Outdoor Studios: Inspiration Beyond Walls
Even the most accomplished artists often meet the all too familiar "Creative Block" from time to time, which can be incredibly frustrating for them. Some of the most challenging experiences occur when they do not feel inspired, they just look at the canvas' gap or an entirely empty sheet of paper. It is usually the period when the artists question their abilities while at the same time self-doubt is creeping in.
My solution? The comfort zone should be quit by the artist in order to seek out inspiration in these creative ruts. My favorite place? The outdoor classrooms are full of sensory experience: the colors and textures of nature, the developing pattern of light and shade. When we are plunged into this atmosphere, all those stale creative juices are replenished, and with it, a new way of looking at things. A very good thing could be to initiate outdoor sessions of art. Get your box of art and go to any nearby park, forest, or beach. Let the outside world inspire you-be it the detail of a flower, the vastness of the sky, or the rhythm of the flowing river. Try new techniques and mediums; let the environment inspire you in your creative process.
I also like to shake it up a bit. Do something different. Look for local art interest groups or organizations that could bring some new inspiration to your practice. Being among people with an interest in the same field will offer opportunities to share insight and support, as well as open up avenues for collaboration.
The main thing is to shake it up so new energy can enter. I get up, get out and move my body. I find folks who are doing inspiring things and try to enter their orbit. I give myself permission to let go of my expectations of myself.
Expand Your Creative Horizons
Encourage you to start your own journey by picking a day to step outside with your art supplies and see where nature leads your creativity. Besides, another way to help feed your imagination is to look for styles and movements in art that utilize the outdoors, for example, the painters who tend towards plein air painting or join a local group that has similar interests in outdoor art. The actual world outside of your studio is an endless source of inspiration, so be adventurous and find it!