I started making paintings while I still had a full time design job. It became my passion and I spent more and more hours in my little home studio painting new pieces. I gave them to my friends, hung them alllll over my loft and eventually began to sell them in an Etsy shop. When we opened our first Red Velvet online (and local) shop my paintings were a huge part of the inventory. We sold them almost every day, which meant I was painting constantly for a few years. I tried some experimental paintings, but there was a certain style that consistently sold to my customers so I spent a lot of time developing those pieces. Jeremy reminded me recently that in those days I would sometimes pressure myself to stay up all night and finish as many as 10 paintings in a day. It was extreme, but my business was still gaining it's footing and we had bills to pay.
I was (and still am) proud of my work. It was a good time and I learned a lot. It was a good season to learn how much I could accomplish with good time management and disipline. Eventually the business became more profitable and some new forms of income took a lot of pressure off me to paint. I needed a little break, so I took one. Breaks are good and in the meantime I tried out some other creative opportunities like designing dresses and teaching.
My break lasted more than a year before Emma started to patiently (and sometimes not-so-patiently) remind me that people were still e-mailing and asking about paintings on a weekly basis. I wanted to change up my style, but didn't quite know where to begin. In the past year I tried, many times, to start a new painting only to leave it on the shelf half finished.
Fast forward to last night when I dropped my husband off for another tour and then drove straight to Michael's to buy new painting supplies. I am making it my personal mission to develop a new painting style that I fully love while he is away. I feel ready. I feel excited.
I am determined to start painting again, even if it's just for fun! I miss the experience so badly. I just wanted to post this little blog to encourage any of you who feel stuck in a "style rut." Sometimes it's healthy to take some time to unlearn everything and give yourself a fresh start! xo, elsie
174 Comments
This is so true! I find it really interesting, having JUST started off at an arts university, how vital it is to break away from my style for the simple purpose of, through the process of learning about new styles, developing the one I had! (run on sentence, oh well.)
Feeling inspired is the best 🙂 I wish you luck! Hope to see some of your work soon 🙂
xo
http://kittysnooks.blogspot.com/
Do you have photos of your old work posted online somewhere? I am curious to see these paitings now!
Good for you, Elsie!!! Sometimes it is so hard to get out of a rut, even if it’s something you love.
Can’t wait to see what you paint. 🙂
I really enjoyed reading this post. As humans it’s easy to fall in and out of love with the different aspects of our creative selves, it’s partly our job to interpret our desires and allow ourselves to fully enjoy the moments when they resurface, because it’s at those times that we need those forms of expression the most. Go you for running off to get paint supplies!
This is a super happy post. Good luck & I hope inspiration finds you!! <3
I’ve actually been reading back through your old posts (I’m a newer reader, within the last four months or so, I wanted to see some of your older posts) and am chronologically in the hey-day of your painting for RVA, so this post is fortuitously timed, because I was sad that I might never get a chance to see your art in real time! I’m happy to hear you’re picking it up again, and even happier that you’re excited about it. 🙂 I’m sure you’ll do marvelously, I look forward to it, and thanks for the inspiring words! <3
Yes Elsie! You must paint – I go through periods where I put my brush down (not for years, but for a few weeks here or there…) and when I pick it back up I feel like I’m ME again. When you paint, there is nothing but you and your canvas, and it’s a wonderful place to be.
This is great advice. It sucks when a hobby you used to do for fun ends up feeling forced and it loses all its specialness. Being able to eventually fall in love with it again is amazing, and learning and changing with it is even better. I try to pick up new crafts or hobbies every once in a while, but this makes me want to try something new right now – it’s been a long time!
xoxo
Michelle
neonrattail.blogspot.com
I’m going through this exact same thing right now. I’m stuck in a major style rut and am trying to find my own style. I really want something that feels completely “me”, ya know? I’m going to spend this weekend really doing some soul searching and figuring out exactly what I want. I wish you so so much luck with your creative/style journey. I’m excited to see more paintings from you! <3
Valerie, if you look at my 2009 archives you’ll see them everywhere! 🙂 Thanks for asking.
Here are a few faves-
http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/10/a-new-painting.html
http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/07/dream-home.html
XO
You go, girl! I think breaks are absolutely necessary, especially when you make your passion your career. You forget what the purpose of your actions are – whether you do it because you love it, or do it because of the money. Stay true to yourself and stay true to your passions. And when you step back for a moment and realize you no longer are doing it for the passion, you take a break. Anyway, glad to hear you are back at it. Good luck! Keep inspiring 🙂
Sonia
sonialalagallery.blogspot.com
Good for you for starting again! It’s only right if you’re doing it for yourself. I recently started drawing again after a few years off. I can’t wait to see some of your new work. You’re such an incredibly creative woman!
xx
http://www.thrifted.ca
Elsie, I bought a print of one of your paintings in ’08. I still get compliments on it, and I still LOVE it!
I’m excited to see how your style has evolved as life has changed so much for you over the last year. Good luck on your creative adventure! I hope it is entirely inspiring for you and opens up a whole new world of ideas.
ps…I’ve been reading your blog for about 7 years now. It’s been so neat to see how much your blog and your style have grown and changed. Thanks for being such a generous writer and creator. I love following along on your creative journey!
waoh this post reminded me of the spirit of your blog at the beginnings 🙂
That is fantastic! Painting is one of many things I love to do but I also find it to be a major stress relieving activity. I too go through bouts of not painting for months at a time and when I pick up a brush again, I realize that I forgot how much I love it.
You inspire so many of us, can’t wait to see what 2012 brings for your paintings!
It can be challenging and a little scary to “unlearn” something, and to start fresh…but you will be glad you did! I’m sure whatever you come up with will be beautiful!
I’ve done the same thing, except with writing. Sometimes a break is all you really need to refresh yourself, your mind and your passions. Excited to see the new take and adventures in painting!
I’m taking a painting class in school and trying to teach myself a little bit at home. Painting is just so fun and relaxing! Sigh…
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
So happy to hear you will be painting again! I used to paint & draw all the time and I too just sort of…stopped. Painting is so therapeutic & fun! Getting back into it is a goal of mine too; thanks for sharing! 🙂
Do you have some photos of your paintings? I would love to see them…I used to draw and paint a lot as well and I’ve gone on to use my creativity in other ways, but to me there is nothing more exciting than being obsessed with your passion. Kudos to you for painting again!
I’m glad to hear your ready and fully inspired to delve back into painting. I too take breaks every now-and-then from my writing due to my school schedule. I do miss it and urge to write prose and short stories sometimes, but timing is everything. Can’t wait to see your new creations!
xx
I know exactly what you mean Elsie.
I used to draw a lot and I talk about it from time to time but I guess it got to the point that my husband finally gave me 3 sketch pads and a whole set of pencils for Christmas… I was SOOOO EXICTED!
I put it beside my bed in the hopes of someday I will pick it up again and draw… up to this day for some reason I feel nervous and scared to even make a scratch on it. Sometimes, it takes courage to reunite with your old style/ ways. Anyways, thank you for sharing this 🙂
Good for you! It is so important that we give our selves space to grow and explore, but we always come back to the work we love. Good luck and have lots of fun!
-BekahDrey
http://bekahdrey.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing this candid thought and experience of yours!
I am a technical designer by day and sewing enthusiast and blogger by night and weekends. So basically, my life is full of all things sewing. Although I love both my day and night job, I take time off between projects to rest and rejuvenate. Taking these breaks keeps me inspired and loving what I do. If I don’t take a break, I burn out and don’t do a good job on the next project.
for one thing – I completely agree/relate to this feeling. At times I threw myself completely into one certain thing and style and I think that being so into just one thing and style is a easy way to pretty quickly feel like your in a rut.
I now let myself work in a whole bunch of different areas so I don’t get discouraged and just plain ENJOY life! 🙂
Second… I can’t wait to see what you come up with. Whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be great!
aww.. it’s nice to hear that you are picking up something that you love again! this is so inspiring! I haven’t painted for a couple of months now due to a lack of time… but I just have to overcome the excuses I keep making. we’ll see!
http://WWW.TINACIOUS.ME
Woooo! You go Elsie!! 🙂 Do you have some of your paintings online somewhere, I have only been following your blog for the past 6 months or so. I would love to see them! Enjoy painting up a storm girlfriend.
xo,
Laura
http://lauraisthriftingthroughlife.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the encouragement! This is exactly what I needed to hear. And, I cannot wait to see your paintings :).
Elsie, This was very inspiring. I too miss painting. Job, husband, and baby take up most of my time. I make time for my sewing and designing, but not for my painting. And I know I should. Thanks for the “pep talk”.
Bethany
http://www.lilbitandnan.blogspot.com
so glad you’re painting again! i’m still on a “brea” so im glad something dipping and getting their paintbrushes wet again!
I can’t wait to see what you come up with! you are so creative! good luck! 🙂
http://jennybodell.blogspot.com/
I’ve been reading your blog for years, and this has to be my favorite post yet. So sincere, open and honest. Thank you sharing and I can’t wait to see what your new work looks like.
I’m a new reader, but I’m super excited to see some paintings. And now I’m going to have to go exploring through older posts to find some! I looove to paint and I always root for more art!
-Jillian
http://epic-thread.blogspot.com
Good luck!! Something as creatively driven as painting really does have to come from the heart in order to be the most fulfilling that it can be. It’s funny, I have a really similar story – I just came off a year break from painting and am enjoying learning a new style as well. I got tired of trying to fit into a mold that I felt pressured to be in. Now, I’ve decided to forego commission work (for now, anyway) and focus on making myself happy, no matter what other people think. 🙂
Loved reading your post – and no doubt lots of other people, including me, can relate to those feelings. Thanks for sharing with us, and good luck! no doubt you’re gonna figure it all out.
I’m excited to see your new paintings! I have to take a painting class as part of my art major and I’m terrified! I’m horrid at painting. I’m kind of secretly hoping you’ll show us a few basic things about painting on here like you did with sewing. I think that would be really cool! Good luck with your (re-)new(ed) venture!
you are truly inspiring, and good luck. as far as i can tell you dont know how to make anything but beautiful things!!
Elsie, you never stop inspiring me. Go get um girl!! Can’t wait to see your artwork!
XOXO
Elise,
I’d love to see your older work! And I say take your time redeveloping your style. You rock at everything else you touch so no matter what you come up with it will be good!!!
xo Erin
http://www.ehandesigns.com
Hi Elsie! I’ve been reading about you on line for so long I even remember the scrapbook paper you used to design! I have three pieces left…I can’t bear to use them-maybe I should just put them in a frame!! I remember too when your book came out-so many hours of joy reading it and trying to duplicate your layouts! You are one talented lady!!! Your fan forever,
=paula
ps…if you ever decide to design paper or fabric I’ll be the first one in line!!!
Thank you for planting the seed Elsie. I too used to paint and have not for some time. I look forward with eager anticipation to see your new ceations.
happiness…
dannelle@nestenterprises
http://nestenterprises.typepad.com
Elsie! I love this and am so excited for you! What a fun fresh adventure for you! I cannot wait to see what happens next!
hi Elsie, i have been following your blog for a while now & i look it up almost everyday 🙂 i m happy to know that you are going back to an old passion…i used to write a lot when i was a kid but somewhere down the line, i stopped. then recently i posted a few articles as a guest for my sister’s travelogue & was surprised how happy it made me…hope to see your new paintings soon, good luck!
Elsie, I loved this post. I love everything about your blog + with this post, it was nice to get a peek into *you.* So inspiring and fresh!
that’s awesome Elsie! i’m excited to see what you come up with. i wish i had those talents, or the drive to learn to paint at least. in any case, i hope painting brings back fond memories and creates new ones (:
LOVE this because while thrifting the other day, my sister was trying to help me get out of a fashion style rut… it happens!
LOVE the thought of just starting fresh :O)
xo.
http://dropsofjupiterBLOG.com
YAY! You’re painting again…every time I see Salvation Mountain (I know it’s one of your fave places) I am inspired to paint more…WHATEVER I can get my hands on! You GO GIRL!
I’m so thankful for this post! I’ve had a rut now — though in writing — and it’s been going on for 3 years. That bad. I was busy trying to earn enough, no time for creativity.
Last week, I got a break at work which meant I didn’t need to take on too many freelance jobs. I have time to slowly build up my writing again!
I feel scared. What if I don’t recover from the rut? But this post cheered me on. 🙂
Oh I love this story – so nice to hear a story of an artist burning out a bit, but then returning. Can’t wait to see your new stuff! Best wishes finding your inspiration!
I know you are cooking up something good Elsie! If you are up to showing pics of your paintings I would love to see them. Happy Painting!
LOVED reading this, Elsie. So encouraging! Wish we could spend an afternoon together and paint.
I cannot wait to see them! good luck!
Elsie, I had a look at those paintings via the links you gave Valerie and they are just gorgeous! I’m so inspired that you’re finding the time and energy to take it up again. Can’t wait to see your new and ‘fresh’ work!
Ronnie xo
Thank you do much. A simple reminder that there can be many doors open at once. It’s super encouraging to me because I was an obsessive knitter until my thumbs disagreed with me forcing to focus more on sewing, painting and crafting. Lovely lovely.
Xoxo,
Courtney Ann
I am doing that at work tomorrow. I sell Life Insurance to people all over the USA. Whenever I sell to someone in your neck of the woods I tell them to check you out. I am not doing so good at my job right now. SO I am trying to get my entire team at work to bring their ridiculousness to work tomorrow so we can get crazy! have fun with your painting!
I remember seeing your older posts about your paintings! I think it is great that you are taking a little time to redevelop your style, rather than just trying to keep up with the grind to make money. I hope you discover new heights of artistic bliss!
Go, Elsie!! I am excited to see your paintings! 🙂 BTW, this post made me happy. I am actually feeling kind of stuck of something so the idea of this post gave me something to think about. Thank you 🙂
exciting! good for you!
I’m in the thesis semester of graduate school, focusing in photography. My thesis show is made up of a great deal of sculptural pieces rather than photographs… what I’m trying to say with this comment is “make the work that you love to make, not the work that you think others want you to make.” Don’t force yourself to find a new style, just paint, and paint what you love, not what you think you should paint, or what others want you to paint…. just let go and have fun. 🙂
We had the same thought in different locations! Last night I did the exact same thing; I’ve never really painted before but why not start right? On a whim I decided to go to michaels and get some paint and a couple canvases and it was so much fun! The one aspect that I really want to do is get a notebook that is sturdy enough for me to paint in so that I don’t have a bunch of random canvases in a drawer somewhere, because knowing me that is what will end up happening.
Elsie,
I completely understand what you are talking about. I am an aerialist and at points in my life–it’s all I did! I would spend 4 – 5 hours a day training for performances. Now that I am in school, planning a wedding–I rarely even make it to aerial practice twice a month. Sometimes I am like you and think, “Hey–I can take a break, it will help me to regain my burning desire to perform.” However, some days I think, “Can I even call myself an aerialist anymore?” Then I feel guilty or concerned I am losing a part of myself in order to have a professional career.
Confused.
I really know how you feel! This is strange timing as my husband has been nagging me to start painting again for ages and I decided this weekend I would do it!
It really is such a great way to be creative! I look forward to seeing some of your paintings!
thank you so much for these words… I completely agree! It’s time for me to take another way too! Elsie, you make my day!!!
so true, elsie. i made lampwork beads for a long time. but since 6 month i really don´t know what to do. so i just cleaned my workspace and put my current creative stuff on it: pencils, paper, eraser and some watercolor. in summer i will get my exam in illustration and at the moment it´s all i wanna do.
but i know, i will make my beloved lampwork beads again, anytime.
have a good start, elsie! best wishes to yo. xo julia
Firstly, I was not aware you have been blogging for as long as seven years and secondly, I did not realise that painting was you original passion.
I have been reading your blog for a year now. Prior to that, I had not taken part in anything creative since I finshed art school. I worked as a visual merchandiser until the company dictated how we should mercahndise, and this removed the creativity.
For 10 years I was worked in a pharmacy career, migrated to Australia from Ireland almost 6 years ago. I feel like I lost my identity until last year when I bought my first sewing machine. I dabble in a bit od everything and am a master of nothing but I enjoy it none the less.
My problem is finding a balance of work and things I enjoy. Good for you, I love reading your blog.
Catherine Pepper – Brisbane
You are such a sincere and lovely blogger Elsie ♥ I love that about this blog and I read you on a daily basis, so I’m very happy and excited to see what your new painting style will look like 🙂 kissez from Romania (Europe)
It’s so nice to know I’m not the only one that wants to unlearn and find a style I am super happy with. I am slowly building up to being ready, I can feel myself getting ready, maybe in a month or so I will start, but in the mean time it’s a comfort that someone like you who I thought had such a unique style and was happy with it also likes to change. 🙂
Hurrah! Good for you Elsie! Its reassuring that others do this too 🙂
Wishing you every inspiring vibe for you new adventures of the painting Variety!
Jen@madeinminch
I stopped painting because in last 5 years, I moved around 16 times like a crazy person and that just doesnt go along with painting. I miss it lots though. Im not giving up on the idea that I will do it once settling down bit more.
I’d love to see a post on what supplies you recommend to get started painting, or how to prepare mentally!
It’s always good to unwind a little, get back to our roots, and rediscover something that used to bring us lots of joy. Good luck experimenting with your painting!
Ohh i’m so happy for you!
I adore the commissioned artwork i purchased from you <3
good luck with your new painting adventures - i'm sure you'll find a new style that's just right for you 🙂
Cheray x
Brilliant! Hope you have lots of fun discovering a new painting style! x x
http://cornishbunting.blogspot.com/
Very happy cheers for starting fresh. Oh, you’ll do it in a very unique way, as always. You’re so original that whatever style you eventually adopt is going to be beyond just interesting, I am certain. Hurray!
PS. I went to vote for you in Apt Therapy but couldn’t find the VOTE button. I am not sure why, I’ll try again.
So happy to hear this Elsie!! Good for you 🙂
That’s great, I would like to see your paintings!
this post is such an inspiration… I used to write tales for kids, maybe I should start again an write for my own ones…
Kisses from Spain!
Is there a link to your etsy shop?
That’s right, the reason I found your blog in the first place was because I saw your paintings online somehwere & LOVED them! I had totally forgotten that you painted.
Can’t wait to see what you come up with. You’re so talented, I’m sure it will be amazing. 🙂
Yeah! I agree, few days ago I read your archive. (from the beginning in 2007). I was really inspired! And in fact I am inspired up to now! You opend my eyes a bit! I dreamd about painting but I thought I haven’t go a talent! But now I know that I have to work for it! Thank you! 😡 Hugs!
I’m waiting for new paintings!!!
I am so happy I read this post! It reminded me of everything that is important and sometimes we lose in our everyday’s lives.
So so true!! Thanks for sharing your experience!! I’m pretty impatient to see your new stuff!! 😀
thanks for this, i have been neglecting my paints for a while now and as much as I want to get back into it, i just feel stuck and uninspired. Like you i have a few unfinished illustrations lying around. I am looking forward to seeing your new work. Good luck!
Please post your paintings!! We’d love to see them (:
This is wonderful! Best of luck to you!! I have had the same experience with painting… I was doing it every day for hours at a time once, feeling really inspired and loving it, then I just stopped. I still have a bunch of unfinished canvases in storage and someday I will break them out and get painting again! I never sold my paintings though, I wasn’t nearly brave enough to do that!
I would love to see some photos of your paintings!
Thanks for sharing 🙂
You are completely right. Sometimes it’s good to have a break. I’m always so scared to do something I love so much that one day it feels like I HAVE TO do it (opposite to want to) that I take breaks every time I feel the need to. Now that you feel the thrill again, go for it!!!!
xoxo
This speaks to me on a totally different level but exactly what I needed–it is ok to take a step back in order to go forward.
I love this! I am one of the people who admired your paintings on etsy and even requested a few once you had stopped. I’m so glad you’re planning to get back into it! Even if it’s just for fun!! Love your creativity in all aspects Elsie, I’ve been following your blog for a while now and you are an inspiration!!
It was your paintings that drew me to your site. I bought one and I just loved it. Loved it. Your unique painting in the beginning was the very thing that made me realize you were going to be famous. 🙂 You have so much talent. I can’t wait to see what happens when you figure out which direction to go creatively. As an early reader, I am so proud of you. So very proud of the hard work you have done! 🙂
Enjoy the creative time and have fun!!!! : )
This post was really inspiring. I, too, am going through a rough patch. It’s been really difficult trying to find my “style”, especially if you have a lot of pressure sitting on you. This post reminded me to to take it easy and enjoy the “in-between” stages of life.
I just found your blog the other day, and I’m in love! & your layout is awesome – my jaw dropped when I first came on here 🙂
This post was so nice to read. What an encouraging little tale…be sure to share some when you’re finished!
Well said. It’s hard to start anew. Best wishes for your new endeavors.
i would really like to see your paintings 🙂 is that possible?
I think we just hit times in our life where our tastes change and we don’t know how to react to it because what we are doing is so familiar and safe plus and we are drowning in everyday
responsibility’s. It’s a brave thing to pursue something different in a creative way. I am going thru the same thing so it’s refreshing to hear that someone at creative as you is struggling too. We are not alone. You will figure it out.
Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com
Thank you for posting this, Elsie! I wish you the best of luck developing your new painting style 🙂 I, too, used to paint quite often and dearly miss it. I’ve only been good to paint subject matter that family and friends request and not much else. I guess I need a new style to!
You’ve inspired me so much.
Good luck with finding a new painting style, hopefully it will then reignite your passion. I guess if you’ve been stretching yourself so much and stressing out about it, it’s quite difficult to gain inspiration, but hopefully now, if you go at your own pace, you can get back to doing something that you enjoy :). xx
http://www.almostdelightful.com
Oh, I’ve been waiting for you to say that! I was reading through your old posts and it got me to wondering about why you stopped. I remember all the posts about art-filled walls in the shop. How refreshing to hear that you’re going to get back into it!
Oh this is so true! I’ve been in a painting rut ever since I finished grad school, (when I would paint as a wait to relieve stress from all of that schoolwork,) and have recently been really wanting to get back into it. This is just the inspiration to get me out of the door. I’ve loved your pieces in the past and am really looking forward to seeing what you come up with in the future!
Yay! This post is so inspiring me. My goal for the year was the do one sketchbook page each week. It’s been an epic fail so far, but I think I’m going to go take a break and give it a go for a little bit. Thanks for sharing your story!
I painted for a long period myself and just fell out of it too. I also used to sew a ton but stopped do that also. Recently I sewed new curtains for house and have been bitten by the bug again! Off to find material to sew new pillows. Gog luck!!
I studied artpainting, so I´m actually an artpainter. But I´m working as a teacher now. I love this job, but it leaves me no time for painting… your words make me wanna start again and feel the passion that gave to me.
I have to say, I love reading your posts about your creative/work process even more than your diy and style posts. (I love them all, really.) Good luck as you dive back into painting.
what a wonderful, inspirational post to start the weekend! and i definitely sympathize. do what you love – it keeps you whole. 🙂
I know exactly what you mean. All I used to do was art and then one day I stopped, for no real reason. I think I just had too much of it and wanted a break. Now I’ve started painting a lot again and i love it. I’ve been so much happier now
Julie
http://julies-thisandthat.blogspot.com/
This was an incredible story. I went through something very similar. I went to RISD and when I graduated I was so burnt out that I just stopped doing art all-together. I’m finally creating illustrations again and my passion is stronger then ever. I think breaks can be a really great way to move forward, figure out what inspires you, and refresh your views. I can’t wait to see / hear more about your paintings! Good luck with the new style.
Its great to take a break from something and come back to it later with fresh ideas.
http://www.houseofavandan.com
Honestly, this is probably one of my favorite posts you’ve ever done. I love honesty on blogs and I had been wondering what happened to the painting side of your business. I think everyone goes through stages and breaks. Glad that you are ready to take the bull by the horns again! I do hope that you’ll share what you come up with. 🙂
Good luck! And I second those who have already say it – upload some images of your paintings 🙂
I have one of your original paintings from 2008 and I love it so much. You’ve always been my favorite artist and I’m SO excited that you’re going to start painting again! Your paintings were always the things that inspired me the most!
Feeling stuck in a style that is apparently considered your but that you dislike is so awful. I’ve tried changing it and working with it and adapting to it, but I am stille really unsatisfied by my creative work for now. Thanks for the encouragement!
You are such a talented painter!! I hope that you get inspired to create another masterpiece!! xo
I have not been reading your blog long but I think it’s great to pick back up an old hobby/creative outlet that you love. I’ve been trying to pick up a pen and draw more myself. I think your blog is so inspiring I can’t wait to see what you create. Good luck!
Good for you! I’d say force yourself (if you have to) to paint something every day for 21 days until it becomes a habit and a need for you to do. The new painting style will come on its own. It will choose you. Good luck!
I miss your paintings. And your SCRAPBOOK pages. 🙂 Will you do that again too?
I have always wanted to paint!!! Just as a hobby, I think it’d be relaxing and fun and serene. Do you think, for those of us out here who haven’t picked up a paintbrush since our watercolor set in elementary school art class, you could please oh pretty please give a beginners’ tutorial blog post? Like, what supplies to start with, what brands are good, which paints, tips and tricks, etc.?? Please oh pretty please!!!
Thank you for the inspiration. I feel really stuck right now myself. Maybe I need to treat myself to some new supplies.
This was an inspiring post! Its reassuring to know that even if you fall into a creative rut, or need a break from painting that you can still find that same joy in it that you once had.
I sometimes worry that the love I have for painting right now will disappear some day, but after reading this I’m not so worried :0)
It’s so hard when we have to give up on things we love! I’m completely addicted to drawing but due to college I spend sometimes a few weeks or even months without drawing just because I have no time… I’m so excited to see you painting again, I was wondering when you’d get back to it!!
I’ve kind of been going through the same thing. Drawing and painting were a huge part of my existence for a long time – then I tried to take steps to make my “career” path a more creative one so that I could paint all of the time and blah blah blah now I never have time to paint. Funny how that works!
TEN paintings a night?? Oh my gosh, I bow to you. Looking forward to hearing more of your painting journey.
Catherine Denton
Great insight Elsie! I think sometimes we get so overloaded with daily life, it becomes a “chore” to do something you truly love, like creating. I’ve been on a mental break from designing for almost a year now, and am ready to jump into the saddle again. If you just don’t feel inspired, you just don’t feel inspired. I have a few creations myself that are half-started, almost complete, but the idea of finishing them bores me!
I’m glad to know I’m not the only one out there! Can’t wait to see your new creations!
Congratulations! I think it’s great that you are going to be rediscovering something in a new way that you’ll love. I love it when that happens. It’s always so inspiring + encouraging! <3
I’m glad you’re rekindling your passion for painting! Sometimes we need a little break from activities in order to remember why we loved them in the first place.
Good luck with your painting dear! I wish I had the motivation and skill to be a lovely artist. I’m sure you’ll be successful!
Lovely post – so open and honest! I guess most of us have passions which come and go (mine usually come and go every couple of months!), but I hope you love returning to this one.
Elsie, hope you’re reading this. I follow your blog since january 2011, but I was so smitten, that I had to read ALL the past posts! So I saw your paintings and can’t tell you how talented and creative you are! I was wondering why did she quit? But now I have an answer, and I congratulate you for the new start, it’s always good to step back and then come back! I hope you’re posting your new paintings! 🙂
Finally, I want to tell you how inspiring has your blog been in my life, right now I’m struggling with a real important decision, that involves my professional career and my creativity, and you have always give me the example that we have to lose our fears and take the chance, with confidence and hard work! So hopefully, in a near future I’m giving my life a 180º turn! And I’m so excited!
Sorry for my english, I’m almost forgetting it! :O
Thanks for the inspiration!!
xoxo from México!!
This was such a great post Elsie and is really relevent to where I am at the moment I felt so haunted by my old work even though I was proud of it. People kept wanting to see that stuff and asking for commissions in that style I found it hard to want to draw anymore.
I donated the last of my work to charity to be auctioned off and it felt good to raise money for dementia research and left me feeling free to explore new work.
Last week for the first time in ages I enjoyed sketching ideas for painting and feel like a new year really has begun.
I hope you return to something you loved and were great at too xxxx
You are always inspiring! I would love to see your paintings.
Thank you so much! This is just what I needed to hear today. I was painting constantly there for awhile, and I’m actually going to school for art therapy, but school and work got in the way of me painting what I love. Every once and a while I’ll think to myself, I need to make time to paint something I enjoy but something always comes up. This has inspired me to get back at it because it truly is what i love to do.
That was well said. Acting and performing is my passion, but life has forced me not to be able to do it for about nine months. Monday I start rehearsals for a musical. In four weeks I’m filming a movie. I feel ready. And, whilst practicing, I’ve found I feel much more free with my body and mind. I’m actually thankful for the break, even though the first few months were completely heartbreaking with a lot of tears in desperation to do my craft. I’m realizing that I got a lot of time to watch movies, find new music genres, read interviews, daydream, think about who I want to be, clear up personal problems…I feel better all around and I know my art will reflect it.
great to hear you are inspired to get back to painting elsie! it’s a wonderful thing 🙂
HI there, as post #134, I’m sure you won’t have time to read this. But I personally am very excited that you’ll be painting again. I have bought three of your paintings (the prints) and one hangs over my nightstand, “I want to take over the world and make it so cute”. I absolutely ADORE that print and it makes me smile every day. I’m very happy you’ll be painting again and can’t wait to see the new style you come up with! <3
I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Your paintings were so fun and I’m glad to see you approaching it with such a positive attitude 🙂
http://thejoyfulfox.blogspot.com
Hurrah!
xo,
Kim
You are so incredibly inspiring! Thank you for taking the time to share these feelings and post this. Your blog is a great creative motivational tool for me. XO
I know I’m not the only one who would love to see your work!! It is an amazing feeling to get that brush wet again!
Happy painting!! 🙂
Do it. I used to live drawing cartoons, then one day I stopped around 5 years ago. Suddenly I have my passion back so I carry some paper and a pencil around with me. Have fun getting your groove back 🙂 xx
Thank you, thank you for this post.
I have been in an art-making rut for YEARS. It’s so good to know that others are in that place, and that it’s ok to start fresh.
I can’t wait to see your paintings!!! I always loved them before, but anytime is a GREAT time for a fresh start!!!
This is great! Keep painting, keep the passion! After I graduated from FIT I got stuck (and currently still am) in a design rut. I can’t seem to sit at my sewing machine for more than 5 minutes. It’s so disappointing and discouraging. In high school, sewing was my salvation. I miss it, I just get frustrated. Its reassuring to know that the creativity never leaves you. That with some time, the heat of the design moment will come back! Good luck! I can’t wait to see the paintings!
You’ve succinctly described one of the most wonderful, but difficult, parts of your creativity becoming your business. I think it’s wonderful that you’ve committed to going back to painting for the joy of it!
Thank you so much for writing such an honest and raw post, I really needed to read this right now! I am just starting to climb out of my 6+ month bookmaking hiatus and also the fashion rut I have been in lately so this advice couldn’t have come at a better time. I can’t wait to see all your progress, cheers!
I find that painting is the most relaxing activity for me! I love it, though I’m kind of in the same boat. I have yet to develop my own style! Sometimes this is soooo frustrating and discouraging! Good luck Elsie! *cheering for you!
i’m grinning ear to ear! elsie, i know you’ll find it. for it’s always been inside you. 🙂
i TOTALLY have missed your paintings!!!!!!!!! and the same thing happened to me with writing. I haven’t written in 7 years and I too have tried many times to pick up the pen again but it just hasn’t been the same.
I understand what you mean and feel 100% I went to fashion design school and was very artistic all my life then when I got married and had my son everything left. I just started getting back into writing and art the past few years and it feels GREAT..
that’s great!
i love to draw, but having so many other things to do makes me s unmotivated and uninspired! i should start again though, it’s so calming, therapeutic and fun to do 🙂
xo, cheyenne
I wish the muse will kiss you! 😡
I really hope you can develop something new and that you’re really happy and proud about it!
Thanks for sharing your feelings. I’ve been a fan from the start and I’ve read every single blog entry; so it’s really nice to hear, that you’re on a trip ‘back to the roots’! 😉
And your blog was always best, when you shared something personal. To be honest I’ve missed that a little bit for some time now… I had the impression your blog became a bit too professional/businesslike.
But even though – it’s one of the very bests!!!
xoxo, Kathi
I’m so glad you shared this, and I wish you all the luck in the world on devoting yourself back to painting while Mr. Larson is away.
It’s so reassuring to know that other artists have similar experiences to me. I go through obsession stages so frequently, where I will write a lot of poems, or knit a lot of things, or sew a lot, or make a lot of watercolors, and then I’ll get burnt out and not knit, sew, whatever it was for a while. I never stop creating entirely, but I shift gears. I set down the paint and pick up the yarn, or whatever it may be.
Sometimes, I feel like I’m doing it wrong. I wish I could be a more focussed person with a more consistent medium. And I not only want to sustain the inspiration, but I sometimes try to suppress the obsession, holding myself back in the hopes that I won’t burn out.
Recently, I’ve been wondering if perhaps the obsession and burnout formula is just HOW I WORK, and I should except it. Maybe I naturally learned to enjoy a whole array of media so that I could adapt to my inner creative rhythms of obsession followed by burnout followed by picking it back up a few years later.
I had no idea you painted – I’m kind of a newish follower. I’m excited for you to rediscover your love of painting and finding something new!
And thank you for the encouragement – feeling ‘stuck’ is something I struggle with a lot.
happy weekend!
xo
cortnie
Hi Elsie,
We are still doing the groundwork for our new blog (no one really knows about it yet) but since you were writing about painting I wanted to contact you. I don’t have a lot of time to read blogs at the moment but I do like to look at yours as often as I can. We have at the very least the coffee/sister/photo thing in common! I think I take more photos of Astrid and I drinking coffee than anything else. Teehee. Our blog is about art, creativity, vegetables, life, freedom, tea and other lovely things. Maybe our creative searches can inspire each other. Have a good sunday!
Kerstin
I agree about sometimes needing to take a break from things, even when they’re important. That way you can return to those things with renewed energy and unbiased eyes. But I actually took a break that turned into an eight-year hiatus from art. This I regret because I had to reteach myself a lot more than I thought I would have to do when I finally got back to it. Like the old expression goes use it or lose it. So I guess the moral is breaks are good. But keeping your hand in can go a long way too.
i love your paintings! your post was so inspiring and such a timely reminder for me to do my own art. sometimes i get so overwhelmed with the blogging world and all of the ‘cuteness” that it seems like there’s no point to do my own art! i know that’s the not the case and that painting is my passion and for ME. anyway, now i’m rambling, but thank you for the inspiring, timely post! happy painting! <3 your blog! <3 kk
I’m excited to see you’re taking the dive back into the painting medium. I recently attended an art show and felt so silly every time an artist would ask me “Do you paint?” and I’d slowly reply, “No, not really.” When the truth is, I use to love to paint! I miss this medium and plan to take it back up again soon.
Thanks for all the awesome tips and super relatable post. They’re very encouraging and you’re super inspiring!
– Joi
I am definitely in a ‘life rut’ at the moment. I have been following a dream for a long time, so long in fact that I’m not sure that that’s what I want any more.
Good on you for taking a break and then getting back into it but moving forwards at the same time!
Would love to see some photos of your paintings!
i have done that with painting also. i stopped for over 3 years (yikes!) because of different things that happened in my life, but continued to do other creative things. when i started again it all came back and then some!!! i think all the other things i was doing helped my creative juices to flow and i turned out to really surprise myself. i ended up giving my first painting to my husband for christmas! i was that proud of it! hope you can continue to be inspired and maybe i’ll be able to pick up one of those beauties! if anyone can do it, you can!
I’m so glad to hear that I’m not the only one in a rut! Maybe it’s time I just step away from a few projects and pursue new things.
Yay! I can’t wait to see what new direction you take… 🙂 It’s always thrilling to look at something you love in a new, reinvented way! With fresh eyes, you might say… 😉 Happy painting!
So happy to see you painting again 🙂
xx
Aww I wish you would post pictures of some of your paintings so we know what you mean by “a new style.”
I used to pain a whole bunch as well. Like, stay up until 3am painting. I loved it, it was like a huge release after a boring day at the office. Then one day I just stopped – mostly because I had nowhere to put any of the paintings. i got to the stage where I was just painting on top of paintings for the sake of painting. And then I felt dejected, because the paintings never went anywhere, unless I gave them to friends. I recently bought a bunch of canvas and supplies telling myself I’ll start again, then sat in front of my easel thinking – what is the point. they just sit here in my room or get painted over.
I wish I had an outlet for my paintings like you do. Its so great to hear someone selling them and doing well. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next. x
I think I am going to paint right now, actually. I love painting ,too. I have not even picked up a brush since this summer!
Thank You for the inspiration!
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i think starting is the hardest part. So proud to see where this takes you. xx
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