Bringing the Everyday to Life

Fighting through a Slump...

Posted on 3/9/2015 1:45:03 PM by Brienne M Brown
19 Comments
Topics: Thoughts on Art

Painting from last week...
Painting from last week...

Hello Everyone!

 

I think I have the best job!  I am a professional mom and a professional artist.  I love being a mom and having the great opportunity to stay at home with my boys.  However, I also have a passion for painting and feel very blessed to be able to pursue art as a career.  Now, why is it that even though I love what I am doing, I have slumps when it is hard to find inspiration to paint?  Well, I have felt that these last 2 months. 

 

So, what happened?  Why has it been hard to pick up a paint brush for the last two months.  Did life get in the way?  Was I frustrated because of all the days of school that were canceled because of snow, changing my intended schedule?  Did I feel bad because of some recent rejections?  Or was I just in a bad mood because of the continual cold temperatures?  Maybe a little of all of the above?  I have learned from experience that inspiration does not come on command and often comes only after I start working.  So, why was it hard to get going again?  

 

I think that every artist experiences times when it is hard to get to work, even if they love the work they are doing.  Actually, this is probably not an isolated issue for only artists.  However, since that is my experience, I will stick with that.  I think the pressures to produce for deadlines, the pressures to keep performing, and the pressures of just everyday life sap us of our creative spirit sometimes.  So, how can we charge up our creative spirits again?  BTW, I don't have all the answers.  I think it would probably be different for everyone.  I will share with you something I learned though...

 

During my 2 month "slump", I did get some painting done.  I scheduled a couple painting days with a friend, thinking that would help motivate me again.  Though I did have a good time and finished some paintings, I didn't feel that familiar excitement.  The paintings turned out OK, but I didn't feel that energy.  Do you know what I mean?  It then became harder to want to paint.  It was like I was letting my worries of life take that creative excitement out of me...  So, let me tell you what I think finally got me out of it!  I have about 6 commissions lined up and they have been weighing on my mind.  About a week and a half ago, I worked on 2 of these and finished them.  After finishing these paintings and getting them shipped, something seemed to lift off of me.  Then on Friday night I was feeling a nervous energy I hadn't felt in a while.  I wanted to paint!  I didn't want to wait!  The excitement was back!  I wanted to plein air paint, but it was 8:00 at night and so too dark.  (I need to try some nocturne painting)...  I locked myself in my studio and painted for 3 hours!  It was fantastic!

 

So what have I learned from this experience?  I have learned that during "slump" times, it might be a good idea to look at my "to do list" and get done anything that is pressing on my mind.  If I can get at least some of it done, my creative spirit can soar once again!

 

What do you do to get inspiration back?  I would love to hear!

 

Until Next Time...

Happy Painting!

Brienne

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19 Responses to Fighting through a Slump...

Hi Brienne, I'm not a professional artist, but I am taking steps to get there! I am a mom of active teens with pressures, so I can relate to what you are writing. On days that I accomplish a lot and everything seems to be going great, and I have tons of energy, I think that's going to continue. But it never does. So I think we wouldn't value the times we're "on" if we didn't have the down times when we're not. You are wise to look at your to do list. Glad you got out of the slump!

Posted by Rachel Murphree · via briennembrown.com · 140 months ago

Thanks for the comment Rachel!

I agree with what you said about not appreciating the "up" times without the "down" times. I think we would burn out if we were always "up"! I know I would. I suppose the important thing is just to work through the "down" and then the "up" can be sooo much sweeter! :)

It is nice to be out of that slump though...

Brienne

Posted by Brienne M Brown · via briennembrown.com · 140 months ago

Brienne, I admire your enthusiasm. Particularly the enthusiasm you show for plein air painting. You've nearly succeeded in motivating me to get my kit together and get outside again. On the topic of getting over a dry spell, I wish I had the answer. I think we all face the lack of inspiration from time to time. When I feel that way I just push myself to get to work. Eventually something sparks my interest again. I appreciate the effort you put into this blog.

Posted by Chuck Lambson · via briennembrown.com · 139 months ago

Chuck... Thanks for the comment! That is great that I at least have you thinking about getting your kit together and getting outside! I just have so much fun doing it and it really has helped my art, I want to share that enthusiasm. As far as the getting over slumps, I agree does help sometimes to just get to work...eventually inspiration will come. It is just hard sometimes to work when you don't feel it, but I suppose that is life. Well, thanks for reading and let me know when you get out to paint... hahaha! Happy Painting! - Brienne

Posted by Brienne M Brown · via briennembrown.com · 139 months ago

Hi Brienne, I admire your work a lot, you seem to have a lot of natural talent and know how to put the paint on the paper and have your pieces look great, without overworking them (that is my downfall). They are wonderful.
I actually grew up and still live in the general area you grew up in. You mentioned somewhere Louise Ave, I grew up a few blocks west of there about 2200 E 2800 S, but many years ago, I am much older than you. I never found time to paint or do any art, raising 4 kids, then a divorce. So after 40 years, I wasn't getting any younger so decided to just carve out some time and just do it. I take classes at SLCC.
Plein air is hard for me, there is so much to see, I can't make up my mind what to paint. I am not very good but love, love, love. to do it. I have taken classes with Tom Howard, John Hughes, Ian Ramsey and hope to take more.
It is hard to believe you ever get in a slump but I guess we all do it, it is just a matter of degrees, I guess.
Penn seems like a beautiful state, lots to look at. With spring here, it gives us all a new lift, I think, It is so beautiful out doors. Can't wait to see your next creation. Take care

Posted by Sue · via briennembrown.com · 139 months ago

Sue... Thanks for the great comment and compliments! That is great that grew up and live near where I grew up! I love that area! That will always be my heart's home! I grew up about 30th east and 30th south, so yes very close to Louise Ave.

I am so glad that you have picked up painting and that you are enjoying plein air! Keep it up! It will get easier and just enjoy the experience of painting outdoors. You have taken some classes from some great artists. That is good. I know it is hard to pick and chose when there is so much information out there. I tell my students to pick one thing you want to emphasize and focus on, then only add enough detail to support your focus. You can always go back the next day and focus on somethings else. Think of it like telling a story, if you don't have a clear subject, you might just end up with rambling words....

Yes, I think it is a human trait to get in slumps, but it is good to know that we aren't alone. We just have to decide the best way for us to get out and keep going! Penn is beautiful and I love it, but I still miss UT and the mountains...

Thanks again for your comments and Happy Painting!
Brienne

Posted by Brienne M Brown · via briennembrown.com · 139 months ago

Hi!
How do I get your blog sent to my email? I am not seeing a place to sign up to get it.

Love your work and information that you share.

Thanks,
Joann

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