I started painting again yesterday after a period creative dryness. I always feel the same when I start a new painting. I suppose because a blank canvas or whatever the surface can feel daunting, and you can be filled with thoughts of doubt and fear of not being able to create anything that 'measures up' to the standard, preset by that inner critic. I have learned to ignore that voice, and push on through until I start feeling like the work is starting to make sense visually even though I haven't come near to the completing the work.
It felt great to get back at it and today I reached that point where I began to visualize the next steps. When I first embark on a work I can't see much of anything and I don't much like what I do see. A preliminary drawing always helps me immeasurably work out the psycho-babbling kinks, and get my groove on.
Not all individuals who create art have this initial doubt and fear at the beginning of creating an art work I am fairly certain. It doesn't last very long for me, just a passing thoughts that comes and go. I acknowledge these thoughts, then release them as soon as they appear. I suspect if I painted everyday these thoughts would lessen. And so I am reconfiguring my inconsistent painting habits to an everyday routine. I am more creative than I give myself credit I know, but there is always room for improving creative habits, and that's what I aim to do.
This project will be a series 22 egg tempera paintings. My time bound goal for completion is May or June.
What are your creative routines?
Here is something interesting; the creative routines of creative individuals throughout history
