From Stuck to Unstoppable: Ten Tips to Overcome Art Block

In this video I share ten tips that will help you overcome art block. I have found over the years that creativity can wane at times so I've taught myself a few different ways I can get that creative spark back.
✍🏻 How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated as an Artist - blog post: www.louisedemasi.com/tips/202...
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⏱ TIME STAMPS
0:00 Introduction
0:55 Change mediums
2:46 Change subject or style
3:59 Look for inspiration
4:54 Collaborate
5:35 Connect with nature
6:16 Music
6:45 Don't compare
8:13 Setting Goals
9:00 New Art Supplies
9:32 Take a break
10:09 Finished Carnation painting
10:19 Outro
10:54 Bloopers
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[@richrogers2157]

“ it take years and years “ , I’ve been slugging away on and off for three years, not once have any of my hundreds of paintings been worth a dam, not just unsellable, but poorly constructed,poor color usage , funky composition or subjects that I fail to bring to the canvas in any convincing manor -pretty much garbage. While I appreciate your suggestions , most of which I use, I must say that your beautiful carnation, your skill and brush work confound me, and I am nearly in tears over how far behind you I am. But thank you so very for trying to cheer us on. 😢

[@kygkyg8971]

I think that's really awesome that her son helps her with her business of selling art and art prints ❤

[@johngovus2734]

Not just a brilliant artist but a gorgeous lady. Louise you are a true inspiration

[@elegw5072]

Love your bloopers !!!!!!!!!!!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Lol- thanks Ele. ❤️

[@debh4190]

Great ideas! Thanks. And -- that kitten is TOO Cute and needs to be in every video!

[@judynash2794]

💞Great tips. Listening to this video was like listening to a friend. Love the bloopers and the kitty!

[@goldfishgames]

I painted with acrylics for years. Found watercolor and have flourished. For fun I tried a quick acrylic last night. I struggled because the darn stuff didn’t move or flow it just sat there! How quickly I adapted to WC. I am a longer time patron supporter, being able to access Louise anytime has been beyond worth the the monetary investment.

[@pjpony1234]

I've been in a slump for 5 years now. My son passed away back then and I just couldn't create anything. Add to that, my granddaughter was born and with her mom being a widow, I found myself babysitting several times a week and when I wasn't babysitting, I was recovering from babysitting. I just bought a new set of paints and brushes. I haven't done anything yet, but I'm determined to get back into it. I just need the alone time. Very much a problem in my home. Thank you for the wonderful videos you do. They're very lovely and inspirational to me.

[@radiantnavin8033]

This is a video meant strictly for me! at the right time! I am in this Painter's block stage, and it's been over a year of constantly procrastinating. Thanks very much, Louise for this inspiring video. This tip especially - TRY TO MIX MEDIA, yes I think I should not always think I should only restrict myself only to watercolors. Thanks again.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad to help and I hope you get your creative mojo back soon.

[@beverlydevriesburrows3097]

Your adorable bloopers are a great inspiration to me and lighten my day!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

That makes me very happy to know. Thank you Beverly.

[@suel4269]

Thankyou for this! Your blouse is beautiful and so is your Carnation.

[@musia1861]

Fantastic! A stem strong enough to support that weighty flower. Thanks for the whole video.

[@evamarcum2520]

I love your videos. Your videos just popped up as I am lying in a hospital bed. Looking forward to going home so I can get back to doing something I truly love.

[@danastavney5687]

I accidentally bought a painting book off of amazon that was for gouache instead of watercolor. I decided that I should give it a try. It was refreshing trying a new style. It has a lot of similarities of watercolor, but also a lot of differences. It gave me something to do while I was at a loss for any watercolor projects this winter.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

You are the only one...I mean only one watercolour artist I can see...who does watercolour slowly without rush ...maybe because of your favourite wet on wet technique. I was about to leave watercolour last year...then because of your videos I continued. For me only frustration with watercolour is...RUSH or speed we have to paint and SAVING white of paper. But with your technique these are overcome easily.Thwnks a lot 🙏

[@rosiethebear300]

I was considering learning water colour and then said "nah" I'll stick to acrylic until now! Wow - You do watercolour beautifully! I,m inspired!

[@lifemademary]

Came for the art and tips, stayed for the kitty! My own cat loves those sponges!

[@MrShunarr]

The carnation looks beautiful, l love the gradiations you managed to do on the petals!

[@chantelmcskimming6633]

Thank you for the ideas 😊. I really liked the cat at the end and the bloopers. 😊

[@janemerves7682]

I love this video. After months of not painting, I needed this! I love to paint still lifes with unusual combinations of items so now I’m inspired to go out with a fresh eye for inspiration.

[@SuzanneLegault]

So great tips Louise. I'll make a list and pin them in my art studio because it's always when you need them most that you forget them. One thing that works for me is to clean my studio and rearrange something. Could be new thrift store pots for brushes. Also go to the library and blindly puck out a book from the art section, sit down and take a break. Something about libraries that brings back the creative teenager in me.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Great advice Suzanne. Thank you for sharing. I hope others read your message. I have this habit of cleaning the studio between paintings. It's weird but I am a bit of a neat freak. The studio gets in a mess when I do a painting- stuff everywhere. When I finish the painting I clean it so that when I start a new painting - everything is organised. Then I get in a mess again etc etc.

[@reetamaidhotmail.comtomas2689]

Just as lovely as ever, Covid stopped me painting for months. You lifted my spirits

[@monalisamackey783]

Thanks for the tips and encouragement, Louise. Leo is such a beautiful cat! 💕

[@laowaistudieschina7470]

I went through a ten-year period of block. I have some suggestions: Don't buy into other people's expectations of what type or style of art you "should" be doing. They are not you, and what works for them might not work for you. Build general drawing skills. Do iterative drawings or just scribble with a ballpoint pen. Go somewhere in your area that you've never been, or haven't seen in a very long time. Take a sketchbook just in case inspiration strikes. Be honest with yourself about what you want to do with art. This may take some soul-searching. Brain dump. Write everything, big or small, that is on your mind right now. Put the paper in an envelope. Now go for a walk in nature.

[@jlambert1954]

Love the tips, bloopers, and kitty artist! Thanks for the advice!

[@sonyaoart]

thanks for all the tips. I enjoyed the Leo cam at the end, too

[@sylphofthewildwoods5518]

This was educational and appreciated, Louise. Thank you. I want you to know that the colors in your blouse are very flattering on you and I adore your precious Leo kitty. 😍

[@santisree6803]

Thank you Louise De Masi.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure Santi. Thank you!

[@eileentascioglu5249]

I love your paintings!! And I love to watch your bloopers! You are so cute in them. Thanks for being an inspiration to others.

[@heleng8853]

You’re an exceptional teacher, so patient. Love the carnation and your cat. Mind sits on the table when I’m painting and tries to drink the paint water….

[@debbyleiper8367]

I’m very much an ametuer, but I love painting. Thanks for your tips, and the bloopers!😂

[@sarahbailey5928]

Great tips, gorgeous painting AND a kitty😊perfection. Thank you Louise.

[@sandrah1779]

Thanks for this video. It came to me at the perfect time. Now I know I am not alone. Thanks again.

[@yvonnewalton2888]

Thank you Louise I’m in a slump but I find it is time I don’t have. Sunday at 6 am I want to paint your church door but I think I have to get up shower, breakfast, then go and hang the washing out before I even get started. By then I just can’t be bothered. Put my board that I want to use has already a new painting on it I want to hand. I get two painting per board.

[@peaceandcreativity4636]

Yeah for a painter colour palette is versatile....me too love to try different techniques when get bored. You are inspiring. Love your videos tips

[@suzieblair8089]

will you be doing a full length tutorial on Patreon, showcasing the Carnation? It is beautiful!

[@OnlyJewell]

Love your videos Louise! I'm hoping you'll add your process of how to do graphite studies on your Patreon. I love that you do them, I just don't know how to do them. Specifically,the shading. Much love, always.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Lindsey - most definitely I will. Just need to take the time to do it. 🥰

[@KrisVictoria]

Lovely video! Thanks for sharing. Love the carnation and the kitty clips at the end. ❤

[@jacqulynhilyard1561]

Thank you for your generosity in sharing these tips. When you mentioned that perhaps turmoil in a person`s life might be interfering with creativity, it hit home. Sometimes when you are inside a situation that is difficult and stressful beyond what you can cope with using the coping skills you have depended on, but don`t work for your situation, it seems to affect creativity. But when you stop to think about it, how creative would a creature locked in a box be? It is easier to make sense of cause and effect when stepping back mentally from the life situation, and you reminded me of this wise tactic. Many blessings for all you do.💕

[@amandastratton8242]

Loved the carnation Louise and all the good advice for us in a slump (me too) so I will be trying to start again and maybe use extra mediums to help me along. Thank you for sharing with us x

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Amanda. I think we get in a slump because we keep doing the same old things. Many of us have to keep learning and extending ourselves to stay interested. 💛

[@evamarcum2520]

Thank you for this video. I've been in a stump for 1 year after putting my house for sale and had a stroke.

[@keva_artwork]

Love these tips. ❤Due to chronicle illness I can't work on my art daily. But I always look at art or write down ideas. For new art supplies I sometimes get a sub to things like Upcrate for a few boxes. It makes me use other media. For music I made a playlist on Spotify that I mostly put on when painting or drawing, but sometimes I also need something more relaxing. 😁 Thank you for this video.

[@celirondoni7717]

Great video, as always! Loved the bloopers, but more than everything, the footage of your little helper! He's growing in charm and beauty! Looking and stroking this little belly, would help having anyone's creative mojo back again no time! 😙

[@annewatman677]

You must have heard me whining recently! I painted with acrylics for about 10 years, and I still like it, but I don’t love it. Then I started playing around with watercolor, watching tutorials, and feeling like there are times when this is what I love and want to do, but other times feeling like I’ll never be any good at it. Thank you for sharing your own thoughts and experience because I love your paintings!

[@laurieberns6520]

Your videos are very calming to listen/ watch. Thank you.

[@SillyGurl12]

Wonderful tips, Louise! I've used several of them, and they're always helpful. It's been so amazing to watch you grow and, in turn, to grow alongside you. Thank you for the inspiration and instruction. You've made such a difference!

[@ratnaroychoudhury1220]

Thank you It is a treat to watch you paint 😊❤

[@christinechevalier6877]

Merci de partager vos sentiments sur votre art pourtant ou vous excellez et de nous dire vos doutes c est génial

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Avec plaisir et merci !

[@patlatour2465]

Beautiful flower,loved your video and tips are all good❤thank you for sharing your silliness at the end lol.😊😂

[@janicelancaster3020]

Thank you Louise wonderful video. Inspirational,love the carnation.

[@rosemarymoore3142]

Thank you for your wise words.. I've just ordered two new brushes...won't make me a better artist but I'm so looking forward to getting x using them!!!

[@ratnaroychoudhury1220]

Great helpful tips.I follow few of them and they really bring out creativity often dormant within us ❤😊

[@dalehallmark9174]

I firmly agree in the "change medium" method of gaining new inspiration. In that vein I suggest a big change...such as painting to sculpting. I don't mean giving up on painting but gaining new skills in a different area.

[@gingerpie1978]

Beautiful!

[@stephaniecorbett5356]

Thank you so much for this.

[@sadiaawanartist]

Absolutely Amazing Work ... ❤ I like watercolor Flower Painting

[@cynthiakeith6925]

Great words of wisdom Louise. Thank you.

[@ashleyevans3330]

Excellent tips!!!

[@Ktpstudio]

Thank you for sharing❤

[@christinelefkowitz6851]

Your art is spectacular! I love your videos, you are so relaxing to listen to and learn!

[@johnharkness6304]

Excellent Louise, a lot of us will use some of the hints you've mentioned, to get back on the road, thanks a mill 👍🏻🎨

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks John.

[@normamiller2316]

Thank you for the inspiration. Cheers!

[@mridulascreatives]

Such a beautiful painting love to watching❤🎉

[@SheXyShellyMarie]

Excellent video as always. ❤

[@karlabarrera3091]

Merci beaucoup pour votre vidéo, car on se décourage de fois et il y a une petite tristesse que s'installe et pour tant j'aime peindre ! Même si je suis une toute petite deboutante! Mille mercis, vous êtes une professeure exceptionnelle!

[@sonyahlawat8663]

Hi Louise ...loved the tips...Thank you ❤

[@LisaAdams.75]

I needed this and the book... thank you for the recommendation :)

[@sheilamyers9049]

Absolutely stunning I love your colors

[@loisgibbs7524]

Thank you for all the information you share it so inspiring! ❤

[@carolinafernandezoro733]

Excellent!!!!

[@traciesawrey9084]

Thank you

[@zeinaatik]

Thank you very much for the tips that are constructive and very useful

[@reenagoel7626]

Always love your paintings and motivational words at the right time. Sometimes it feels you can read my mind. Thanks once again Louise for uplifting my spirits. ❤

[@nkguenther1]

Thank you, Louise. I watched this late at night when I couldn’t sleep. The part about being true to yourself is what I needed to hear. I know my husband wants me to paint portraits and I bought some lessons but haven’t done them. I guess that’s because I’m just not too interested in it.

[@charlenewallmark1187]

I have been feeling VERY unmotivated and grieving my enthusiasm for painting. I watched your video today and it really helped . Mostly I need to get better paper again and tune up my drawings pre painting. Thank you!!! 🎉👍🏻

[@cynthiabsaibes3381]

Great tips. I jump between pastel and watercolor. This keeps me interested in what I do, and sharpens my skills. I love your work. Thanks for sharing your skill and knowledge with us.

[@olgaminina]

So beautiful💙💙💙

[@mavisdavidson9814]

I just want to say thankyou sooo much for the inspirational tips that you have outline so perfectly. I have been watching your videos since the pandemic and I have to say you brought my inner art skills to life.

[@patriciacufre334]

Marvelous!!!!!! 🎉❤🎉

[@kate4986]

The cat!! ❤❤❤

[@rodeastell3615]

Excellent video .. very inspirational. Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Rod.

[@michellenwhiteartist]

Thank you for the wise words, all is so helpful and true. thank you for sharing.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Michelle. 🌺

[@carolregister148]

One of my favorite videos that you have given us. ❤️ I've been inspired and WILL be referring to this again. Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You are so welcome. Thank you Carol.

[@yumirager4357]

Thank you, Louise! All great tips, some of which I have used. I will keep all these in mind when ii feel stuck.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Perfect. Thanks Yumi. It happens to many of us.

[@SharonH11100]

You are very wise ~ thank you!🙋🏼‍♀️

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thank you Sharon. 💖

[@Linda-pg3so]

Thanks, Louise. All great tips🤗👍🏻. Arcanation😊.

[@elkepaull-keller9039]

Thanks for sharing your story with us. Some tips for life also. With my art teacher Tony Windberg has using coloured pencils outside and it has been refreshing and a chance to reset and has motivated to clean out my studio and declutter. You're a treasure, please keep sharing.

[@anntownsend6114]

Once again you have produced a timely, informative video with wonderful information. I too have partially switched to water colour pencils and am much more relaxed. One idea, when dejected, is to start what I call a postivities journal where I record all the good things that happened during the day and can go back and reread these entries on a not so productive day. I also had an ah ha moment when I saw how you were holding one of your brushes. That alone is going to help me move forward on my art journey.

[@kathryncarbine7140]

Thank you! This was so helpful. Nice to see you have many of the same struggles I do.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Kathryn. I've moved away from drawing/painting all my life but it has always pulled me back. ❤️

[@kathryncarbine7140]

@@LouiseDeMasi thank you for answering. When my children were small I learned to knit becauseI could do it in bits and pieces of time. Now O machine quilt for a living , bu drawing amd painting are still my favorites

[@KariAndresen]

Very helpful video. Thanks. And what a cute shirt!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Glad it was helpful. Thank you Kari.

[@CC-bz2fu]

have been bored with my own artwork lately.... interesting watching you paint...will watch the hairl dog video as I have one of those :(

[@tnperdigao]

I love your videos so much... thanks for the tips... when i feel desmotivated, i do it anyways... and during the process, the creativity flows again =)

[@LouiseDeMasi]

I'm glad. Thank you Thais.

[@themotherranch]

Thank you Louise, love your videos :-)

[@LouiseDeMasi]

My pleasure and thank you. 💛

[@Sherlock2022]

Great tips. I like your advice to challenge yourself in different ways. I usually only did landscapes, but since joining a Facebook group, I’ve tried a variety of different things, plus your material. I have noticed some artists have a very prescriptive way of doing things, like always using the same colours for trees or rocks, without actually seeing the actual nuances. I think this can lead to stagnation. I like the book recommendation, too.

[@livinglovefamily]

SUCH a great list of ideas. Many I have used myself. I switch to mixed media over watercolor, like you suggested whenever watercolor frustrates me too much.Find something new to learn when I'm feeling stagnant. I would add adult coloring books for when you need a "break". Keeps you in the creative world but removes much of the creative stress.

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

This video is so timely! So stuck!! Thank you.

[@LouiseDeMasi]

You got this! Thanks Monique.

[@MsMoniqueWilson]

@@LouiseDeMasi ❤

[@lada7539]

Thanks, your advice is helpful since I am loosing my inspiration 🌹

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Lana. I hope you keep going with it. ❤️

[@larryjenks4078]

I've been dead in the water (pun intended) for almost two years, so this post was spot on! Thank you, Louise! When I saw the carnation you were working on, I thought that was just the thing to get me going again. Do you have a tutorial on that somewhere?

[@kgille]

I never thought it would happen to me because I loved watercolor painting so much. Now, I haven't been inspired to paint all winter. I have one painting I've forced myself to work on for about an hour a week and it's not helping. I've been doing other things, and hoping my inspiration will magically reappear. I will be giving all of your great ideas some thought. I hope one of them will help to turn things around!

[@LouiseDeMasi]

Thanks Karen. I hope so too. Use a Pinterest board to store art that inspires you - it really helps me when I'm flat.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Excellent tips. Have you ever tried oils?