FINISHED? NOW WHAT?
Diving back into my sketchbook, Searching. Exploring. Trying stuff. In the hopes that the next series of images or ideas present themselves. © 2018 David Limrite
“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”
Henry Miller, Author
Finished? Now What?
I don’t know about you, but when I finish a painting, or a series of paintings, there is a bit of a let-down. I happen to find myself in that very situation right now.
Starting a new painting, or a new series, is exciting. You embark on a new journey. The possibilities are endless. You immerse yourself in the process of creativity. You live, sleep, eat and breathe your painting. You can’t stop thinking about it. You can’t wait to work on it every day.
And, then you finish it.
For me, in addition to a let-down, there is an emptiness, a lack of inspiration and motivation, and a feeling of “Now what?’
When this happens to me, I have to find a way to ease myself back into my creativity.
The first thing I do is take some time off. Rest. Rejuvenate. Be kind to myself. Read. Listen to music. Watch movies. Take walks, drives or bike rides. You never know where your next inspiration might come from.
The second thing I do is begin to jot down ideas, thoughts, words, and lists, as they come to me.
And, the third thing that I do is dive into a new sketchbook. I just let the sketches happen. With no judgment. I try things, explore ideas and images. I just sketch. Again, you never know where your next painting or project will come from.
What doesn’t work for me is to go out and buy a nice, fresh, new canvas and then sit there and stare at that intimidating, clean, white surface. As if I have to create my next great painting right now!
That’s too much pressure. And, no good creativity comes form that kind of pressure.
Best,
David
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