Beth I love these recommendations you offered here for renewing one’s creativity. I can confirm that getting organized and clearing a space for a new project is a wonderful way to reset and rebalance. Just the process of patiently sorting through things can offer a sense of clarity and purpose. Great article!
Thank you so much, Gerry, for your kind words of encouragement. I think that creatives need to renew themselves from time to time. I love your words, "reset and rebalance." That's exactly true.
I think being a writer is being free and also being under the constant pressure of being the most creative and attentive person ever Beth. I have my falls, I believe we all have our falls to deal with. But you poured your heart into this and your sketch is very pretty and bold... I love what you do and you are amazing
Thank you so much for the high compliment; I really appreciate that. There is a lot of pressure in writing and in creating visual art, but like you say, there's also freedom. I love creating visual art and writing, so even if I get burned out, I know that these artistic endeavorrs are with me for the long haul, and I get to enjoy the processes.
First of all I love the sweet dog. Whoever did that video on YouTube that inspired you to step back and rediscover other aspects to your art, was spot on in my book. Sometimes I feel like I'm just trying too hard in my writing and I turn to what I'll call "writing play." I make poems for friends. I make little booklets with drawings and doodles around my words. I give myself whole-heartedly to journaling for a time -- and sometimes I just stop. Though I never quit thinking about writing and I've long held that even when I'm not writing, I'm writing -- in my head and in my heart.
I find that breaks allow me to come back to my work with fresh eyes and fresh intention, and often in the process of play or just stepping back I learn or integrate something crucial to my work. I'm sure it will be the same for you.
I hope you'll play with some more sketches -- I especially like the animal subjects too. This was a really helpful post and as always, I'm a fan and appreciate your art and your process so much. Sign me your sister in creating. . .
Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and support. I love how you play with writing. I think it's wonderful how you create poems for your friends, and those small booklets must be so much fun -- and all these activities tap into your exquisite creativity. I totally get that even when you're not writing, you are still writing in your mind and heart.
I will be patient, and I will be sketching more. Thank you for your compliment on my sketch; I plan to do more sketching, indulging in play more often.
It seems like a cycle that most artists go through, that’s what I hear from other artists in CVP. Self-care is the right thing to do. Get away and do something different, and don’t worry about it. I can also see how doing art that you are so personally and emotionally tied to would be draining after a while. One thing I’ve learned is not to put a timeline on myself whenever possible. That gives you a cushion in case you do need a break. I hope you recharge your batteries and can come back to it feeling good. No time pressure, though. The project you’re working on is going to touch so many people.
Thank you so much. Yes, it's a common thing to get burn out in any kind of creative endeavor. You are right about not having a timeline on myself. In a world of deadlines, it seems it's so easy to burden oneself with due dates. The Breast Cancer, Female and Young series is something I'm proud of and know will help others, but I do need a break from this project from time to time.
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement.
I'm understand about that slump. We all fall into those. I do anyway. The present political climate sure doesn't help. So much chaos and uncertainty. I love the tip about not trying to actually create art, but rather to do something art related. I need to try this. I know that when I don't feel up to writing something for Substack, for example, I could try journaling, responding to a prompt, organizing my writing files (okay maybe not that!), or whatever. My trouble is that if I don't have something to show for my efforts, I have a tendency to say, why bother? I know this is dumb. I know self-care matters. And yet...
I love the sketch. It reminds me of our springer Sophie. You really captured the sweet expression of the dog's face in your sketch. You should definitley keep doing sketches. How do you keep them from smearing, or don't they smear?
Thank you for the much needed self-care reminder/tip and for sharing your wonderful sketch.
You are so right about the political climate; I find it tears away my focus at times. When you are not up to writing on Substack, journaling is so very useful. To me, journaling is like the equivalent of sketching a picture. Writing is one of those things that is so important, yet so difficult, too. And you've written several books, so I'm amazed at how you do it. Give yourself the credit you deserve, as writing takes so much discipline.
It's interesting that the sketch reminds you of Sophie. I drew a Springer spaniel in that one. I just went to the pet show to take whatever pictures I could, and I saw this beautiful Springer spaniel and a couple of golden retrievers, as well as some cats, and I was snapping my cell phone camera constantly. My aim is to eventually paint these; I had no idea I'd be sketching as well.
Some of the graphite pencils smear more easily than others. The hard graphite pencils are for fine lines, while the soft, more smearable graphite pencils (my favorites) are for shading and such. For this dog, I just left the parts that were white untouched and focused on filling in the shading where appropriate. If something smears -- and trust me, there's smearing going on -- I simply erase it with a kneadable eraser, which looks and acts like a ball of clay. It erases nicely and is fun to play with!
The dog sketch is so beautiful! It is very important to recognize burn out. I’m truly glad to hear that you chose to do what feels good without forcing your creative self to keep pouring out stuff. Please allow yourself to take all the time you need. Sending you lots of good juju with love.
I love how you put that because sometimes we do force our creative selves to keep pouring out stuff. Sure, as a writer, I have deadlines sometimes. But if the juices aren't flowing, stepping back and taking a break can be exactly what we need.
Thank you, Susan, for your kind encouragement. Yes, I've been burned out lately and am lucky I recognized it. Sketching the dog was fun and revitalized me a bit, and I've been encouraged and glad that art felt fun again. Sending you love and virtual hugs.
What a great sketch on the dog, Beth. Do you plan to add paint to this also, or let it remain as a sketch? I have a friend here in my community that will do paintings of your pet. He does a wonderful job doing that. Another painter friend of mine will take a photo of your home and create a framed painting of it for you. There are so many possibilities with a talent such as yours especially when you are experiencing an "artistic" slump. Although it seems you have found a good solution for it as well.
Hi Nancy, it's terrific that you have friends who do great jobs painting for others. That is wonderful.
I appreciate your sweet words about my sketch and my artistic abilities. My original plan was/is to do oil paintings of the animals, but since I got a bit burned out from painting, I did the sketch instead. As it was done on sketch paper instead of canvas, I will redraw it based on the reference photo onto canvas, and paint in the animal at the same time.
Once I get my website up and running, I will be able to eventually sell paintings, such as landscapes. Of course, there's such limited time, so it's been taking me awhile, but it will happen; I just don't know exactly when. There's a learning curve to it, something I have to get through....
Good for you for recognizing the edges of burnout. I find that stepping away, doing something totally different for a while, refreshes me. As does noticing beauty around me, just for the sake of appreciating it, not to capture it in words, art or photos. Remembering what fills up my soul's well again, finding stillness...all this brings me back to creativity again. Your soul is speaking to you. Listen and follow, Beth.
"Recognizing the edges of burnout" - that resonates. It can be vital to not wait for the complete burnout, meltdown, or whatever you want to call it. Short, more frequent breaks can prevent long, even permanent ones. I like your suggestions. Your Substack is a fine example of "a place" to go when one needs glimmers instead of pressures.
Spoken like someone who has been there, Nancy. Yes, it's key to notice the early whispers so you can pause and refresh, and nip things in the bud. And thank you for the compliment. I started Glimmers From The Edge as much for me as for anyone - a reminder to pay attention to the moments of joy, beauty and goodness all around.
Julie, I love Glimmers From The Edge. It is so nice to read something that has such nice positive messages and instances. You are a true inspiration. :)
Thank you for your comment. Your perspective is spot on. Doing something different than one is used to can remedy burnout, as is appreciating nature. My soul has been reaching out to me, and I am definitely listening.
Beth I love these recommendations you offered here for renewing one’s creativity. I can confirm that getting organized and clearing a space for a new project is a wonderful way to reset and rebalance. Just the process of patiently sorting through things can offer a sense of clarity and purpose. Great article!
Thank you so much, Gerry, for your kind words of encouragement. I think that creatives need to renew themselves from time to time. I love your words, "reset and rebalance." That's exactly true.
I think being a writer is being free and also being under the constant pressure of being the most creative and attentive person ever Beth. I have my falls, I believe we all have our falls to deal with. But you poured your heart into this and your sketch is very pretty and bold... I love what you do and you are amazing
Hi Ral,
Thank you so much for the high compliment; I really appreciate that. There is a lot of pressure in writing and in creating visual art, but like you say, there's also freedom. I love creating visual art and writing, so even if I get burned out, I know that these artistic endeavorrs are with me for the long haul, and I get to enjoy the processes.
First of all I love the sweet dog. Whoever did that video on YouTube that inspired you to step back and rediscover other aspects to your art, was spot on in my book. Sometimes I feel like I'm just trying too hard in my writing and I turn to what I'll call "writing play." I make poems for friends. I make little booklets with drawings and doodles around my words. I give myself whole-heartedly to journaling for a time -- and sometimes I just stop. Though I never quit thinking about writing and I've long held that even when I'm not writing, I'm writing -- in my head and in my heart.
I find that breaks allow me to come back to my work with fresh eyes and fresh intention, and often in the process of play or just stepping back I learn or integrate something crucial to my work. I'm sure it will be the same for you.
I hope you'll play with some more sketches -- I especially like the animal subjects too. This was a really helpful post and as always, I'm a fan and appreciate your art and your process so much. Sign me your sister in creating. . .
Hi Stephanie,
Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and support. I love how you play with writing. I think it's wonderful how you create poems for your friends, and those small booklets must be so much fun -- and all these activities tap into your exquisite creativity. I totally get that even when you're not writing, you are still writing in your mind and heart.
I will be patient, and I will be sketching more. Thank you for your compliment on my sketch; I plan to do more sketching, indulging in play more often.
I so appreciate you. And I'm your fan, as well.
It seems like a cycle that most artists go through, that’s what I hear from other artists in CVP. Self-care is the right thing to do. Get away and do something different, and don’t worry about it. I can also see how doing art that you are so personally and emotionally tied to would be draining after a while. One thing I’ve learned is not to put a timeline on myself whenever possible. That gives you a cushion in case you do need a break. I hope you recharge your batteries and can come back to it feeling good. No time pressure, though. The project you’re working on is going to touch so many people.
Hi Alene,
Thank you so much. Yes, it's a common thing to get burn out in any kind of creative endeavor. You are right about not having a timeline on myself. In a world of deadlines, it seems it's so easy to burden oneself with due dates. The Breast Cancer, Female and Young series is something I'm proud of and know will help others, but I do need a break from this project from time to time.
Thank you so much for your kind words of encouragement.
Hi Beth,
I'm understand about that slump. We all fall into those. I do anyway. The present political climate sure doesn't help. So much chaos and uncertainty. I love the tip about not trying to actually create art, but rather to do something art related. I need to try this. I know that when I don't feel up to writing something for Substack, for example, I could try journaling, responding to a prompt, organizing my writing files (okay maybe not that!), or whatever. My trouble is that if I don't have something to show for my efforts, I have a tendency to say, why bother? I know this is dumb. I know self-care matters. And yet...
I love the sketch. It reminds me of our springer Sophie. You really captured the sweet expression of the dog's face in your sketch. You should definitley keep doing sketches. How do you keep them from smearing, or don't they smear?
Thank you for the much needed self-care reminder/tip and for sharing your wonderful sketch.
Hi Nancy,
You are so right about the political climate; I find it tears away my focus at times. When you are not up to writing on Substack, journaling is so very useful. To me, journaling is like the equivalent of sketching a picture. Writing is one of those things that is so important, yet so difficult, too. And you've written several books, so I'm amazed at how you do it. Give yourself the credit you deserve, as writing takes so much discipline.
It's interesting that the sketch reminds you of Sophie. I drew a Springer spaniel in that one. I just went to the pet show to take whatever pictures I could, and I saw this beautiful Springer spaniel and a couple of golden retrievers, as well as some cats, and I was snapping my cell phone camera constantly. My aim is to eventually paint these; I had no idea I'd be sketching as well.
Some of the graphite pencils smear more easily than others. The hard graphite pencils are for fine lines, while the soft, more smearable graphite pencils (my favorites) are for shading and such. For this dog, I just left the parts that were white untouched and focused on filling in the shading where appropriate. If something smears -- and trust me, there's smearing going on -- I simply erase it with a kneadable eraser, which looks and acts like a ball of clay. It erases nicely and is fun to play with!
The dog sketch is so beautiful! It is very important to recognize burn out. I’m truly glad to hear that you chose to do what feels good without forcing your creative self to keep pouring out stuff. Please allow yourself to take all the time you need. Sending you lots of good juju with love.
Hi Susan,
I love how you put that because sometimes we do force our creative selves to keep pouring out stuff. Sure, as a writer, I have deadlines sometimes. But if the juices aren't flowing, stepping back and taking a break can be exactly what we need.
Totally agree, Nancy. Thanks!
Thank you, Susan, for your kind encouragement. Yes, I've been burned out lately and am lucky I recognized it. Sketching the dog was fun and revitalized me a bit, and I've been encouraged and glad that art felt fun again. Sending you love and virtual hugs.
What a great sketch on the dog, Beth. Do you plan to add paint to this also, or let it remain as a sketch? I have a friend here in my community that will do paintings of your pet. He does a wonderful job doing that. Another painter friend of mine will take a photo of your home and create a framed painting of it for you. There are so many possibilities with a talent such as yours especially when you are experiencing an "artistic" slump. Although it seems you have found a good solution for it as well.
Hi Nancy, it's terrific that you have friends who do great jobs painting for others. That is wonderful.
I appreciate your sweet words about my sketch and my artistic abilities. My original plan was/is to do oil paintings of the animals, but since I got a bit burned out from painting, I did the sketch instead. As it was done on sketch paper instead of canvas, I will redraw it based on the reference photo onto canvas, and paint in the animal at the same time.
Once I get my website up and running, I will be able to eventually sell paintings, such as landscapes. Of course, there's such limited time, so it's been taking me awhile, but it will happen; I just don't know exactly when. There's a learning curve to it, something I have to get through....
Good for you for recognizing the edges of burnout. I find that stepping away, doing something totally different for a while, refreshes me. As does noticing beauty around me, just for the sake of appreciating it, not to capture it in words, art or photos. Remembering what fills up my soul's well again, finding stillness...all this brings me back to creativity again. Your soul is speaking to you. Listen and follow, Beth.
Julie,
"Recognizing the edges of burnout" - that resonates. It can be vital to not wait for the complete burnout, meltdown, or whatever you want to call it. Short, more frequent breaks can prevent long, even permanent ones. I like your suggestions. Your Substack is a fine example of "a place" to go when one needs glimmers instead of pressures.
Spoken like someone who has been there, Nancy. Yes, it's key to notice the early whispers so you can pause and refresh, and nip things in the bud. And thank you for the compliment. I started Glimmers From The Edge as much for me as for anyone - a reminder to pay attention to the moments of joy, beauty and goodness all around.
Julie, I love Glimmers From The Edge. It is so nice to read something that has such nice positive messages and instances. You are a true inspiration. :)
Thanks Beth, but honestly, it's the stories that inspire. I'm just the scribe. And happy to be so.😊
Hi Julie,
Thank you for your comment. Your perspective is spot on. Doing something different than one is used to can remedy burnout, as is appreciating nature. My soul has been reaching out to me, and I am definitely listening.
Sending love and peace. May your words start flowing again. This sketch is lovely!
Thank you Rea! I appreciate your compliment on my sketch and good wishes for me to break out of my slump. I will get there and won't give up!