Six Ways Out of a Creative Rut 

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We asked six artists: What’s something you do to overcome a creative rut? 

Michael Reardon 

There are a few methods I use to work through those periodic ruts. One is simply to sit down and draw. Another is to try something new. But the most reliable fix I’ve found is to travel. Going somewhere and seeing something new is always exciting. This past summer, I found myself in a bit of a rut, but then, in September, I had the opportunity to teach a workshop in Alaska. I returned from the trip completely re-energized. Who knew that glaciers could be so fascinating? 

Iain Stewart 

I’ve found that introducing new materials and tools helps me let go of the notion that every time I touch brush to paper, the result must be a finished painting. Recently, using a dip pen with a Kakimori nib, water-soluble and permanent inks, and watercolor, has been an interesting way to let go and play seriously.  

Antonio Masi 

A piece of blank, white paper can be daunting. To escape that fear, I reach for a sheet of watercolor paper and tint it using the first color that comes to mind. The act of tinting the paper transforms that empty void into a canvas of imagination. It sparks a whirlwind of thoughts, both conscious and subconscious. Ideas materialize, and visions appear, dispelling the fear of being stuck. 

Keiko Tanabe 

Of the various ways I’ve tried to pull myself out of a rut, it’s the ideas that offer challenges that seem to work best and fastest. I recently experienced a period of burnout—several days when I just wasn’t feeling as motivated as I should in my studio. To counter the feeling, I decided, on a whim, to play with materials I seldom use: gouache paints on a sheet of black watercolor paper (instead of my usual watercolors on white paper). It certainly took me outside my comfort zone, and I found the experience invigorating.  

James Gurney 

If by “creative rut” we mean painting the same things the same way each time, then, I wish I had that problem. More often my challenge is wide focus. I’m interested in everything: people, landscapes, cityscapes, interiors, sci-fi, fantasy and florals. I’m always trying new brushes and paints. When I start on a motif, my brain spins like a radio dial. I haven’t solved this problem; I’m just an eager puppy. 

Chris Krupinski 

Most of my work is realistic still life. I’ve found that when I complete a painting that I feel is successful, my initial reaction is to paint something similar. This can lead to a creative rut because there’s not the same pleasure in the process. When I find myself heading in that direction, I step back and start thinking abstractly. Rather than set up a still life of pears, berries, and a glass bowl, I think of the setup in terms of color and shapes. I might challenge myself by selecting objects that create a complementary color scheme. Or, I might opt for an arrangement with objects of contrasting shapes and sizes. By doing this, I set up new challenges and encourage differing viewpoints. 

We hope these ideas help you overcome a creative rut. Do you have a solution to share? Leave it in the comments!