How to get 'unblocked' as an artist

Even the best and most prolific artists get blocked from time to time. Creatively blocked, motivationally blocked, even emotionally blocked. What’s the best way to break out from an artistic block and what do I do when I’m in this situation? Well…here are some tips that are worth a go. Nothing is foolproof, but if you don’t try, you’ll never know what will happen. Who knows, you may even produce your next masterpiece in the process!

Here’s a piece I painted when I was feeling blocked. I didn’t focus on anything but loose and expressive brushstrokes and producing something by the end of the hour (yes I painted this in under an hour!).

1) Paint something small. Pull out a piece of paper, pick up a pen and do a drawing, anything to get your artistic skills flowing.

2) Join a virtual life drawing course or art tutorial so you can just create and not think. Following someone else’s guidance could be just what you need to get out of your own head.

3) Try something different or outside of your usual practice. If you normally use oil paints, try acrylics. If you usually paint figuratively, try painting flowers for the day. Freeing yourself up can remove some of the pressure to create something special.

4) Have a browse on Instagram and see what other artists are up to. Have a look at their practice, their technique, their flow and get inspired to create!

5) Get caught up your art admin or cleaning your studio and maybe that will be so boring (haha) that all you’ll want to do is get back to creating. Worth a try, you’ll have a clean studio or some new content at the very least!

What do you try to get creatively unblocked. Leave a comment below and help out a fellow artist!