untitled work in progress
untitled 2 work in progress
After
leaving a few unfinished paintings sit around for a while I actually
find it hard coming back to them. I've lost that initial thrill of
creating, and now it just feels a little too hard. What do I do next?
What needs adjusting or fine tuning? DO I even like what I've done so
far? These and other questions run through my head and I usually end up
doing nothing! So - how to overcome this fairly common dilema? Here's
my list of tips I've just brainstormed that I'm going to use to
complete some unfinished works and half started projects.
How to Complete Unfinished Works or projects:
1. Just do it! Yes, just like the Nike
add. No I don't even own any running shoes, let alone Nike, but the
sentiment is a good one and it applies to lots of things. Especially
when it comes to procrastinating! Think you need to change a colour/
eye/ background... then just go with your gut instinct and... Just Do
It. simple.
2. Take a photo, print it out.... play with
the photocopy first. You can make alterations, and 'play' freely as
you have removed the fear of 'wrecking' it. When you are happy with
your results - then transfer onto your original artwork
3. Do a little at a time. There are no
awards for finishing everything in one sitting. Set a plan to just do a
little somethign everyday. Breaking a large task into small steps
stops it being overwhelming.
4. Play at Art more. Don't worry about
that unfinished painting. Get some scrap paper and play with colours,
and shapes; use an art journal if you have one and do free writing, then
paint all over it. It might just tweak some action in other areas of
your art too!
5. Make sure you have given yourself the
gift of time. Time to sit and ponder. Without interruptions or
worries. Set a timer if you have to so you aren't worried about keeping
a track of time. Then you are just free to be present in the moment,
in the time you have.
6. Ask anothers opinion or advice.
7. Ask yourself - is this painting worth
the effort. Or do you really just want to start all over again. That's
O.K. too. Then it is no longer unfinished - grab the primer or gesso
and prepare the surface for a new art work.
8. Put them away, out of sight for a day/
week. Maybe you've been looking at it too long. Have a holiday from
each other - and then try again when you feel fresher.
9. Just work through one at a time.....
OR Work on lots of different aspects of lots of things. Only you know
what perks your creativity and keeps you motivated!
10. You really, really can't finish, don't
have the time or energy even to re-paint over, or have boxes of
unfinished bits and pieces? Then box them up and give them away!
Finally - Be kind to yourself, and allow
art and being creative to be nurturing. I'll let everyone know how I go
following my own advice next week!
Hey - if you've read this far - thanks! Leave a comment as I love to hear from you :-)
