Painting can be really hard work.
Perhaps, not physically like manual labour is hard but sometimes the picture does not work as well as it should. Constant reworking is required and still the desired result eludes your grasp.
There's a distinct correlation between my motivation to complete and it's actual completion.
And that’s no co-incidence.
- Sometimes it’s the subject matter – particularly on a commission, the client may choose a composition which is not my first choice.
- Sometimes it’s the size of the project
- Or that it needs to be done by a deadline, like with this painting of Oxford University Bookshop which was created for a competition, back in the days when I did such things.
Whatever the reason it's when procrastination rears it's ugly head.
Tidying the studio is often far more appealing. As is making ANOTHER cup of tea or checking my email. Or *insert name of your default procrastination activity here*. Sometimes, I’ll even start another painting!
But eventually I know I must finish it and that’s when I knuckle down and here;s how I push myself.
Look for incentives
- I allow myself little treats after I’ve completed something or worked for a certain amount of time. E.g. after 30 minutes I can take a break.
- Sometimes changing the music I’m playing will alter my mood and get me in the right mindset – usually something with attitude.
- Just committing to five or ten minutes will help me start, I usually end up spending longer than five minutes.
- Working on multiple paintings at a time also helps because, if I get stuck on one painting, I can usually keep going with another.
So next time you’re stuck spend a few creative moments finding something that works for you.
How did I overcome the block with this Oxford University Press Bookshop painting? I put some music on and got cracking!
I find it’s always worth the effort when you finally finish the painting and see the results of your work! Here’s the Bookshop complete.
Sorry I’ve been absent a while, life got crazier and I think you know I rescued a puppy, so motivation is at zero for me atm… but I usually go for a walk and/or take photos.
Love the complex near the Barbican
Hi Sue, I didn’t know about the Puppy until today. Congratulations! Good luck with him, they’re harder work than you expect but great once they’re trained, it’s worth the effort, believe me. Glad you like the painting, thank you. I’m off to start one of Wolfson College now.