ComputerHunter.org

 

Overcoming Artists Block (part 2)


Once you are ready to start working again you will know it instinctively. All artists go through periods of 'creative block' - it's normal, but after one such episode there are ways of stimulating ideas and getting the creative juices flowing again.

Visit your local library and take out books that cover materials, techniques and subjects that are not familiar to you. If you are a watercolour artist, why not try oils for once? If you paint large acrylic abstracts, would it be possible to try soft pastels on a smaller scale? What results could you achieve by doing something completely different to what you're used to?

What about trying collage or mixed media work? Take photos of your neighbourhood, family or friends. Local places of interest, the countryside, the seashore, the city. Manipulate your photos on your PC and print out as digital art. Use the images, either natural or manipulated as collage pieces. It is so therapeutic cutting pieces and sticking them down. Use a range of materials to finish your work.

Instead of going straight back to paintings or drawings on normal scale, why not create some miniature pieces? How about greetings cards? White card 'blanks' are very easy to source. How delighted family, friends or customers would be to own an unique hand painted card.

Try drawing for once instead of painting, if that's your usual medium, or vice versa. Fill a sketchbook with small quick sketches. You could even time yourself. Three or five minutes maximum for each sketch.

When you're ready to go full size again, try loosening up your technique, by again setting a time limit for each piece of work you create. With a deadline to meet, you will speed up and loosen up. Try not to be precious with your art. Be quick and bold - see what happens.

Paint upside down. Start a new piece, then half way through turn the paper or canvas round 90 degrees. This is a great technique for abstracts. Use new colours - let them flow into each other. Splatter colours onto the wet surface. If you like, you could turn the work once more to finish. What a great way to create 'happy accidents'.

Paint or draw to music. Use only your emotion to make marks on the surface of your support. Play your favourite rock, pop or classical music, let the melodies and rhythms wash over you, influencing how your artwork evolves. I often paint to 'Smile' by Brian Wilson .... and boy do I get inspired!

What about painting left handed if you're a right-hander and vice versa. Trying to do a representational work with your weakest side will produce art that is still yours, but will have a completely different edge to it. Challenging and great fun to do ... if you have the discipline!

Finally, once you get back into full flow, remind yourself of all the artwork you have created successfully. How appreciated you are by your customers. Read their testimonials. Feel that glow again, when you realise that your creativity block was only temporary and that there are fans out there just waiting for you to release some wonderful new artwork into the arena.

Gail Miller is a professional artist whose artwork is a visual feast of colour and fun. Her fascination with bold colours and fluid, expressive shapes and line are evident in funky abstracts, sinuous nudes, vibrant still life paintings and lively townscapes. Visit her website at http://www.gailmiller.com







Google News - Top Stories

Washington Post

So What If Sarah Palin Used a Speechwriter?
FOXNews - 1 hour ago
By Betsy Newmark Disdaining Sarah Palin’s speech last night because she had a speechwriter is one of the lamest criticisms of her performance last night.
Video: Inside the Tent: Reactions to Sarah Palin's speech Part 4 ReutersVideo
Klein: McCain's Muted Acceptance TIME
Monsters and Critics.com - RealClearPolitics - Daily Republic - Detroit Free Press
all 4,190 news articles


WBT

Haiti doubles hurricane death toll; US extends storm watches and ...
International Herald Tribune - 52 minutes ago
AP WILMINGTON, North Carolina: Tropical storm watches and warnings in the United States were extended from Georgia to areas just south of New York City on Friday as states along the Atlantic braced for Tropical Storm Hanna, which killed at least 137 ...
Hanna heads to Carolinas; Ike not far behind CNN International
Hanna landfall forecast shifts south as storm approaches coast StarNewsOnline.com
Greenville News - New York Times - WBUR - The Times-Picayune - NOLA.com
all 2,336 news articles


BBC News

Cheney Calls for Ukraine Unity to Meet Threats, Backs NATO Bid
Bloomberg - 1 hour ago
By Roger Runningen and Daryna Krasnolutska Sept. 5 (Bloomberg) -- US Vice President Dick Cheney called for unity in Ukraine to meet potential threats following Russia's five-day war with Georgia, and renewed US backing for the former Soviet republic's ...
Cheney pledges support for Ukraine United Press International
US appeals to Ukraine to unite with West Swissinfo
The Associated Press - Jerusalem Post - RIA Novosti - RTT News
all 1,058 news articles


BBC News

Angolans go to polls in first election since 1992
guardian.co.uk - 38 minutes ago
Angolans today turned out in force for the country's first election since 1992, when a disputed vote plunged the country back into civil war.
Angolan Elections Underway, Many Polls Opening Late Voice of America
Angola Holds First Post-War Poll, Fairness Disputed (Update3) Bloomberg
AFP - International Herald Tribune - United Press International - AllAfrica.com
all 327 news articles


Sky News

Iran slams French OK for Israeli strike
PRESS TV - 28 minutes ago
Tehran has rejected the French President's suggestion that Israel could strike Iran under the pretext that the country seeks nuclear arms.
Video: Sarkozy in Syria : the press is divided france24english
Jumblatt: Assad looking to boost US ties Ynetnews
Ha'aretz - New York Times - Christian Science Monitor - BBC News
all 1,063 news articles

Google
 

Copyright © 2006 Computer Hunter - A Division of Arthur´s Job Base