3 Things To Do When You Don’t Feel Like Painting

As much as we all love to be creative, there are times when you just don’t feel like painting.

However, there are some things you can do to get back in the flow, or to at least still be creative and learn something, even when you’re not working on an actual project.

Watch the video below or keep reading for three things you can do when you don’t feel like painting:

1. Practice brush strokes

Now, in the calligraphy and lettering world, it’s really common to warm up with your pen and some basic strokes, but I don’t think most people take the time to do this with painting.

But, it’s really important and eye opening to discover some of the different marks that your brushes are capable of. You can practice just some basic shapes and strokes and dots, or you can practice elements of larger pieces, like the brush strokes needed to create loose petals and leaves.

2. Color swatching

By now you probably know how much I like color swatching, but it really is something that’s incredibly helpful to practice, especially when you get some new paints, or you’re planning out a project.

It’s a very meditative process and you’ll very likely discover something new about your paints and the colors they create when mixed!

If you need guidance or a process for color swatching (in addition to learning about warm and cool colors), check out our one-of-a-kind color mixing class, Stop Making Mud™.

3. Organize your supplies

If you’re anything like me, you probably have a LOT of art supplies that you forgot you had…

So, take an inventory — if there’s anything that’s reached its shelf life, toss it. Donate supplies that are still good but that you don’t use anymore.

Organizing your space, especially your desk, will make you more excited to sit down and create the next time you have a moment.

If you have multiple hobbies and there’s a hobby you’re not working on at the moment, put those tools aside so they don’t get in your way and prohibit you from creating with what you want during this “season.”

It’s totally okay (and maybe even preferred!) to focus on one hobby at a time so you can really get to know it and improve your skills.

4. Bonus idea

Spend your time learning! And I don’t mean speed tutorials on social media.

Many of our students like to watch our classes one time through before actually starting, so you might as well try this too if you don’t feel like getting your supplies out.

Instead of watching a TV show in the evening, grab some popcorn and your iPad and pull up a great tutorial.

This is different from just mindlessly scrolling through Instagram looking at other people creating art.

Instead, I bet that “previewing” one of your classes will help you get motivated to actually start it!