My passion is painting, and there is nothing better to me than going into my studio and ‘playing’ with paint. There are times when I feel stuck, which is very frustrating. I stare at a blank canvas and I don’t know where to begin. There are other times that I am filled with ideas, and the creative process just flows. What creates that flow?
For me to get that flow, I need to create a challenge for myself (example - 30 minutes to paint a still life using only a palette knife), and give myself the freedom to just do it without over thinking or analyzing the process. I make sure I have everything set up, paints mixed, brushes, knives, water, etc. ready to go. I put on some music and just start. Sometimes I start by taking a brush or palette knife and just swipe the canvas with a stroke of colour – nothing planned, just to start the painting. When I really get into the flow, the time passes and I have such a feeling of exhilaration and accomplishment. It’s these moments that I remember when I’m stuck, and it’s this feeling that I try to capture each time I paint. It doesn’t always happen, but I’m getting into the flow more and more. As they say, practice makes perfect. I’ll be practicing a lot!
- Virginia
Thanks for sharing, some great reminders of the importance of flow. I remember reading in "don't sweat the small stuff" how the author would make it a habit to get up early to start his day. When I do that, it helps me get into the flow of the day and things seem to move along that much better...
ReplyDeleteKeep up the painting and writing...