There are seasons when painting feels effortless, and there are seasons when simply walking into the studio feels like the hardest part of the day.
I've learned that waiting for inspiration rarely works. More often than not, creativity arrives after I've begun, not before.
Over the years, I've developed a handful of small studio habits that gently invite me back to my practice. They're not rules, and they're certainly not magic. They're simply little rituals that make it easier to begin.
If you've been feeling disconnected from your creativity lately, perhaps one of these ideas will help you find your way back.
1. Open your sketchbook before you check your phone
The first few quiet moments of the day are incredibly valuable. Before emails, social media, or the news compete for your attention, spend a few minutes making a mark on paper.
It doesn't have to become anything. The simple act of opening your sketchbook reminds your brain that creativity deserves a place before consumption.
2. Mix colors before you decide what to paint
Some days I don't know what I want to create, but I almost always know I want to play with color.
I begin by mixing paints simply because I enjoy the process. Watching unexpected color combinations emerge often sparks ideas I couldn't have planned ahead of time.
Sometimes the palette tells me what the painting wants to become.
3. Give yourself just 15 minutes
We often think we need an entire afternoon to make meaningful progress.
In reality, beginning is usually the biggest hurdle.
Tell yourself you'll paint for just fifteen minutes. If that's all you have, wonderful. If you keep going, even better.
The goal isn't to finish. The goal is to begin.
4. Leave yesterday's painting on the easel
I've discovered that removing even the smallest barrier makes it much easier to return to the studio.
When my painting is already waiting for me, I don't have to wonder where to start. I simply pick up my brush and continue the conversation.
Future you will appreciate the invitation.
5. Start with ugly marks
This might be my favorite reminder.
Beautiful paintings rarely begin beautifully.
Every finished piece has a messy middle. Giving yourself permission to make awkward marks takes away the pressure of trying to get everything right from the very first brushstroke.
6. Keep one "play" canvas
Not every painting needs to become part of a collection.
Not every experiment needs a purpose.
Having one canvas dedicated entirely to play gives you permission to try new techniques, unusual color combinations, or ideas you've been too afraid to explore.
Often, that's where the most exciting discoveries happen.
7. Photograph the little moments
I don't just photograph finished paintings.
Sometimes it's a small section where the colors unexpectedly sing together. Sometimes it's an interesting texture, a brushstroke, or the light falling across wet paint.
These little moments become a library of inspiration that I return to again and again.
8. Decide tomorrow's first brushstroke before you leave
Before I leave the studio, I take a moment to decide exactly what I'll do next.
It might be as simple as, "Add a layer of turquoise to the upper left corner."
Having that tiny decision already made removes the uncertainty that often keeps us from beginning the next day.
9. Celebrate showing up, not just finishing
It's easy to measure success by completed paintings.
But some of the most important studio days are the ones where nothing remarkable happens except that you showed up.
Every hour spent making, experimenting, and learning becomes part of your artistic journey, whether anyone else ever sees the result or not.
10. Remember that inspiration often comes after you begin
This may be the most important habit of all.
We often imagine artists waiting patiently for inspiration to strike.
In my experience, inspiration is much more likely to find us while we're already painting.
Show up.
Make one brushstroke.
Then make another.
The rest has a wonderful way of unfolding from there.
A Gentle Reminder
If you've been away from your creative practice, don't worry about catching up.
Don't try to make your best painting.
Don't wait until you have more time, more confidence, or a better idea.
Just begin.
One sketch.
One brushstroke.
One small ritual.
Sometimes that's all it takes to remember why you fell in love with making art in the first place.