Keeping Up Your Enthusiasm

"Sea Glass #26"
20" x 20" abstract on stretched canvas
​Click here to purchase. 

Sometimes being an artist isn't fun. It's a lonely job and occasionally we get in a slump. Self-doubt is brutal and it's easy on any given day to ask yourself, "Why am I doing this?". 

I honestly don't know what the "negative triggers" are that cause us to get in these slumps. But they are real. Often too real. 

The first thing we all need to realize is that "slumps do happen". They are normal in any job, especially ones that utilize and require creative energy. So just accept them and understand that they will pass. 

Last month I traveled on the road for almost three weeks, got caught up in my son's college volleyball games and built a new (and very exciting) vegetable garden. Plus I taught a three day workshop in South Pasadena. To be honest, the thought of painting just hadn't been a priority these past few weeks. So rather than grasp and enjoy these "diversions" I beat myself up and felt very guilty for not spending time in my studio.

And yes, I know that is ridiculous. I know that I needed to embrace everyday and enjoy every minute! But it happens. To all of us. All of the time. 

So what should we do? Stop creating guilt and negative energy. Duh. So here is what I did.

First thing, I made a list of everything I wanted to complete for the week and broke it down day by day. Then I started attacking the list with vigor. Every time I completed a task I crossed it off. And that felt good. I am painting a ton now and feel very good about it. And the things I needed to get done are getting done. And the guilt is gone. Yippee.