Endless inspiration? Or maybe not...

One of the questions people ask me most is: 'how do you always come up with something new?' and 'do you never run out of ideas?' Even my lovely business manager only recently brought it up: 'I've never heard you say you didn't know what to make, that's remarkable!' In this blog, I'll tell you if I really never have creative blocks and how that works.

Never out of ideas?

No, not really! Well, when I think about it, I have developed a kind of ritual where I do feel 'without an idea' for a while. Like now. I'm 'in between paintings' at the moment. My last painting is finished, and I still get to decide what I'm going to make next. Wonderful! But honestly? I have no idea yet! And yes, I love that too. Because it means everything is still possible, what an adventure!

No panic

I take the time to feel, to let ideas swirl in my head. To doodle a bit more and then return to feeling. Sometimes I take an extra walk with the dogs, look for beautiful spots, or revisit photos I once took 'for inspiration'.

The secret is to remain calm during this phase. I trust that something will come naturally. And it always does. So, no panic if I'm temporarily without a project; it's actually a great time to explore, be curious, and feel where my needs lie.

But do you really never have a block?

I don't think so, no, I can't really imagine it. But what I do know is that on some days, it just 'doesn't want to work'. And sometimes for several days. But never longer than a few days, actually. What I really had to learn is that on these days, I just stop if it's not working, or simply do something else for a while. Not forcing myself. I stay away from strict deadlines as much as possible. And just continue when it feels a bit better.

Like recently

A few weeks ago, I absolutely wanted to finish that one painting before the painters came to the house and I had to clear out my studio completely. That's when things went wrong, it just wouldn't work. With some grumbling and complaining, I decided to let it go. Now, a few weeks later, I've just finished that painting with great pleasure, and I'm still happy with it too, yay! But I really had to learn to let go, you probably know the feeling.

And what about inspiration?

Inspiration is everywhere. Without stress and haste, I can always fall back on it. Nature, animals, history, life from the past, the countryside, and, topping the list: my own feelings. All sources of inspiration. How exactly that works I will tell you in my new book which will be released in September (excited!). But leave haste, busyness, stress, and hassle behind, and inspiration will come naturally. Whether it's for paintings, projects, or something completely different, it works!