Acrylic Paint Set

I recently tackled the issue of just what to create with my new acrylic paint set. That's right, I got a little bit of painter's block. Normally, I'm a big believer in just painting what you feel, but every now and then I want a more specific subject. I don't know exactly why that urge hits me. Maybe the new paints, maybe the day. But it was something that took me a little bit to get over.

 

 
I really do not like staring a blank canvas for very long. That's why when I got this acrylic paint set I wanted to start off right away and put some strokes down. But nothing was coming. I get that from time to time. I suspect that most everyone does. It's the feeling of knowing that you want to do something, but not being able to figure out exactly what yet. And it is the most irritating thing in the world, or at least something close. I'm sure you know what I mean.

So, how did I get over this and prevent all my brushes from just gathering dust? Well, I have a few things that I do that work for me, and might work for you too.

The first is really very simple. Just walk away. That's right. I know it's hard to do it sometimes. I think we all get the urge to just jump right in and tackle a project head on, but taking a while away from things can really help matters. Leave it alone for the day. Go out for a walk instead. Go see a movie. Do whatever you enjoy doing that will take your mind off your current block for a while.

If that fails, then maybe inspiration is what you really need to help you get over the hump. Find yourself a muse. My lovely wife is mine. The way that she looks when the light hits her skin at a certain angle is just something that I have to paint sometimes.

I know, I know, it's not like you can run on down to the muse store if you are not lucky enough to have one in your life. But I do have one more suggestion that has worked for me and may help. What you may need is a little bit of a pattern interrupt in the way that you are thinking. Our thoughts all move in certain patterns. Sometimes these hit a snag and have trouble producing fresh ideas. Why not have a look at the way other people's thoughts move by going to a museum and browsing the work of other painters. This may spark an idea within you that you can then follow, making it something that is your own and unique.

As for me, on this particular occasion, I wound up with another beautiful painting of my wife, Heather. She is my inspiration, my beauty, and the reason why no acrylic paint set shall ever go unused.