Artist's block, Work in progress, Giveaway
Sent: 5/15/2021 7:44:12 AM

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Studio In Spring- Getting yourself unstuck

Underpainting

Work in progress

Hi!

Last week I promised to show how this painting was coming along. I said this one might take some time because of the complexity. I've gotten stuck a half a dozen times this week.

So I'm going to share my secret for getting unstuck when doing any task you find overwhelming.

I almost resorted to procrasti-baking a couple of times. But I was determined to get in the studio every day. I was going to STAY in there until I got myself unstuck.... however long it took.

But it didn't take long at all. I know that if I stare long enough, I see some small thing I can adjust and I'm back in the game.

It's easy to get bogged down in the enormous variety of abstract shapes in a painting this big or in any big task. But one simple trick helps;

Think Small

It's like putting a puzzle together.

Notice the circled shapes in this detail from the photo-reference.

Each little piece is simple by itself. But when taken together with all the other little pieces, it adds up to a highly complex picture.

Get the color, value, and shape right in each small part and the whole thing comes together.

Photo reference detail

It works with money too. Keep track of the dimes and the dollars take care of themselves. And it works with ridding your lawn of dandelions, planning a road trip, doing taxes (ugh!) or research for a college essay.

Take care of each small thing as it arises and the bigger things eventually fall into place.

Yes,...yes, I know. Life doesn't fall together neatly like that every time or for every task. But even with the exceptions, the strategy works enough of the time to make it worth doing. Try that the next time you feel overwhelmed.

Giveaway

Barn Swallow II 4"x4" oil

My next giveaway for people here in my private list, is still a couple of months away.

I'm also doing one on Instagram to help me reach 100 followers.

If you aren't already following my artwork there, would you like for me to include you?

Follow me on Instagram.

I write here mostly as a professional artist.....but also as a real live person.

And I know that life can get crazy in a heartbeat. Whatever is going on in yours, please know that you are valued.

Jan