Stepping Away

I’ve taken a break from painting for the past couple of months.  I just did not feel like I had any creative energy.  Between holidays,a bit of travel and work, there wasn’t a lot of fuel left in the tank. I used to get nervous when this happened - was the muse gone?  Would I paint again?  Maybe I’d used up all of my creative powers. Now, I don't worry so much. I know to wait it out and do some creative gathering until the muse strikes again. 

For me, creative gathering is time away from the easel. Sometimes it means going outside - walking, hiking, observing the expanse of sky. Other times, it’s reading a novel, talking to a friend or staring at the ceiling. It typically consists of thinking, pondering and above all noticing. “Hmmm, I like the way that blue stoneware mug sits on that patterned cloth.” or “The graffiti on that brick wall has a cool pattern to it.” “Wow, the patina on that old warehouse is gorgeous.” These are not big things or big moments, but like a chipmunk gathering nuts for the winter, these moments of recognition start to add up to a storehouse of energy. 

I also know that dedicating time to practice is half the battle. So, I slowly creep my way back into the studio. At first those blank panels just stare at me. Then, I do some color mixing. I start a mood board of ideas to help get me going. I take out my sketchbook and play with patterns and shapes. Maybe take a look at my camera roll. And sure enough, I’m excited again and the ideas and the paint start flowing. I’m not sure where this new work is going to take me but I’m curious to find out. And I’m very happy to be back at it!