Who is your biggest enemy when it comes to digging in and getting to work on your art? For me....its me! Every excuse comes to mind, I need to do laundry, I need to walk the dog, I need to.... I need to.... and I don't have any ideas to paint. A sometimes a vicious cycle of self sabotage all comes from the enemy within. I have had art teachers over the years with many ideas on how to breakthrough the cycle of procrastinating or artist block and it still shows up! Why?  I believe it is because I do not practice the things Ive been taught. Here is a short list of things that help me when I get stuck.

1. Number one on my list is positive affirmation. Create a list of positive affirmations that are personal to you. Look up lists online and pick out a few that you like, that fit you. Add to the list as time goes on. I have 2 lists on my bulletin board in plain view.

2. Make time on a calendar. My husband and I share a calendar and if needed, I can add time to be in my studio to paint, frame, whatever may need to be done to move my art forward.

3. Create a portfolio of ideas. A Sketchbook, a physical folder filled with magazine pages, an online folder of images. Websites with free reference photos are easy to find as well. I recently pulled out an old sketchbook and I am now recreating paintings from old sketches. Write down ideas that come to mind. I am not a sculptor but I have long wanted to create a specific sculpture. Keeping my idea in my head wont do much for me creating it. I will need to write it down, draw it, get some materials and try making a model. 

4. Just do it, so cliche but true. With no ideas what to paint, pick up a piece of paper and begin. Make a mark or a doodle with whatever you have, a pencil, crayon, paint, anything. Even if it turns into trash (save it for a collage), I tend to not throw very much away, it could be art some day!

Ok I do have a painting in progress so off I go to do more painting.....laundry can wait I have lots of clothes to wear!