Conquering Artist's Block: Digital Painting Techniques To Try

Artist's block is a common experience among artists, who may struggle with inspiration, motivation, and creativity. It can be extremely frustrating, especially when you finally get some time to paint but can't seem to get started. However, there are several ways to overcome this block and unlock your artistic creativity. This includes seeking inspiration from other artists, nature, or even different creative fields, changing your environment, setting small achievable goals, experimenting with new techniques, taking care of your mental health, and allowing yourself to make mistakes. Digital painting techniques can be explored through online tutorials and art classes, which can help spark creativity and provide new ideas. Additionally, reducing screen time and maintaining a journal to capture ideas can also help overcome artist's block.

Experiment with new digital tools and techniques

Experimenting with new digital tools and techniques is a great way to overcome artist's block. By stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new, you can spark fresh ideas and discover new forms of self-expression. Here are some ways to do this:

Try Different Art Forms

Explore various art forms such as digital art, origami, or paper cutting. Each art form has its own unique challenges and possibilities, allowing you to push past boundaries and find new ways to communicate your artistic vision. For example, if you usually work with physical media, trying your hand at digital art can open up a whole new world of tools and techniques, such as different brush types, layers, and effects.

Experiment with Tools and Materials

Use tools and materials that you have never tried before. For example, instead of a paintbrush, try using wooden sticks, wine corks, or cotton pads. Experiment with different surfaces, such as painting on plastic, handmade paper, or old newsprint. This can help you discover unique textures and effects that can inspire new ideas.

Learn New Techniques

Expand your artistic skills by learning new techniques. For example, if you usually work with realistic styles, try experimenting with abstract or impressionist techniques. If you typically create structured pieces, try using looser techniques, or vice versa. There are many online tutorials and workshops that can teach you these new techniques and help you expand your artistic repertoire.

Focus on the Process

Instead of focusing on the outcome of your artwork, shift your attention to the process of creating it. As Edgar Degas said, "Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things". By embracing uncertainty and exploring new paths, you may stumble upon unexpected creative insights and discoveries.

Utilize Digital Apps

Take advantage of digital apps that can help you stay organized, connected, and inspired. For example, use calendars and to-do lists to prioritize tasks and manage your projects. There are also many apps specifically designed for artists, such as Procreate, which offers a wide range of tools and features for digital painting.

Focus on the process, not the outcome

Overcoming artist's block can be challenging, but reframing your mindset to focus on the process rather than the outcome can be an effective strategy. This approach encourages you to explore and experiment, embracing the unpredictable nature of art. Here are some tips to help you adopt this mindset and get your creative juices flowing again:

Explore Alternative Paths: Step away from your usual ways of creating art and explore new avenues. This could mean trying different art forms, such as digital painting, sculpture, or photography, or experimenting with unconventional tools and materials, like wooden sticks, wine corks, or handmade paper. Each medium and tool offers unique challenges and can spark fresh ideas and forms of self-expression.

Embrace Imperfection: Understand that creating art is a spontaneous act, and perfection is not the goal. As Edgar Degas said, "Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things." Allow yourself to make mistakes and explore without the pressure of a perfect outcome. This mindset can help you feel more comfortable experimenting and taking risks in your art.

Prioritize the Inception and Development Phases: Ask yourself questions to guide your creative process. How can you progress from inception to completion if your ideas are not fully developed? Take the time to develop your concept and creative vision. This phase is crucial, as it lays the foundation for your artwork and can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed or lost during the actual creation process.

Break Free from Outcome-Oriented Thinking: As an artist, it's easy to get caught up in the final product and how it will be perceived. However, this mindset can lead to self-doubt and lack of motivation. Instead, shift your focus to the present moment and the act of creating. Enjoy the process of bringing your ideas to life, and remember that art is a journey of exploration and self-expression.

By adopting these strategies, you can shift your mindset to focus on the process and unleash your creativity. Remember that art is unpredictable, and by embracing this uncertainty, you open yourself up to new possibilities and artistic growth.

Make art part of your daily routine

Making art a part of your daily routine is an effective way to overcome artist's block. Here are some detailed suggestions to help you establish a consistent art practice:

Firstly, it is important to understand the unpredictable nature of art. Art is often a spontaneous act of creation, and embracing this spontaneity can help overcome creative blocks. Instead of being overly focused on the outcome, try to enjoy the process. As Edgar Degas said, "Only when he no longer knows what he is doing does the painter do good things". Allow yourself to experiment and explore new paths, rather than sticking to familiar ways of creating art. This can help you discover new forms of self-expression and unleash hidden talents.

Secondly, set aside dedicated time for your art each day. Establishing a routine and allocating specific blocks of time for creative work can prevent procrastination and ensure consistent progress. Utilize tools such as calendars and to-do lists to stay organized and on track. Remember to also schedule breaks and rest periods to avoid burnout and maintain optimal artistic output.

Additionally, make art a priority by setting realistic goals and breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help you stay motivated and maintain momentum. For example, if you normally create large pieces, try experimenting with smaller formats.

Finally, vary your artistic mediums and techniques to keep things interesting. Try your hand at different mediums such as watercolors, sculpture, digital art, or even unique tools like wooden sticks or wine corks. Each medium offers its own challenges and possibilities, allowing you to discover new artistic perspectives and expand your skill set.

Remember, making art a daily habit is about consistency and exploration. Embrace the unpredictable nature of creativity and enjoy the process of discovery.

Seek inspiration from other artists

Seeking inspiration from other artists is a great way to overcome artist's block. Firstly, it is important to remember that all artists experience creative blocks at some point in their careers. Recognising this fact can help you feel less alone and more motivated to seek inspiration from others.

A great way to seek inspiration from other artists is to connect with them and discuss art, life, and techniques. This can be done by joining art communities, either online or in-person, such as art workshops and classes, or even Discord servers and Reddit groups. For example, r/ArtistLounge on Reddit is a community for artists to come together, share advice, and discuss their experiences in a positive and nurturing manner. Attending workshops and classes can also provide valuable opportunities to learn new techniques, gain fresh perspectives, and expand your artistic skills.

Additionally, you can seek inspiration from specific artists by studying their work and learning from their techniques. For instance, Lee Hammond, often referred to as the "Queen of Drawing," offers instructional books and videos that teach easy-to-follow acrylic painting techniques, coloured pencil techniques, and more. Exploring the work of such artists and experimenting with their techniques can help spark new ideas and inspire your own creations.

Another way to seek inspiration from other artists is to try out different art forms and media. Experimenting with watercolours, sculpture, photography, or digital art can provide a fresh perspective and ignite new ideas. For example, trying your hand at fan art, origami, or paper cutting can help you explore new artistic territories and discover new forms of self-expression.

Lastly, it is beneficial to reduce screen time and spend time imagining and letting your thoughts run wild. This can be facilitated by maintaining a journal where you can write down or doodle any ideas that come to mind. Taking breaks and allowing your mind to recharge is essential for optimal artistic output and can help you overcome artist's block.

Prioritise self-care and manage stress

Prioritising self-care and managing stress are crucial steps in overcoming artist's block. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential to nurturing your creativity and passion for art. Here are some strategies to help you prioritise self-care and manage stress:

Acknowledge the Impact of Stress

Recognise that stress and worry about other aspects of your life can hinder your creative process. Artist's block often stems from self-doubt, fear of failure, and internal or external criticism. Understand that these feelings are common among artists and that it's normal to experience creative slumps. Accepting these emotions as part of the creative journey is the first step towards managing them effectively.

Nurture Your Well-being

Taking care of your basic needs is vital. Ensure you are sleeping well, eating healthily, and engaging in physical activity. Prioritise activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy, such as spending time in nature, riding a bike, or simply reading a book. A well-rested and energised mind is more likely to feel inspired and motivated to create.

Create a Conducive Environment

A cluttered or stressful environment can hinder your creativity. Take time to organise your workspace and create a calming atmosphere. Listen to soothing music, light a scented candle, or introduce any elements that make you feel relaxed and inspired. A peaceful setting can help clear your mind and invite creativity.

Practice Self-Reflection

Consistently reflect on your thoughts and emotions. Identify if you need a break or if self-doubt is holding you back. Remind yourself that creating art is a unique expression of your perspective and skills, which evolve with practice. Embrace the idea that there is no rule book to art, and comparison with others is counterproductive.

Engage in Self-Investigation

Explore your interests, passions, and what resonates with you. Understand your authentic self to create art that is a true reflection of who you are. By staying true to yourself and your interests, you can maintain a sense of authenticity and uniqueness in your artistic endeavours.

Frequently asked questions