Twin Waterfalls
8"x 6" oil on Raymar board $150. SOLD
Artist Note
Inspired by sketches from a trip to
Yellowstone National Park.
Personal Note
I have been going through a severe
artist block.
I turned for help to Carol Marine's wonderful book
Daily Painting
where she has a whole section on it.
Daily Painting
where she has a whole section on it.
Although I related
and was inspired by those who shared
their own experiences, I find I am still in it.
It is a horrible place to be.
I do not have any hobbies
so I cannot turn to anything
else with the same focus
It is a horrible place to be.
I do not have any hobbies
so I cannot turn to anything
else with the same focus
I am still turning up daily at the studio.
I am faithful doing a journal.
I am experimenting with different media
-which is supposed to be fun.
-which is supposed to be fun.
and
I have paid a considerable amount
for an online course which
helps one evaluate their
individual purpose
in life and with their art-path
It was developed by an artist /psychiatrist
(which gives me some confidence.)
I will share if I find it is really helpful.
Hopefully I will be successful
and get back to doing what I love most.
Stay tuned...
I have paid a considerable amount
for an online course which
helps one evaluate their
individual purpose
in life and with their art-path
It was developed by an artist /psychiatrist
(which gives me some confidence.)
I will share if I find it is really helpful.
Hopefully I will be successful
and get back to doing what I love most.
Stay tuned...
Try birding.........
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect solution, David. My attempts at birding have been diminished by painting time. If I never get back to painting then my direction is clear.
DeleteWell hell Julie, you need a big hug, some good energy, (can you feel it?), a glass of wine or big cup of tea. Next, a pedicure, hair cut and lunch with a good friend. Don't even mention art. Your mind wants a little break. Just enjoy the day without worry. In other words, enjoy a little time with the awesome Julie! That's it.
ReplyDeleteYour opening words made me grin, Blanche. thanks. I like the hug across the miles too. My friends are stepping up to the plate and invitations to play have been extended. I will let you know but my daughter must have read my post because an unexpected early trip out to see me starts tomorrow. she is fun.
DeleteYou always seem so fruitful in your painting (I mean even painting in the car!) so I imagine this is painful. I wish I had some great tip other than to keep at it. The paintings I like best are usually my 3rd attempt on a canvas.
ReplyDeleteFruitful, yes, so when the tree is bare it is strange and even worrying.
DeleteI do love your latest floral. It made me feel good and that is a nice gift.
I know you've heard this already, but I believe that running out of steam every once in a while is only natural. I am confident you'll bounce back with renewed enthusiasm; you are too energetic and positive a person to do otherwise. Sometimes, when I am feeling creatively stagnant, I'll do a surprise gift painting for someone. There isn't the pressure of a regular commission, plus there's a happy anticipation of the joy of giving. I find it's a sort of welcome side-step from paintings for a show or gallery. In any case, I send encouraging hugs; take heart.
ReplyDeleteYour waterfalls are glorious -- lots of energy and movement!
Nice idea of making a gift but the thing is I cannot paint and I am trying everyday. They look like a stranger painted them . Thanks for the encouraging hug.
DeleteIt is great to see your two posts of the figures on the water ... great theme and done so well. Big congrats.
You're welcome for the hug, and I'm sorry my suggestion was no help. It's awful you're struggling right now. To be honest, there probably isn't a "quick fix." You will likely emerge from it gradually -- but I am confident that you will emerge! Meanwhile, enjoy all the good thoughts, and long-distance hugs sent your way, and try not to be too hard on yourself. (Enjoy your visit with your daughter; so nice!)
DeleteWhat Blanche said. And just another idea or two, if you don't already have an exercise routine, that might be helpful. I have just started meditating ... if you haven't done that it also might help. You are so brave to share this with your blog readers, Julie. You will get past this, I know. With you in art. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteI am pretty active, Teri, I swim a couple of times a week, play ping pong and do my 10,000 steps almost every day. I have meditated for years but admit I am falling asleep when i start. I never used to do that!!
DeleteThanks for caring Teri. I love your post of the artists retreat. All the pics are wonderful and your finished painting is truly beautiful . ..you must be pleased.
Julie, I really feel for you. I think the advice of the artists above is wise and helpful. With all that you do...teaching, painting, blogging, planning, etc. not to mention all the personal tasks needed with self, home and family, you are on the extreme end of overload. The mind is overwhelmed and creativity becomes almost a burden. This happens, I imagine, in every "occupation" or field of interest especially to those with great talent and extreme commitment. As the body needs a rest periodically, in particular does the mind. With rest, divergent interests and time you'll feel ready to go on again. Several above suggested great ideas and I'll add yoga, swimming, cooking, letter-writing, sketching, photography, knitting, etc. Don't pressure yourself, dear friend. Just enjoy some down time. The excitement WILL return.
ReplyDeleteA very wise and complete evaluation and it all makes sense on one level. It never occurs to me that I am in overload. its my job and I am a good boss. I always feel lucky that I do something I love. It was hard when I packed and moved a year ago but I am not even teaching at the moment. This was the time I was planning on painting just for moi!
DeleteIt is weird for sure. I feel dried-up and make marks on the canvas but no inner response./can't finish anything I start.
If you read my reply to Teri you will see I am physically active but I like indoor activities during the hot summer.
How are things with you, dear Carol? Are you creating? Hubby still working magic with his camera?
OH, JULIE!! I'm so sorry you're going through this..but it does happen to all of us. I wish I lived closer to you. I would take you out to lunch. Sometimes we just need that "needed" break from what we love and you'll go back when you're ready. This painting is outstanding...Its hard to believe the size of the piece. And of course, Congratulations on selling it... sending hugs to you, my friend!!!!
ReplyDeleteWould love to go out to lunch. Bless you.
DeleteThis too will pass but what if it doesn't?
Love the Painting of Rea. Her hair is AMAZING!!
Very wonderful landscape painting !!!
ReplyDeletethank you Stelios. Love your green door!
DeleteThanks so much Joan, I am getting a break for sure.
ReplyDeleteYou did a great post on the big paint out. Loved it.
Julie - first your painting of the waterfalls is absolutely gorgeous. I have faith that with a bit of down time sweet friend you will be painting your heart out again. Good for you to keep going to your studio and painting even when inspiration is not at its best. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. Yes, have faith ...important I know but still a little bit fearful. This too will pass... but into what? Getting older!!
DeleteMy daughter and hubby arrived for a visit so not in the studio either but it is lovely having them. Maybe the break most recommend.
Julie, I am sorry you are experiencing this. When I wrote about the same problem on my blog, you had some great advice. Here is what YOU
ReplyDeletewrote:
"Helen is right...just show up and do something and the key is DO NOT BE CRITICAL of what you do. Just toss it or wipe it if you do not like it. Sometimes, looking back you see it was quite good, but "the mood" did not let you see that at the time..
When i was an illustrator I had to work no matter what - and yes, some times were not as creative or good as others. I didnt have the luxury of even thinking I had a block...it was work and I HAD to do it. So why, when we are our own bosses, do we call it a block?
Ask yourself if it has a root. Sometimes we are unaware of a change which has started in our art and it becomes a struggle. It may be concern for a situation, but just showing up in the studio and piddling can be just the ticket. Not easy I know but there again it is part of who we are. I am sending warmest art vibes your way so catch...."
I have Nancy Hillis' book. Sounds like you are taking one of her online courses. Trusting it will help you.
Sending you those warm art vibes back your way :)
Did I write all that? All true stuff too. So maybe I figured out the "root" and will ponder on that. Thanks for taking the time to find it and send back to me. A very thoughtful thing to do.
Deletehugs.
burnout is no fun. I do find not referring to it as an artblock sometimes helps since it makes things feel like you have hit a brick wall when it comes to art. giving it a name, gives it power as cheesy as that sounds. hopefully the course helps you :) *hugs*
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point about the negative connotation gaining more power. Thank you Jennifer.
DeleteI hope that what you are experiencing now will be over soon. And that you will be highly inspired again doing what you love to do. When I have a down time, I usually distract myself from what I am doing and engaged myself to do other things. It is not easy but we have to find a way out of it. May God guide you in finding back your inspired spirit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the supportive words Cora. I have taken some time to not feel as pressured but still turning up in the studio to also do the homework. Your painting of a rose is truly lovely.
DeleteI like this work very much Julie, it has life, that water can be touched.
ReplyDeleteI want to recover completely, the brushes and creativity will help without a doubt, I say that what I do is "Put color to life".
Greetings.