Join me on my personal journey with colored pencils as I share how I overcame artist's block, found creative inspiration, and embraced my unique style. Discover the power of self-compassion, practice, and personal growth in the artistic process.
Image created by Jeannette Sirois all copy rights apply
Hey there, fellow artist! I want to share with you a part of what it is like being an artist with any media. To start I want to ask, have you ever found yourself staring at a blank page, feeling completely stuck and uninspired? If you have, trust me, I've been there too. It can be frustrating, feeling like you're hitting a creative roadblock and not knowing how to break through it. But I want to share with you how colored pencils have been my such an inspiration for me and a big part in overcoming artist's block and finding my creative spark.
I want to share with you some ideas that have helped me overcome artist block and with these 5 ideas they might help you move forward as well.
FINDING INSPIRATION IN THE THINGS AROUND US
One of the biggest struggles I face is finding inspiration in my surroundings. I used to worry so much about what others might like or what would be deemed good art. But I've learned that true creativity comes from within, from finding beauty in the everyday objects around us. Take a moment to look at the world with fresh eyes – the colors, shapes, and textures that make up our environment can be a goldmine of inspiration for your next colored pencil masterpiece.
IDEAS
A street full of people
A walk in the forest
A walk along the beach
Photographing a pet, person or place
LOOKING AT OTHER ARTISTS WORK FOR INSPIRATION WITHOUT COPYING THEIR ART OR STYLE
Image created by Jeannette Sirois all copy rights apply
I used to compare myself to other artists, feeling like I could never measure up to their talent or unique style. But I've realized some time ago that each artist has their own journey and voice, and it's okay to draw inspiration from others as long as you stay true to yourself. Instead of copying someone else's ideas, focus on what resonates with you and use it to inform your own artistic practice. Remember, your art is a reflection of your personal experiences and emotions – embrace your uniqueness and let it shine through in your work.
IDEAS
Visit art museums to see what masters have done
Visit contemporary private galleries to see what other artists are up to
Be open to possibilities of something different even if it makes you feel a bit uncomfortable at the beginning - such as a new type of composition you’ve never thought of, or a set of colours that seem unusual to you, or even a topic that discusses issues that are affecting us in our daily lives, ex: pollution or the impact of cars on the road.
Embrace a possibility of change
BEING KIND TO YOURSELF AND KNOW ARTIST BLOCK IS PART OF THE PROCESS
It's easy to beat ourselves up when we hit a creative block, feeling like we're not good enough or that our art will never measure up. But the truth is, artist's block is a natural part of the creative process. We all go through moments of doubt and struggle – it's what makes us human. I've learned to be kinder to myself, to treat myself with patience and compassion, and to trust that my creativity will flow again in its own time.
IDEAS
Breathe and find peace in the process
Have a chat with someone who can relate - send me a comment if you need and we can inspire each other 🌸💗
Take a class and be with like minded people
Join a walking club or walk with someone you can chat with about your artistic struggles
Hold onto the fact that you are an amazing artist, and you can do this!
IF YOU’RE STUCK JUST START SKETCHING
When I feel stuck and unsure of where to begin, I simply pick up my colored pencils and start sketching. It doesn't have to be perfect or groundbreaking – the act of creating is what matters most. Take a simple object in front of you and let your colored pencils guide you. This exercise can help break through the mental block and reawaken your artistic spirit.
IDEAS
Set up a small still life with object in front of you right now
Draw a pet, a person, yourself
Draw your non drawing hand
Draw your foot
Draw the sleeve on your top
Draw the spoon or fork in front of you
What about those plants I know many of you will have around you 😉
PRACTICING YOUR SKILLS EVEN WHEN THE MOMENT DOESN’T INSPIRE YOU
Even when I'm not feeling inspired, I make a point to practice my skills with colored pencils. Whether it's experimenting with shading, blending, or color mixing, each stroke of the pencil is a step towards improvement. The more I practice, the more confident I become in my abilities, and the easier it is to overcome future bouts of artist's block.
IN CONCLUSION
Colored pencils have been my trusty companions in my creative journey, helping me overcome artist's block and reignite my passion for art. They are the extension to my hand and I know this is true for many of you also. By finding inspiration in the world around me, staying true to my own style, and practicing my skills, I continue to grow and evolve as an artist, you can too. Remember, your art is a reflection of your unique voice and experiences – embrace it, nurture it, and let it guide you on your creative path.
Happy drawing.