where on my journey. But the idea comes from a source we all know and understand intimately in our common pasts:



"We could all learn a lot from crayons. Some are pretty. Some are sharp. Some are dull. Some have weird names and they are all colours.But they all live... in the same box."



We, as artists... though we might differ in technique... medium... abilities... experience and physical locations "live in the same box"... and we share a common passion for making art. Through sharing "Ideas" ... process... feelings and Hope.. "We"... are a Family! The world... in these turbulent times... needs people who think this way... and through their sharing this feeling we demonstrate... that Peace is not just a word... or an impossible dream. It is an action!



"Some say that I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only one!"


-John Lennon



Sweet dreams and sharing... and Good Painting to ALL!

24 comments:

  1. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. It's my shot in the arm too. It brings on feelings of excitement and angst at the same time. Just like painting itself, warm played against cool, vibrate adding interest. Deviating from the comfort zone shakes us up and in the end forces us to solve problems and our paintings benefit from the experience.

    Enjoy your week of "You".

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  2. Hi there Susan!... Thanks for your visit and comment! You've hit the nail on the head Susan!

    R-I-S-K!... Experiment... deviate from the safe... but entrapping comfort zone!

    Solutions come from the strangest places and sometimes from closeby!

    Good Painting... and playing!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. I also, on occasion, will pull myself out of my comfort zone. I did that the other day when I went out to do some plein air painting. That sure humbles me, I must say, but it is also so wonderful to be outside and feeling the soft air and light sunshine, listening to the sound of the rushing, tumbling stream I was attempting to get down on pastel paper. I walked home all rejuvenated.

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  4. Hi Bruce,

    It's interesting how common 'Artists' Block' is, but how little it's talked about. I think it's something that is inevitable. If we have periods of great creativity, we must have sterile periods to balance them. I doubt whether it is possible to be in a permanently creative state.

    The best way to deal with it, I think, is not to worry about it. Anxiety is not likely to lead to creativity, in the same way that worrying about not sleeping just makes matters worse. Once it has happened a few times you realise that sooner or later something will kick-start the process again.

    Having said that, if there is a need to produce work, for an exhibition perhaps, some of the strategies you suggest can be useful. I find that trying new ways of working, or using different materials, can be very effective.

    All the best,
    Keith

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  5. Hi Karen!... Good to hear from you!... and to hear that you also step away from your comfort zone to encourage and enhance your creativity!

    There are many ways to combat this common artist malaise... but as Friend Keith suggests in his insightful remarks... sustaining creative energy without a break is unrealistic. I totally agree with his stance.

    Sometimes... we just need time to smell the roses... take the dogs for a walk... cook a special meal for a special someone! Sometimes... strangely... a rest is as good as a change!

    Glad that your plein air adventure gave you such positive results! Maybe more on the horizon????

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  6. Hello Keith!... Thank "You"... Thank "You"... for the best solution to this worry!

    There is no need to elaborate on what you have offered in your comment!It's all good! Worry is the culprit. Anything one can come up with... as a substitute for that non-productive activity is a solution! We all have our methods... I hope!

    Thanks for dropping by... and for your solid, thoughtful comments Keith! Much appreciated!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  7. Dear Bruce,

    First and foremost, love your work. Yes, aren't we fortunate to have this love of painting. Renoir once stated that painting was his salvation. Amen to that. Even when we are stuck, there is always another door to open and a new approach awaits us, always learning and discovering something new.

    All the best to you,
    Joan

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  8. So sorry for the delay in visiting Bruce. My modem died last week and the new one didn't arrive until today. Still, what a gorgeous group of paintings. I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite as your style is what always draws me in. My doldrums are due to lack of talent. I'm rarely at a loss for ideas; it is the execution that sucks the life out of me. It never measures up to my visions or my standards.

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  9. Dear Joan!.... "You" are oh so right!... So was Renoir. Art saved my life and has been a constant throughout my life.

    It has opened doors... led me through darkness and provided "Me" with so many fine and valued friends... like "You"!

    There is always more to learn... new ways to learn... and so much that we can share with our fellow artists! A Universe filled with possibilty ... joy and pleasure!

    Thank "You" for stopping by... and for your thoughtful remarks Joan!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  10. Hi there Sherry!... Sorry about the "death" in your family! We really do depend upon these mechanical tools... don't we?

    Thank you for the uplifting compliments about my work Sherry. I wish somehow... I could get you to stop focusing on your perception of your... "lack of talent"!

    That notion gets in the way of any real chance for you to grow my Friend! Growth in the business of making art... only comes practice... and more practice. When we spend too much time comparing our own work to others... and then berating our own efforts... it can work against us.It's simple really:

    "Repetitio est mater... studiorum"
    Repetition is the mother of study.

    Get at it Sherry! Do your best!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  11. A most interesting post Bruce thank you. I think as we are all individuals our art will also reflect that. I know artists who paint and draw everyday and simply seize the day and paint anything. I also know artists who work only when they can find the time and produce some very beautiful work. I have been painting Bruce but I am working a little differently to my usual way. More on that when I finish the painting and post it on my blog. Many thanks for your comment on my blog too. Your thoughtful posts on your blog enrich our days, thank you.

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  12. Thank "You" Caroline for your kind compliments and for your visit!

    Good for you... "to seize the day... work a different way". Those two strategies will certainly yield benefits that you can't foresee!

    I'll look forward to seeing the results of your "play"! HAHA!!

    Good Painting... and playing!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  13. Hi there Joan!... Renoir was right! My art was certainly that for "Me". I have played with it in my youth... used it in my teaching and recovered from Darkness using it to uplift my spirit and my will to overcome the worst of obstacles!

    It has also brought a multitude of opportunities to form long friendships and now... to connect with Friends like yourself... who share my passion and my willingness to offer ideas for thought!

    Thank "You"... for your uplifting comments and presence on this blog Joan!

    Good painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  14. Hi there Sherry!... Thanks for stopping by... and for the encouraging comments!

    Glad that you got your new modem... now you can visit around again freely!

    Sherry... I don't feel that your doldrums arise from your lack of ability... but rather that you question not only your artistic ability... but more dangerously your total sense of worth and worthiness.

    In reading the comments that your friends (including myself) continually leave at your site... you seem to be unable to use this encouragement to "get into the fray."

    We are... each one of us... totally responsible for the outcomes of our dreams... even from day to day. Think of your journey as a kite Sherry. "You" are the only one holding on to the kite. The wind can help you... but occasionally you have to take action to adjust your own actions to keep it aloft.

    Hold on to your dreams... and FLY your kite Creatively... Joyfully... and Proudly Sherry!

    Fair winds... good kiting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  15. hi bruce! another incredibly helpful post and three incredible paintings! isn't it strange that many of our online cohorts are experiencing the dreaded "block?" it seems to be a communal thing. your processes for getting out of it are tried and true. i sit in the funk however until it passes, unable to even think about creating. but as Keith so wisely said, don't worry about it! it's so true that if you focus on NOT being creative, that is what you attract...reasons NOT to be creative. so, i've learned something today! i sit at the computer and visit other artist blogs to get inspired ant it does seem to help. thank you again for another great post. and your figurative work is just stunning, i do hope you continue it along with your landscapes which bring me great joy!
    enjoy the weekend and all the best, suz

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  16. Hi there Suzanne!... it is always so refreshing and uplifting to share visits with "You"!

    I cannot for the life of me figure out why people find it necessary to dump out all of their angst on their sites. It must be that they believe that their site serves as a safety valve to release the strain that is in their own life.

    I do find it very frustrating to return again and again to try and buoy up good spirits... who set the bar too high for themselves... or perhaps haven't the experience yet to understand how the whole creating process runs - peaks n' valleys!

    I visit around to sites of those like yourself... who inspire "Me" with their work and their outlook. I usually fine that they are a healthy indicator to average my own situation in with to gain insights... and grounding.

    I will indeed be continuing to work with figures... I found it a very invigorating experiment!

    Thanks again for dropping by... and for leaving such thought-proking comments! Much appreciated!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  17. Thank you for your enthusiastic compliments in regards to my paintings Taio! I much appreciate your visiting! Do drop baack again!

    Felicidades senor!

    Warm regards,
    Bruce

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  18. great variation of paintings here bruce...is there anything you can't paint???
    ps i know the answer!!

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  19. Hi there Rob!... Thanks for dropping by ... and for the compliments!

    I'll give any subject a shot Mate! What's to lose??? Sometimes one can surprise themselves. That's what making art is about ...eh Rob? Riskd and challenges... in "strange places"... like cemeteries! HAHA!! Good one!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  20. yes it is all just light we are painting anyway!

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  21. You're right there Mate!... Just light! Even colour is just the result of refracted light!

    Let there be ...Light! HAHA!!

    Good Painting... and lots of Light in your life Mate!

    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  22. Morning! Painting number three has done it for me feels like you've painted the sound of the water. - I'd have such fun trying to jump from rock to rock up the stream. I'd fall in and get wet a lot of times. It's kind of how I see painting. You've just got to give it a go, see what happens... and not worry about getting wet.

    This is good advice about ways of getting out of a rut. Interesting to read everyone elses replies too. What works for me is to pick up a pencil and just doodle - patterns, marks, lines - nothing in particular. The aim to fill a whole page with rubbish. Something happens about halfway through and little thumbnails appear which I can use as ideas for paintings. I think the key thing is that I've set out to make rubbish so there is no pressure and I just start to enjoy making shapes again.

    Have a great day.

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  23. Hi there Lisa!... Sorry for the delay in answering ... I just found your comment while editing posts. Thank you for offering these very interesting ideas and insights!

    Good painting goes well beyond merely creating a visual image. The most successful art draws upon all of the senses and involves the viewer on many levels of appreciation.

    Your suggestion regarding "rubbish" as you refer to it... merely translates exploration in my own vocabulary and process.

    My own "shorthand" is most likely only useable by "Me"... due to the fact that most of the explorations aren't intended to develop into a finished piece.

    The final "Idea"... which inevitably works its way to becoming a specific painting... is formed through the kneading together of many of the trials. One begets another... until something gels... or distills into a direction.

    Thanks for taking the time to visit and to offer these very valid suggestions!

    Good painting and Sketching!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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