How to get unstuck in your painting

Is this or is this not one of the main problems you have in your painting process?

Getting stuck.

So many people have told me they get to a certain part of their painting and don’t like what’s happening but have no clue how to move forward so they add to their growing collection of unfinished pieces lined up in their studio.

And they’re filled with fear that if they do anything more they are going to ruin it.

I have five suggestions for you.

Look through your photos of old paintings you love and you might get an idea.

Look through art books or online on Pinterest. Both offer lots of inspiration.

Mix some new colors that you haven’t used yet in your painting and see if one of these new colors is just the thing your painting needs to get you out of the rut you’re in.

Notice if you have too many shapes that are the same size, or if the composition is too centrally focused, or if you’re ignoring the edges of the canvas. You need to have variety in your painting to be successful and keep the viewer interested.

My BEST solution of all – and the main one I use – is going through my Resource binder filled with “Painting Guides.” These are clear plastic sheet protectors or clear acrylic dividers that I have painted on, either with a pattern, a large shape, or a distinct type of line. I take out each one of my guides and hold it over my abstract painting, moving it all around the canvas. I can see right away when something shouts, “YES, this is it!”

Doing this reduces any fear I have of making the next move and as soon as I add that concept from the guide onto the canvas, the painting will guide me to my next step.

And if I draw another blank, I take out more Painting Guides and do the same thing. At a certain point you’ll be in your painting flow.

Now, I happen to have a YouTube video showing you exactly how I use these Guides to help you get unstuck in an abstract painting.

Click HERE to watch “Getting Unstuck with Painting Guides.”

This method is invaluable. My library of painting guides continues to grow and grow.

I don’t think there is a painting where I don’t use a lot of them.

This technique takes away any fear you have of ruining your painting, and you’ll be able to try a variety of things to see which one will work best and you’ll be able to put it in the right location.

You don't want to paint a huge area directly on your canvas only to decide it doesn’t work and you have to wipe everything off.

You KNOW you’re going to like it.

I hope you give this a try. Please watch my YouTube showing you exactly how I make and use them.

You’ll be so glad you did.

Sending you a world of love,

Adele

* Click HERE to learn about the Art with Adele Academy.

* Click HERE to get my FREE minicourse, “Kickstart Your Abstract Painting.”