5 SIMPLE TIPS to Break Through ART BLOCKS

[@hilarystewart366]

I have just finished caregiving for my parents. For 6 or 7 years I haven't had the head space to even pick up a pencil. I realize that part of this was because I didn't want to resent my parents for taking my time for art. It was pretty distressing. I tried looking for info on how to overcome artists block. This is the best by far. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m glad this was helpful, and I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you find your way back to creating. It’s in your soul. ❤

[@hilarystewart366]

@@LeslieStroz Going to start The Artists Way!

[@j_a_n_i_c.]

The same happened with me. Now that they’ve passed I’m having a hard time reentering my own creative thoughts.

[@VeldaE12]

🤗🤗 I get it! For past year my focus has been on helping my son survive then rehab from nearly fatal sepsis. These tips are wonderful.

[@hilarystewart366]

@@j_a_n_i_c. I'm getting back to by obsessively buying art books- mostly on individual artist rather than how-to. Watching art videos. I'm not pushing it but feels like it's coming back. I'm glad your folks had you with them.

[@scribe_samples2309]

It took me 3 tries over a few years to get through The Artist’s Way…I go back to Morning Pages anytime i find myself stuck. I find a huge difference in my day when I began with Bible reading and prayer before touching media. All wonderful tips, thank you! I’m heading to my art desk now!!!

[@gwenanderson1914]

Thanks so much - I've had the artists way book for years and like you - I stopped at lesson 1 - did it during COVID and it helped tremendously but then never did anymore. Been thinking of getting back into the book but never have. You have inspired me to get it out again and actually do the work. On a side note. Doing daily writing gave me many books of thought dumping that I did not want to read again but did not want to throw them out. So I glued a few pages together and painted over my thoughts, resulting in many beautiful mixed media journals covered in art but honouring my mind dumping thoughts as well.

[@LeslieStroz]

What a great use of your morning pages! So clever. Yes, try doing the whole book. The morning pages are a mere fraction of what you can get from it. 😊

[@ladyflimflam]

If free writing doesn’t work for people, it may simply be the wrong tool. I picked up Writing Down the Bones in 1993. What I found was that the stream of consciousness writing was damaging to my mental health. For some of us, writing down the swirl isn’t freeing. The process reifies that internal voice and promotes negative rumination. I was eventually diagnosed with PTSD and bipolar disorder. What I’ve learned through the years is that more somatic practices, like making art, are healing, while cognitive practices, like free writing, can very quickly tip into overwhelm and chaos. Even 30 years later after lots of therapy and a solid medication regime, this kind of practice is dangerous for me, and I’m not the only one.

[@LeslieStroz]

That’s such a good point, and I’m glad you found ways that help you. “The Artists Way” does a better job than “Writing Down the Bones” at steering the negative thoughts (she calls them blurts) into affirmations to heal. But I totally respect that it might not be right for everyone.

[@ninaorehek7983]

I never read The Artist's way. I bought It's never too late to begin again by Julia Cameron. I find it great for those of us who are approaching retirement or are retired already. Julia keeps reminding us it is never too late to make our dreams come true. I started journaling daily a few years before I got the book. It helps me to get out the unhelpful thoughts, but even more to express my feelings. I never did it in the morning - I usually do it in the evening. On the other hand, as much as I find my phone useful, I don't use it a lot and never in the morning.

[@timothyatwood1]

I have not been well. My wife purchased The Artist Way for me for Christmas. I have been writing every day since, with the exception of one day (rough one). I havn't committed completely, but this video hit at just the right time. It is scary, dark stuff comes out in my pages sometimes.

[@LeslieStroz]

I’m so sorry you’ve been unwell. “The Artist’s Way” offers tips and guidance for how to take the negative thoughts and turn them around. I hope it helps you. And I hope you soon have better and brighter days. ❤

[@ChantelleArts]

Is it weird I've never had an issue with art block? I think having a channel is really helping my focus and determination ☺

[@dmr6340]

Thanks for theses suggestions. I keep buying art supplies and watching so many painting tutorials and not actually doing any painting, I keep procrastinating - I’m not sure what I’m afraid of 🤷‍♀️

[@LeslieStroz]

Remind yourself that just watching tutorials is educational, so don’t feel bad if you start with that. I’d suggest doing colour charts to start. It will help get you over the fear of the blank page! 😊

[@LesleyKing-1905]

Thanks Leslie, I especially agree with your last tip ‘play’, my Art improved dramatically when I started playing and experimenting with my supplies, I quickly realised which supplies inspired me rather than those collecting dust and then knew where I should concentrate my efforts and then I really experimented with swatching etc which taught me so much about how watercolour really worked and fed into my paintings, I took a really good online course as well which I did in a January because I realised it was my downtime of the year 😊

[@Niki1968-s2f]

You have been the most inspiring of anyone on social media, thank you! I ordered both of those books. 😊

[@LeslieStroz]

Oh, thank you so much! ❤ I hope you love the books as much as I do. 😊

[@shankariab1687]

Thanks so much for the recommendation Leslie! I bought the book, "writing down the bones" and in just 15 pages, I felt like writing. This book is a great suggestion for overcoming block!

[@ninawilhelm36]

I read both books ages ago and did the morning pages religiously. Thanks for the reminder. I'm going to pull them out again and start all over.

[@LeslieStroz]

Hooray! 😊

[@nimaflorio5502]

Leslie, I love your videos so much, but this video struck a deep cord in me. I've been taking a break from social media and today I went on KZbin to watch some art videos after quite a long time. I've had a baby so haven't had the time to do much creating. Just wanted to feel inspired again. Of course I had to see what you were up to :-) I love everything you said. Thank you so much.

[@staceg2003]

Getting over a nasty cold, and just due to being busy, I've been on hiatus from my art supplies since well before Christmas, maybe even Thanksgiving. Yesterday & today, since I still don't feel well enough to be out & among people, I sat down with paint sets my daughter gifted me for Christmas. Just swatching out the new colors felt incredible. The little painting I did in a sketchbook wasn't wonderful, but I actually felt mentally & physically lighter after having spent the time.

[@LeslieStroz]

That’s wonderful. We often discount the little play tasks like swatching, but they are part of the creative process and so helpful. I hope you’re feeling better soon!

[@sonyaoart]

I LOVE Writing Down the Bones so much! I bought it almost 20 years ago when I visited NYC, it's probably my favourite and most useful souvenir ever. Thanks for these tips ♥

[@LeslieStroz]

Yes!! That book has shaped my writing more than any other. I love Natalie Goldberg. ❤

[@silverleafmaple]

I used the book and journal in the 1990s, but I was overloaded. I will try again. Thank you so much.

[@marlaatml]

Thank you Leslie. I am going to go play with my paints. I don't know why adults are allergic to the word play.❤😊

[@exnaborrascalvo6315]

Thanks, thanks, thanks, this book is amazing

[@sagerat8188]

I love those 2 books, I am also currently reading "The Creative Act: A Way of Being" by Rick Rubin. So far I have really enjoyed it. and it is broke down into small chunks that are easy to read. Thank you for the great ideas.

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks for the book recommendation- I’ll check it out! 😊

[@deboramissoorten6765]

Just what I needed. Ahh yes The Artist Way , I also bought it in the '90's and started many times over all the years and always abandoned somewhere in the middle (I don't know why) but now hearing you and how you finally went through till the end and your advice I will pick it up right away , my copy looks very used and notated 🤭but I now will do the job right and thanks for sharing the other book as this one I didn't know . I just reflected last week for myself how easy it went making art for 20+ years and how more difficult it is the last years and definitely due to the distractions and input from all the impressions dumped into our minds through our phones, I pad, pc ..It is indeed finding the balance as when using it right it brings a lot of benefits too . Thanks for making this video ! Wish you a beautiful year. 🍀

[@lisaharris7445]

Another perfectly timed video, for me, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed at trying to start again after being consumed with retiring from work last year. The idea of play with my supplies is fantastic. I have SO MUCH gear that it is daunting. But I’m sure I have a sketchbook that can be my play book for 10min each morning to get me back on the horse. Leslie your videos really are extremely helpful to people. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

Congratulations on your retirement! What a perfect time to play and get to know all of your supplies. I’m excited for you! 🤗

[@agnespeterse2529]

Thanks Leslie...❤

[@janetrusterucci3232]

Leslie has thanks for sharing your tips for artist block. The books you mentioned are way new for me. Meaning I never heard about them before and that’s not surprising because I consider myself a newbie watercolorist. I want to say I’ve only been working at it for 6 months or so. Trying to find my through it all. ( paints and paper and techniques). So just to encourage my own creativity ( I think I’m too new to have artist block 😂), I’ve purchased “365 Days of Art”, “Laws Guide to Nature Drawing” amongst some other books to help me. I find that there is so much to learn and at my age (72) it may be too late. However, I find that watercolor painting in itself is very healing for my body and soul. All and all I appreciate your insight. Thank you.

[@LeslieStroz]

It’s never too late to learn or create art! Grandma Moses didn’t start until she was 78. I’m glad you don’t have any creative blocks. The learning process is exciting and I wish you all the best with your journey. ❤

[@janetrusterucci3232]

@ thank you 🤗

[@deborahmeyers551]

Thanks for sharing Leslie ❤

[@JoAnneSmith-di8ok]

Thank you for your inspiration and encouragement. I will watch this again and take notes. I hope you are feeling better. Have a good week. 😊

[@Lulu.G-61]

I started the Artists Way a couple of times over the years. I don’t enjoy the lessons where she advises to do things from the point of view of a child so I stop. I don’t know if that is significant, but I have adopted the morning pages and have been doing them for years now. I will try the lessons again.

[@LeslieStroz]

I think the early childhood ones are helpful because they get you pinpoint and understand the root cause of insecurities and negative self-talk. But for some maybe that’s too painful. Even just the morning pages are helpful in decluttering the thoughts. 😊

[@jvisser4848]

Great advice. Thank you very much.

[@kirsty145]

Thank you for posting your lovely youtube videos 😊

[@veronicabalfourpaul2288]

Those 2 books are my favourite!

[@qwiltergrl]

Thank you for the encouragement and inspiration. I have The Artist’s Way but never cracked it open. I’m going to give it a try and also look into the other book as well. I also believe in playing with my supplies. I do this when I don’t know what to make. It’s a lot of fun. Thanks again!

[@LeslieStroz]

You’re welcome! I hope you like the books as much as I do. 😊

[@PaulaScardamalia]

This is packed with gems and in fact, I am working on this week's newsletter writing an article about the Hermit with many of your same points. I, too, own copies of Cameron's and Goldberg's books and, as a writer, began using them back in the 90s. Beginning with guilt and ending with play is great framing. Thank you. :)

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks! Good luck with your article. Natalie Goldberg is definitely an old hero! ❤

[@annferguson3581]

Thank you for this nudge into inspiration, Leslie. I did The Artist’s Way with a group, and just realised that was over 20 years ago! It really helped me launch my creativity. That was in textile art, but now I’m back to the core with drawing and painting and have been feeling the old, ‘What’s the point?’ Doubts creeping in. After watching your video I’m going to dust off my old book and get started. I’ve just ordered Writing Down the Bones. Thank you 🙏

[@LeslieStroz]

I hope it helps you! I hate that “what’s the point?” feeling. Things always seem more bleak in January. It may seem left field, but Qigong always helps me with that. Just 10 minutes a day is like an antidepressant for the soul.

[@SketchesnScrubs]

Lovely video ❤❤❤

[@LeslieStroz]

Thank you! ❤❤❤

[@season.appreciation8102]

Loved this, I’m certainly going to try these tips - I’m completely blocked! 😵‍💫

[@Lalikaki-es7ug]

I was feeling bad about "not being able to draw" and looking at my cellphone for hours every day these months, but then I remembered that I'm trying to create a pdf for etsy with over 40 or more embroidery for beginning designs and instructions. Sometimes you don't have a creative block, you're just tired because of other things like work and study 😅 It's important to ask yourself if this isn't your situation before you feel bad about the creative block .

[@LeslieStroz]

Oh definitely! When life is busy, we can expect everything ti be flowing perfectly. It sounds to me like your creativity is working just fine. 😊

[@maryalgar8779]

Great advice Leslie. You had me at the tea and cookies :)

[@LeslieStroz]

🫖🍪🤗

[@sararogers2602]

Loved this video. I am doing the Artists Way right now but had never heard of Writing The Bones. I'm looking forward to working through that too. Thank you for reading those writing tips. I am going to apply them to my Morning Pages. I do a lot of stalling and editing, haha. So much great info. Thank you Leslie❤

[@LeslieStroz]

I think the “keep your hand moving” tip is especially helpful for the morning pages! I love writing, so “Writing Down the Bones” is such a delightful book! I hope you like it. 😊

[@NiharikaSarma-zt9qn]

Thank you so much for these wonderful tips. Btw, happy 2025 to you!!❤

[@LeslieStroz]

Happy New Year to you too! 😊

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Hello Leslie I admit that after all these "end of year" dinners and family meetings that's exactly what I needed 😁👍😉 I hope you had great moments too ! Thank you for this useful tips list 😊🙏😘 Bises

[@LeslieStroz]

I don’t know about you, but my body doesn’t start to feel recovered from the holidays until at least January 10! 😅

[@-MEL16-A.O.C]

Same 😁😁😁😁😉

[@donnakelly8911]

Live the non phone ideas❤so fed up with tech. It has its purpose but seems to have taken over

[@Narja23]

Thank you

[@LeslieStroz]

The god talk can definitely alienate some people. I like that she addresses that and says to replace it with any spiritual word that works for you. Universe, higher power, inner soul. I think we all have an wise inner voice, so even just tapping into that is so transformational.

[@Narja23]

​@@LeslieStroz that's true ^^ but as someone who's not into spirituality at all, i must say that the alternatives weren't really speaking to me either ^^ i think the most important things that i picked from the book were the artist dates and the playfulness of trying new things and experimenting ^^

[@verschwenderin]

Thank you very much for the input. I will get these books and make the most of them! Have a very happy and productive 2025 everyone!🥰

[@LeslieStroz]

Happy creating to you! 😊

[@maryalgar8779]

QUESTION: Leslie, I see there is a Workbook for "The Artist's Way". Since you didn't recommend it as well, I assume one doesn't need it ??

[@LeslieStroz]

To be honest, I’ve never looked at it. Maybe it’s great, but I find the regular book and a blank notebook for the tasks is plenty. 😊

[@KatLu-o1u]

Thank you for all of your advise. Do you have any suggestions about how to stop the anger of wasting so much time off not doing art?.

[@LeslieStroz]

My advice is to be kind to yourself. It’s never too late to embrace your dreams and maybe you weren’t ready. Life is so busy that we can’t expect every phase to have been perfect. All you can control is today, and guilt or self-recriminations won’t help. Enjoy this money. “The Artist’s Way” really helps with negative self-talk! 😊

[@christophermckellar1352]

Thanks. How did you know?

[@margueritemitchell1829]

Hello from Beautiful British Columbia Canada 🇨🇦.

[@LeslieStroz]

❤

[@awatercolourist]

9:46 Do you think people in the Regency era used to say that people who read should unplug from books? It's a serious question that's been on my mind. How did society view the increasing interest in books? Did they think people were disconnecting from society and reality? I vaguely recall a 19th century caricature too that effect.

[@LeslieStroz]

Good question! I don’t think so. As far as I am aware, reading was considered to be a healthy pastime and people would often read and reread the same stories and poems. But perhaps with certain groups there were suspicious people. I’ll have to investigate…

[@awatercolourist]

@LeslieStroz Thanks for your reply 🙂.

[@AmberArtNYC]

🌺💗🌺

[@gailfuld3121]

Hi Leslie-Tried reaching you through Patreon chat (I am a member) but don’t think you saw it…I am a journal maker… if I made some of the tiny abstract landscape little house notecards (my own, of course) but following your instruction in your tiny treats videos, could I sell them in my shop as part of a journal since a tutorial was provided? I would be selling my originals-not mass producing them…thank you

[@MaxineBotts]

So good to see you back! Take care! We miss you!

[@LeslieStroz]

Aww thanks so much! I hated taking last week off but I really needed the rest. I’m feeling much better now. 😊

[@libellula3313]

I wrote a message and it disappeared ? I recently subscribed to your channel and i have been buying a few pens from Amazon. I live in France but when i used the Amazon eu link it always reverted to the UK site, even when i had my VPN on France? And often items cannot be sent to France. Could you consider an Amazon France link please? I'd like to support you even in this tiny way. I do not buy things from the UK now since Brexit as things go missing and sometimes incur extra charges. Thanks, Jo in France 🇫🇷 the Pyrenees

[@LeslieStroz]

Thanks, Jo. I appreciate it. I don’t fully understand the Amazon affiliates stuff for other countries. It’s on my 2025 list to figure out! Can you type in the name of each product on the France Amazon to see if it’s available to you?

[@kartikipatil2719]

First comment

[@susancrawford]

Go Wildcats

[@LeslieStroz]

My Alma Mater 😊

[@susancrawford]

@ me too…..class of 62

[@jc1865]

I got the artist way a few years ago. I found it boring and useless.

[@LeslieStroz]

Did you do the course or just read a chapter or two? It’s one of those that is best when you do the work. But yes, I’m sure it’s not to everybody’s taste.

[@amysbees6686]

I found it terribly triggering. If one has mental health issues (treated/untreated), they may need the assistance of a professional.

[@hansendesigns]

Apparently there’s… the artist’s way abridged/unabr, Reflections on the artist’s way, Living the artist’s way, the Artist's Way Toolkit : How to Use the Creative Practices (2025). Also for specifically for writers… Write for Life : Creative Tools for Every Writer : a Six-week Artist's Way Program. Those are from my library Then i put “Julia Cameron” in amazon search and wow there’s a lot of books. So many.