I used to paint and draw regularly and it was my therapy. I’ve only painted and drawn a few times since 2007. I started hating everything I created and lost the passion for it.
I have people telling me since I have the time that I should get back to it. I guess they say this as meaning well but it just makes it seem like a task I have to complete. I want to want to.
How do I get more motivated?
Maybe I’ll look at my old work and other artists work when I feel ready.
Does anyone else feel similar?
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Starrlight
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It’s definitely hard when it was something you loved. I’ve been drawing less and less over the last several months. When I tried to draw, I just stare at the piece of paper with nothing across my mind.
Recently, I’ve tried to redraw some old things or draw something from that I’ve seen. I guess it’s kind of a mechanical way to get back into drawing without feeling bad about having no inspiration. I’m not sure if that helps?
That’s helpful yes thanks. I hope we both get more into it. I usually draw from my mind and painting the same and it’s kind of abstract work. I love to do mixed media. What type of artwork is your favorite?
We gotta take small steps. Usually pen and paper or pencils. I’m learning how to do things digitally. I’m more of a doodler, so it’s hard to get me going on drawing when I don’t feel like there’s anything to doodle. Sigh.
That’s tough. I’m sorry. It sucks. Yeah I look at my best tools and pigments and still no interest, only a wish to be interested. I’ve forced myself to do a little bit it was not fun or rewarding.
I can only share my experience with you. Me too. Before depression took over my life I enjoyed painting, decorating, exercising, going to museums and galleries, socializing, etc...
The first thing that went out the door, once depression settled in, was art. The more people tell me to just go back to my watercolors, the more I resist. You see, depression cuts you off from all things and activities that used to make you happy, that gave meaning to your life. Did I ever go back? No. Why? Because I’m still dealing with clinical depression and chronic anxiety. I’ll be lucky if I go for a short walk let alone create art. I wish you better luck and a speedy recovery. You will know you are fine once you get the urge to paint again. I hope 🤞 soon. Hugs.
I am so happy someone brought this up! My late mother was a fantastic artist & seamstress. When she was injured in a car accident I discovered I also had some of her talent — I took cards she received from friends and created framed collages. After Mom died and my depression came roaring back, I felt no motivation at all to continue my artwork until very recently — a friend asked me to create a similar collage for a relative. I still find it hard to get going, and often sit at my art table without making a move, but I’m hoping - as I do for you all - that the artistic motivation returns.
I have been feeling the same, since my anxiety/depression has increased over the last year. I am now trying another antidepressant, it seems to work, and I am contemplating little art projects again (so far only in my mind).
But what has worked for me in the past, was to work on older pieces and change them, esp. those that I think aren't that great.
Well, good luck and hope you feel the motivation soon.
YES! I have been dealing with that as well, only my media is photography.
What helps me is to acknowledge that no one else sees what I see, nor will they photograph the same thing the same way. (I was for years a Professional Photographer).
What I'm learning now is that I'm not doing it for a client anymore...who cares what anyone thinks. What do I get out of it?
I'd encourage you to choose to put your perspective of your life on paper.
It's funny, because I was just posting something on social media saying the same thing.
And I also believe that there are a lot of very creative and talented people on this site.
A photographer that’s awesome! Yeah what does it matter... it’s for us now. I have been having trouble with motivation. I love taking pictures of my kids. For me that is easy because in loving them that way is a passion but for some reason my life or pain or beauty whatever I depict i guess I am not loving myself in a way that I can do my art ... yet... working on it.
What is your favorite subject to photograph? Yeah what do you get out of it? It’s creation that only you can make? I think when I get around to it I will have proven to myself that I can love myself...ha kinda makes a little sense.
Hi! I don’t think you should force yourself to do something you don’t have a passion for just because you had it in the past. If that’s what’s really holding you back then don’t worry about it too much. However if motivation is the issue meaning that you want to do it but feel blocked then I have a simple solution for you. The first step will be the hardest. Make a whole day to do it. Make a day to do it - to do this one thing, I’m not kidding. Go to the easiest store to by a pen and pocket sized notebook. Purchase them and put then in your jacket immediately and then when you are done congratulate yourself, go get a coffee, water, hot cocoa, etc. Take out your notebook and pen and scribble on the first page. Think about nothing. Or if you are feeling what you are feeling let it be just keep your hand moving without judgement, without keepin form. Put the notebook and pen back in your jacket. Anytime you feel bored and anxious take out the notebook repeat the process. Eventually art will come through but be patient with it and yourself and just keep doing it.
I have issues with saying yes I am an artist . But I have no issues telling you that I have a mental illness and Art has saved my life.
About three years ago I was doodling to deal with anxiety. I also was so tired of having thoughts and feelings and no place to put them down. I would think of something and forget it and hate myself for being so lazy and forgetful and not capturing the creative impulse as it came to me. For 40 years I did this. Then one day I just kept a Pen and paper in my jacket. Like making sure I had my keys with me and since then I have drawn hundreds of sketches and put them up on social media not to show that I am an artist but to show myself there is a productive way to deal with my disorder. I have also written ideas and lyrics, many just sitting in boxes, some lost, others revisited. I hope one day they matter more. Yet if I never started keeping a pen and paper with me at all times I would just be daydreaming without purpose.
I love what you’ve said here. I’m going to find my sketch book. I already have pens and pencils out. I’m glad art helps you. You are so right in its a good way to get the thoughts out.
hi star I cant draw a straight line even with a ruler never mind being artistic but I love when others are very much creative I love looking at what they do.you have a talent don't be afraid to show it.jump on a bike or in the car bus or train take a packed lunch some paper pencils paint whatever you need get away to a great little spot somewhere and let it flow.
i understand what you mean! when an your heart isn’t in it, it’s a bit of a job, i get that...something that might help motivate could be a listening to a song that’s near to your heart or pouring a feeling into what you’re doing as you’re feeling it... channeling an emotion and making it something you can look back at...i too have felt the lack of passion with it..it ebbs and flows. you never know when the spark will come back which means there’s always a chance that it will!
Hi Starrlight, I can totally relate to you on that. I’ve drawn for more than a decade and now I just don’t do it anymore. I’m guessing I don’t feel inspired anymore. I don’t find joy in it anymore and I used to think it was my passion. It’s hard for me to pick up the pencil and doodle something. I want to try it again. It won’t hurt. I just need to find what I loved about art in the first place.
Hi Star! Just the fact that you are thinking about going back to it is huge. Good for u.
I ve got to get to hobbies Ive once enjoyed too. I used to paint too. I love music. I love to dance. Maybe I should take a dance class!lol
Sometimes all it takes is to get up and start w/o thinking about it. Just do it. I did that w my diet and exercise. Dont worry about anything or if you'll stick to it. Just start. Start w a very small project. Once u take action the domino effect occurs (in a good way) naturally. Keep us posted! 💜
It sucked haha! It just wasn’t anything I would share as it just didn’t speak to me, hard to explain. Buuuuut I did a few more and my 4th sketch is coming along nicely. Thanks for caring. Now are you dancing? 😉
This is a question I ask myself every single week! Some days Im motivated and sometimes I want to crawl in bed and be lazy. I think the worst part is not having the living space to do a lot of arts and crafts. I went through a phase a couple years ago where Id paint wooden signs. I gave up.... but did 1 back in July as a gift for my neice. I am Trying to get back into painting crafts for the holidays. There are so many DIY ideas out there for the holidays.
I think the main thing is to always think of it as a passion/hobby. Dont ever let it feel like a chore. Give your self time to graduallly get back into it. Make a schedule if that helps motivate. Like designate a time a few times a week where you can sit and do any kind of painting you want. But you have to do it for you... not because everyone is telling you, you should.
Yeah? Painting wooden signs sounds awesome. I would love to see anything you’ve created! I may share on here in a little while too. I had felt I was being pushed by people and I resisted for a while and then I realized I really deep down wanted to create again, for me.
No not really only a few at one point but I did make cards from paintings to give to others... the original ones good enough to sell I have attachment to.
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