Artistic Slump? 5 Ideas for an Artist to Jump-Start Your Creativity

These five suggestions are geared to help artists who wishes to re-energize their artistic process:

1. Take a class you must pay for.  A financial investment is a powerful way to make a commitment of your time, and will motivate you to show up so that you “get your money’s worth.”  As a result, you will wet those brushes at least paint once a week, during class time.
2. Plan a painting get-together with at least one other artist or, even better, a small group.  Inspiration and creative energy are contagious.  (see #1)  Be mindful that some people may be more likely than others to contribute energy to the room.  Given the choice, paint with people who contribute to the potential to lift spirits and keep the group motivated.  Once you find painting partners, commit to regularly scheduled get-togethers.
3. Take a walk, a swim or a bicycle ride.  It will quickly shift your perspective.  Getting the blood flowing will get oxygen to the brain.  Your creative juices will inevitably flow and you may go from “I don’t know what to paint” to “I don’t know what to paint first because everything I look at is a painting waiting to be painted.
4. Get your materials ready, and then set a timer.  Limit yourself to 15-60 minutes (you decide) to complete a painting, including the sketch.  You will be working fast and furious.  The more you restrict your time the more spontaneous your work will become.  This is a wonderful way to learn how to paint loosely and gesturally, and to keep the energy flowing.
5. Post your work in an online “community” where participants interact.  You may discover new art friends as you see your artwork being viewed by people all over the world.  The advantage of this step is similar to seeing your artwork hanging in a gallery, only with an international scope.  You see how your work compares to other artists out in the real world.  You have a built-in audience and you receive feedback.  The advantage?  Like in a gallery, there is a very real possibility that you will eventually enjoy sales from your online exposure or an opportunity to publish, and incidentally, you have no gallery commission.  Click here to see an example of a Flickr blog: 
   Flickr Blog.  Take notice, when you click on a painting image, you will see examples of how others comment on each painting.  Why not enjoy an opportunity to exhibit your artwork while sitting in the comfort of your own home?