7 Practical Art Ideas to Overcome Creative Block

Published on 20 June 2023 8 min read

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7. Recreate Famous Artworks

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Every artist encounters creative block at some point in their journey. Finding new art ideas for art block can be challenging, but don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog, we will explore seven practical art ideas to help you overcome your creative block and get back to making amazing artwork.

1. Collaborative Doodling

Collaborative doodling is an enjoyable and social way to get your creative juices flowing when facing art block. It involves working together with other artists to create a joint piece of art. This can be done in person or online. Here's how you can get started with collaborative doodling:

Invite friends or family members to participate in a doodling session. This makes for a fun, shared experience, and you can bounce ideas off each other.
Try using a shared digital canvas if you prefer working online. Apps like Aggie.io or Drawpile allow multiple users to draw together in real-time, allowing you to collaborate with artists from all over the world.
Experiment with art prompts or themes to provide a starting point for your doodling session. You can find various art prompts online or create your own.
Remember to keep things light and casual—collaborative doodling is all about having fun and letting your creativity flow.

By engaging in collaborative doodling, you can find inspiration from others, learn new techniques, and break free from your art block. Who knows, you might even create a masterpiece together!

2. Switch Up Your Medium

Switching up your medium is another effective way to overcome art block. Trying new materials or techniques can refresh your creative process and inspire you to see things differently. Here are some suggestions for exploring new mediums:

If you usually work with pencils or pens, try painting with acrylics, watercolors, or oils.
Experiment with collage by combining different materials like paper, fabric, or found objects to create unique textures and compositions.
Take a break from 2D art and try your hand at sculpture using materials like clay, wire, or even recycled materials.
Consider exploring printmaking techniques like linocut, screen printing, or monotype to create interesting and reproducible artwork.

By stepping out of your comfort zone and experimenting with new mediums, you can discover new art ideas for art block and reignite your passion for creating.

3. Nature-Inspired Art

Looking to nature for inspiration is a timeless method for overcoming art block. The natural world offers endless possibilities for art ideas, and you can find inspiration in various ways:

Take a walk outside and observe your surroundings. Pay attention to the shapes, colors, and textures of plants, animals, and landscapes.
Collect natural objects like leaves, rocks, or feathers during your walk, and use them as a starting point for a new art project.
Try creating art outdoors, also known as plein air painting, to connect with your environment and find fresh perspectives.
Look at the work of famous nature-inspired artists, such as Georgia O'Keeffe, Claude Monet, or Ansel Adams, to see how they captured the beauty of nature in their art.

Embracing the natural world can help you find art ideas for art block and remind you of the endless possibilities that exist in the world around you.

4. Attend Local Art Workshops

One of the best ways to overcome art block is by attending local art workshops. These workshops allow you to:

Learn new techniques and skills from experienced artists and instructors.
Network and collaborate with fellow artists who might be facing similar creative challenges.
Gain inspiration from the ideas and styles of others, helping you to broaden your artistic horizons.
Participate in hands-on activities that can help you to break free from your art block and reignite your creative spark.

Local art workshops are not only great art ideas for art block, but they also provide valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth in your artistic journey. So, go ahead and sign up for that pottery class or painting workshop — you might just find the creative boost you've been looking for!

5. Explore Digital Art Tools

Another effective way to tackle art block is by exploring the world of digital art tools. There is a vast array of software and applications available that can help you create stunning artwork and spark new ideas. Here are some popular options to consider:

Procreate: A powerful and versatile drawing app for iPad users, perfect for sketching, painting, and illustration.
Adobe Photoshop: A well-known photo editing and graphic design software with a plethora of brushes, effects, and tools for creating digital art.
Corel Painter: A comprehensive digital art software designed specifically for artists, offering a realistic painting experience with a wide array of brushes and media.
Clip Studio Paint: A versatile digital painting software with a focus on manga and comic art, offering a range of tools for creating detailed illustrations and animations.

By experimenting with these digital art tools, you can not only develop new skills but also discover fresh art ideas for art block. So, don't hesitate to dive into the digital world and see where your creativity takes you!

6. Try Art Therapy Exercises

Art therapy exercises are a fantastic way to overcome creative block while also promoting relaxation and self-reflection. These activities can help you tap into your emotions, gain new perspectives, and ultimately, unleash new art ideas for art block. Here are some art therapy exercises you might find helpful:

Freeform drawing: Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and draw whatever comes to mind without overthinking it. This exercise helps you let go of your inner critic and embrace your spontaneous creativity.
Mindful coloring: Choose a coloring page or book, and focus on filling in the spaces with colors that resonate with you. This exercise can encourage relaxation and help you rediscover the joy of creating art.
Emotional collage: Gather a selection of images from magazines, newspapers, or other sources that represent your current emotions. Arrange and glue these images onto a piece of paper or canvas to create a visual representation of your feelings, providing insights into your emotional state and inspiring new art ideas.
Gratitude artwork: Create a piece of art that represents something you're grateful for, such as a person, place, or experience. This exercise helps shift your focus away from creative block and towards positive emotions, which can spark fresh ideas.

By incorporating art therapy exercises into your routine, you can break through art block and rediscover the joy of creating. So, why not give these exercises a try and see how they inspire you?

7. Recreate Famous Artworks

Recreating famous artworks is a fun and educational way to overcome art block. Not only does this challenge your technical skills, but it also exposes you to different artistic styles and techniques, which can inspire new art ideas for art block. To get started, try these steps:

Choose an artwork: Select a famous painting, sculpture, or other artwork that resonates with you or challenges your current skill level.
Analyze the piece: Spend some time studying the artwork's composition, color palette, and technique. What makes this piece unique or memorable? What can you learn from the artist's approach?
Recreate the artwork: Using your preferred medium, try to recreate the famous artwork as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the details and techniques you observed in your analysis.
Reflect on the experience: After completing your recreation, consider what you've learned about the artwork and the artist's approach. How has this exercise influenced your own creative process or inspired new art ideas?

Recreating famous artworks can be both a rewarding and enlightening experience, helping you break free from art block and expand your creative horizons. So, why not choose a favorite masterpiece and give this exercise a try?

1. Collaborative Doodling

Collaborative doodling is a fantastic way to generate new art ideas for art block. By working with others, you can combine your creative strengths and discover new techniques. To get started, grab a friend or join an online art community and try these collaborative doodling activities:

Pass the sketch: One person starts drawing, then passes the sketch to the other, who adds their own elements. Continue passing the sketch until you've created a unique, combined artwork.
Draw with prompts: Take turns giving each other creative prompts or themes and draw something based on them. This can help spark new ideas and push you out of your comfort zone.
Create a story: Collaborate on a visual story or comic by taking turns drawing panels or scenes. This can help develop your narrative skills and inspire new art ideas.

Working with others can inspire you to think outside the box and create art that you may not have come up with on your own.

2. Switch Up Your Medium

Switching up your medium is a great way to overcome art block. It can help you explore new techniques, textures, and styles. If you're used to working with a particular medium, why not try something new? Here are some ideas:

Experiment with watercolors, acrylics, or oil paints
Try digital art using a drawing tablet or software
Work with clay, wood, or other sculpting materials

By trying out new mediums, you may discover a new passion, or at the very least, gain a fresh perspective for your art.

3. Nature-Inspired Art

Looking to nature for inspiration is a timeless way to generate art ideas for art block. Take a walk outdoors and observe the colors, shapes, and textures around you. Bring a sketchbook or camera to capture what catches your eye. Here are some nature-inspired art activities:

Landscapes: Paint or draw a landscape scene, focusing on the colors and textures of the environment.
Botanical art: Create detailed illustrations or paintings of plants and flowers, capturing their intricate beauty.
Animal studies: Sketch or paint animals, paying attention to their anatomy and movement.

Nature has a wealth of inspiration to offer, so don't hesitate to step outside and explore its wonders for your art.

4. Attend Local Art Workshops

Attending local art workshops can help you overcome art block by learning new techniques and connecting with other artists. Check out community centers, art schools, or galleries for workshops and classes that interest you. Here are some benefits of attending art workshops:

Learn new skills from experienced artists
Connect with like-minded individuals who can offer support and inspiration
Gain exposure to different art styles and mediums

By participating in art workshops, you'll not only expand your creative toolbox but also build a supportive network of fellow artists.

5. Explore Digital Art Tools

Exploring digital art tools is an effective way to overcome art block and open up new creative possibilities. With a variety of software and apps available, you can experiment with different techniques and styles. Some popular digital art tools include:

Adobe Photoshop for digital painting and photo manipulation
Procreate, an intuitive drawing app for iPad
Blender, a free 3D modeling and animation software

As you experiment with digital art tools, you may find new ways to express your creativity and break through art block.

6. Try Art Therapy Exercises

Art therapy exercises can help you overcome art block by encouraging self-expression and emotional healing. Here are some art therapy activities to try:

Color your feelings: Assign different colors to various emotions and create an abstract piece that represents your current emotional state.
Visual journaling: Keep a visual journal to document your thoughts and feelings through drawings, paintings, or collages.
Mandala art: Design your own mandalas, which are intricate, circular patterns believed to promote relaxation and focus.

By exploring art therapy exercises, you can gain valuable insights into your emotions and find inspiration to create meaningful artwork.

If you're looking for ways to overcome creative block and keep your artistic inspiration flowing, check out the workshop 'Never Have Art Block Again' by Perry Picasshoe. This workshop will provide you with practical tips and techniques to ensure that you never run out of creative ideas and stay productive in your artistic journey.