I’m not trying to pretend to be perfect in any way. As everyone else, I have my challenges and, on occasion, I do run up against a creative block and get stuck for a while. I usually get out of those slumps on my own, because I have experience in how to do that, but not always. I’m sharing this to be open with you, so you get to know me for who I am.

There is this painting that has been sitting on my easel for quite a while. I started in on the 4th of March, and although I usually finish paintings in a couple of days, if not hours. This ended up sitting there for over a month. I wasn’t happy with the colours, especially the colour of the receding mountain.

The solution came from talking about it with fellow creatives, and now I’ve made some progress again. It’s far from finished, but I can see it getting there now.

If you’re stuck on something, reach out. Don’t let it sit half-finished because you’re afraid to talk to others about it. If you don’t know anyone you feel comfortable talking to, then join the Creative Explorers. It’s a safe place to share and diskuss creativity.

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24 Comments

  1. Jesse Webb

    Great tip, Linda! It’s almost funny how afraid we are to ask for help or support, and yet that’s what gets the co-creative juices flowing when we just can’t seem to do it all on our own. I love this reminder to ASK for help, instead of just staying stuck. 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thanks Jesse 🙂 I thought it might help others to see that I have my obstacles too

      Reply
  2. Patricia Missakian

    How fun! I agree, Its wise to be open to show the vulnerability and reach out! I am all for it!
    I joined your group! It will be fun!

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thanks Patricia 🙂 and welcome to the group

      Reply
  3. PollyAnna

    Talking about your problems in every area of your life is so important. I like having coaches or friends I trust in each area of my life, so I know where to go for advice when I need it. Most of the time, just hearing my problem out loud helps me work through it so I can intuitively find the answer. Our listeners are amazing mirrors into our own wisdom.

    Reply
  4. Kimba

    I so envy and admire your talent!! Please keep going and post the final painting when it’s finished.

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thank you Kimba 🙂 I will share it (I always do)

      Reply
  5. Michele Bergh

    I so appreciate you sharing your process. It’s helpful to know we are not alone. I hope you’ll share your finished product.

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thanks Michele 🙂 I always do, so I will

      Reply
  6. Liesl Garner | Love.Sparks.Art

    This is lovely. I think getting blocked mid-way through something is almost part of the process of art. As artists, we are intuitive, we tend to be exceptionally sensitive. We feel things deeply. We see things in ways that mystify. We see beyond, around, through, in spite of – and even so – we get stuck. We have hurtles, we have life to live, we have nagging doubts. It is the artist in us struggling with all that we have to give – I think. Other times I have no idea what it is, but it is there, and we keep working through and getting to the other side, and saying how we’ll just be consistent from here on – and then get stuck again. Isn’t it a lovely merry-go-round? I look forward to reading more from you. I like your perspective and your gift tremendously.

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Yes. Intuition is a big part of it, and the hurdles are many. I recognize the merry-go-round, although it’s easier for me to be consistent now, than it was back when I had a job.

      Reply
  7. Suzie Cheel

    Being a fellow creative i totally understand what you are saying. I have things unfinished from my textile life. With painting I find it easier I can start over 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thanks Suzie 🙂 Yes, that is easier.

      Reply
  8. Amy Putkonen

    Hi Linda,

    How fun to discover your blog! Are you also in the Inspired Blogging FB group? You make a very good point about getting feedback. That is a very good thing, especially for us creatives!

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      I am there 🙂 and the What are you working on too. A great idea! Just joined yesterday.

      Reply
  9. Vickie Martin Conison

    Thank you for posting this – I look forward to seeing the finished product. Sometimes it works to just walk away for a while, change your thoughts, change your perspective, and it never hurts to ask for help or a critique.

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Yes, doing something different for a while helps 🙂

      Reply
  10. Harmony Harrison

    I love seeing paintings in progress! Thanks for sharing all the photos.

    Sometimes stuckness is stuckness, but sometimes it’s healthy time away from a piece of work. Glad to see that you found your flow again with this painting. 🙂

    Reply
    • Linda Ursin

      Thanks 🙂 That’s true Harmony. Sometimes we just need some time away.

      Reply
  11. Cathy

    Lovely painting and a great suggestion. Thank you!

    Reply
  12. Elda

    Enjoyed seeing the process of your paintings and great advice about reaching out! That could be used for most anything and not only creative art. Excellent!

    Reply

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