If I could tell you... what are 5 things that I would do if I was stuck in a creative rut.... this is what that list would look like:

Put a paint brush in your hand. I can't tell you how many times my creativity has felt paralyzed. I sit on the computer, or sit on the couch and I think how horrible of an artist I am... I think that no one likes my work... I think that no one cares if I paint or not, so why waste my time? That's Mr. Inner Critic talking..and if there was a person like that on my right or on my left saying those things, I would have punched them in the face and walked away looooonnnggg ago. Don't listen to that critic. Put a brush in your hand and start to paint something.
Trust your gut. Forget about trying to copy some "pin" you found online. Forget about trying to make your art look like her art. Your art is your art. Trust your instinct and relax. Go with the flow, let your energy, whatever that may be, let if flow onto your canvas.
Make small art, fast. You're still listening to that inner voice if you are agonizing over every stroke and working things out until you're exhausted. Cut up some small substrates (heavy paper is fine) and force yourself to paint very quickly across a handful of projects. Painting without thinking makes that inner voice shut up... you're working on your freedom!
Take a class! Learning something new is a great way to freshen up your bag of tricks. You may find a new way or shortcut to reach your desired result. Watching someone teach a new skill may also help you remember skills that you had that maybe you have forgotten about.
Take a break. If you're working on a painting...and you hit that wall.... put the brush down (I know this is the opposite of #1) and step away from the art. Go for a run, take a walk, do some stretching...and come back later. That art is still going to be there waiting for you..what's the rush? Clear your head and come back when you feel clarity. Your break may be 15 minutes, or a day or two.. it doesn't matter, because it is YOUR break.. everyone is different, so don't feel like you have to fit a mold here.

I get stuck ALL of the time. The learning point here is to be able to recognize that feeling of being "stuck" and know what to do to get out of it. I'm sure you have probably heard all of these tips before, but maybe, reading my words will help! I know I am going to bookmark this list myself; because even though I just wrote it, these are things I still have to tell myself often.

Have a great weekend..thank you for stopping by today!

(Bonus- look! Tip #6- get your crayons and pens.....make marks in a notebook. Nothing serious, just getting the creative energy flowing!)

Take 5! (Five FREE things.)