How to be creative when you haven’t painted in years
Have you ever looked at a beautiful painting and wondered what it would be like to create art like that? But life’s responsibilities, routines, and distractions have made you put aside your passions, leaving your paintbrushes unused for a long time.
We often find ourselves caught up in various responsibilities in our busy lives, leaving little time for what we truly love. Perhaps you’ve noticed how time has slipped away, and it’s been ages since you indulged in your passions, leaving your once-beloved paintbrushes untouched.
It’s a common struggle for many of us as we juggle the demands of daily life. But fret not; you’re not alone in this. The hectic pace of modern life can sometimes stifle our creativity, but the good news is creativity is like a timeless fountain that never runs dry!
It patiently waits for us to come back and dive right in, no matter how long we’ve been away. So, are you ready to blow off the dust from those brushes and return to your favorite hobby? Are you wondering how to be creative once again? Whether you were once a pro at painting or just enjoyed doodling on the weekends, we’ve got you covered!
We’ll start by exploring simple and enjoyable ways to ease back into your zone. It’s like meeting an old friend after a long time – you might feel a bit rusty at first, but soon enough, you’ll be laughing, chatting, and creating like you never stopped.
Don’t pressure yourself; begin with small steps.
When you haven’t painted in a long time, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to make something perfect right away. But remember, it’s okay to take your time and enjoy the process of rediscovering your creativity. Allow yourself to try new things, make mistakes, and learn from them. Embrace imperfections and have fun along the way!
Take small steps, and don’t worry about being perfect. Every mistake is a chance to learn and grow as an artist.
Taking small steps is the key to kickstarting your creative journey. Instead of overwhelming yourself with big expectations, dedicate short bursts each day to your art. Whether sketching, doodling, or playing with colors, these little steps will gradually build your confidence and bring you back to the pace. Every small effort counts and can lead to remarkable growth over time.
Start creating images from doodles.
Start by scribbling lines and shapes on the page.
Take note of the forms and lines. Do you see anything? Look up at the clouds and try making something from those airy patterns.
You may transform the forms into persons, places, objects, etc. Enjoy this exercise to the fullest extent possible. You’ll soon realize that your mind can interpret those simple lines in various fascinating ways.
The best part is that you’ll have a page full of crazy concepts to incorporate into a brand-new piece of art.
Try out different art materials.
Returning to art after a break can be a little scary, but experimenting with various art materials is a fun way to spark your creativity.
You might be used to paint with one type of paint, like acrylics or watercolors, but have you ever given pastels, charcoal, or digital art a shot? Now’s the perfect time to give them a go!
The great thing about trying different art materials is that each has unique qualities. Pastels might bring softness to your work, while charcoal could add a touch of drama you never knew you needed. Don’t worry about being perfect right away – the idea is to enjoy learning and trying something new.
One of the best parts of experimenting with different materials is that it can spark fresh ideas. You’ll start noticing shapes, colors, and textures in a new light when you step out of your comfort zone. This newfound perspective can lead to exciting and unexpected artistic breakthroughs.
And here’s the fun part- you can also mix and match materials to create something truly original. Combine watercolors with ink or mix pastels into your acrylic painting – there are endless possibilities! Don’t rush; take your time, and enjoy the journey of exploring new materials.
Seek support from local and online art communities
When diving back into art after a break, seek support from creative communities. Whether it’s a local art club, an online forum, or a social media group, connecting with artists can help you get back in form.
Creative communities offer a safe and encouraging space where artists of all levels come together to learn and inspire each other. You can share your work, ask for advice, and celebrate each other’s successes. Being part of such a community exposes you to different art styles and ideas, bringing new inspiration for your own creations.
Have a Heart-to-Heart with an Art Consultant
Getting back into art can feel overwhelming when you’ve been away from art for a long time. That’s where an art consultant like Charuka Arora, the owner of Arts to Heart Community, can help. In her one-on-one sessions, she gives personalized advice to artists to help them improve.
During these heart-to-heart chats, you can discuss your challenges and what you want to achieve with your art. Charuka listens carefully and gives practical tips to work on your techniques, try new styles, or get past creative blocks.
What’s great about these sessions is their focus on the creative process, not just the result. You’re encouraged to experiment and learn, even if your work isn’t perfect. Charuka’s supportive and nurturing approach makes the whole experience enjoyable and inspiring.
No matter how much or how little experience you have, talking to Charuka can be a game-changer for your art. Her knowledge and passion will guide you, and you’ll discover new possibilities and grow as an artist.
Give yourself a chance without the fear of failure
In art, permitting yourself to fail is one of the most liberating and empowering things you can do. We often fear making mistakes or producing less-than-perfect works, but failure is an essential part of the process. Embracing failure as a natural and valuable learning experience can lead to incredible growth as an artist.
Think about it – some of the greatest masterpieces were born from countless failed attempts. The journey to excellence is paved with trial and error, and each mistake brings you closer to discovering what truly works for you.
So, don’t be discouraged by a less-than-ideal outcome; instead, see it as a stepping stone toward improvement.
Permitting yourself to fail also frees you from the suffocating grip of perfectionism. It allows you to take risks, try new techniques, and explore. When you release the fear of failure, you open yourself to new possibilities and fresh perspectives.
Moreover, failing in your art doesn’t define you as an artist. It’s just a moment in your journey that provides valuable lessons and insights.
As you continue to create and experiment, you’ll notice how failure becomes less intimidating. Instead, it becomes a welcomed companion on your path to excellence. So be kind to yourself, learn from your mistakes, and watch your art flourish like never before.
That’s all for today, but before we say goodbye, I want you to put these ideas into action and start creating with newfound enthusiasm. You have a unique voice, and the world is waiting to see what you can bring to life.
For more inspiration and support, check out our website, Arts to Hearts. Every Saturday, we share creative magic with articles, tips, and featured artists that will keep your imagination flowing. Join our community of passionate artists, and let’s go on this journey together.
Now, go out there and let your creativity shine! Keep drawing, painting, or crafting – the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget that your creativity knows no bounds, so let it soar and become the best version of yourself through your art.
Have an interesting story of your art journey?
Until next time, stay inspired, keep creating, and see you soon at Arts to Hearts!
The images in this article are sourced from:
