Oil Painting

A close friend of the great American artist, Edward Hopper, once said of him, “He was emotionally depressed with long periods of unconquerable inertia, sitting for days at a time before his easel in helpless unhappiness, unable to raise a hand to break the spell.”

It is a fact that one’s creative juices can ebb and flow. It’s not pleasant when they ebb, particularly when you make your living being creative. I’ve experienced a few slumps in my day, thankfully, never to the degree of Mr. Hopper. It’s not always clear cut, and I certainly cannot be dogmatic about Hopper’s depression, but I believe the root cause of depression can be spiritual.

People are surprised to learn that creative slumps are even possible with someone they consider to be an accomplished painter. But it’s true and is certainly not uncommon among creative professionals. That is itself an important point. It’s not uncommon, so it’s a truth that first needs to be recognized, and then accepted.

Inherent in every creative slump is self-doubt, a feeling that you’re losing your creative ability. Of course, that’s not true but it certainly feels that way. It just reiterates what I’ve said many times…if we rely on our feelings to be aligned before doing anything, we will accomplish very little.

During a particularly bad episode a few years ago, I remember entering the studio and realizing I couldn’t even remember how to start a painting. I felt I had forgotten everything. I mean it. Every attempt at painting just added to a growing sense of hopelessness and frustration.

Knowing I’m not the only one that experiences such self-doubt and lack of confidence, I asked a few OPA Masters what they do when encountering creative slumps.

Jeremy Goodding OPAM– Creative slumps can be one of the most difficult things for an artist to overcome. It’s good to acknowledge this so it doesn’t catch you off guard. 

In my case creative slumps are usually a matter of diminished mental and physical energy. They come from one of two categories. First is fatigue from regular life. The second is fatigue from the creative process. 

We all go through things in life that sap our energy and affect our creativity. I have weathered Illness, loss of a loved one, travel fatigue, problems with cars and many other things that life throws at you. It’s important that we allow ourselves time to rebound before we expect our best creative work. Good sleep, diet and exercise really help me weather life’s challenges. Also, taking time to do things that I sincerely enjoy can be healing. I like spending time outdoors, cooking, music and dreaming about some new adventure I’d like to take. These things help me reset and find initiative. It helps to have faith that God will see you through too!

On the creative side, large complex paintings and balancing deadlines with competitions, collectors and galleries can leave me feeling seriously stretched. I have to be careful not to overcommit. It’s hard to maintain creative energy when you are pulled in too many directions. I make it a point not to miss deadlines. When the dust settles, I have to rebuild my focus and visual sensitivity to move past the inevitable slump. Smaller paintings really help me get back on track. Completing easier projects really boosts confidence. They are a small reminder of what you are capable of and they help set the stage for something bigger that will take most of your creative energy to complete. 

It’s important to embrace the ups and downs of the creative process. It’s normal to reach new heights only to have a slump soon after. Don’t be surprised by it! 

Deborah Tilby OPAM– My “slumps” come in the form of a drop in confidence rather than a lack of creative energy or ideas.  Really bad slumps will have me feeling like a fraud and “who am I kidding?” I find this goes in cycles.  I will go along for a time feeling pretty good about my work and thinking that just maybe I actually do know what I’m doing. 

This will be followed by a period of dissatisfaction and frustration, I suppose because I always strive to be a better painter, so I move the goalposts. To deal with these slumps, I look at the work of other painters whom I admire, painters working in all sorts of interesting ways, usually nothing to do with the way I work but inspiring nonetheless. Then I choose subjects that are familiar so that I can put my energy into exploring other ways to handle them, other ways to use my tools…and the paintings will be much smaller so that I have many more chances to  work my way out of my dissatisfaction.

 I always arrive at a good place again, feel confident again, and go for many months consolidating what I’ve learned before the cycle repeats itself.

It isn’t fun being in a slump but I’ve come to recognize that it is an important time for growth as a painter. If a painter always loves everything they do, never questioning or having doubts, there is a danger of stagnation and they can end up painting the same thing in the same way over and over again.

Lori Putnam OPAM – There seems to be insufficient time to explore ideas when deadlines and responsibilities are looming. Sometimes it feels impossible to be creative, and I start questioning not only what to paint, but why to paint.

A quick scroll through social media, a visit to an art museum, or a perusal of art books can do one of two things: 1) Inspire me to take more risks with my work (yes!), or 2) Leave me thinking I am just not good enough (ugh). Once I allow myself to have thoughts about my lack of ability, I am doomed. If I am spiraling into a creative slump or experiencing a lack of confidence, my paintings show it. They are uninspired. They look too contrived, overworked, and lack life and energy.

Trying a different medium, playing with color, loosening my expectations, or working on small studies can reduce pressure and open unexpected doors. Reconnecting with the initial joy of creating—without the need to produce a painting worthy of exhibiting—often leads to surprising breakthroughs. Sometimes, allowing space for rest and observation in nature, without a brush in hand, is just as vital as actually painting it, giving my mind a chance to reset, and new ideas the freedom to surface naturally.

Louis Escobedo OPAM – First look at your Composition, Drawing, Values and Color Intensities, and check if everything is correct…or close to it. Then, look at your overall piece, GO BACK AND SIMPLIFY TO A BEGINNER’S BLOCK IN…TWO VALUES ON EVERYTHING, or where it needs it. Forget the detail and you will begin to see the Big Picture of where you went wrong. This is the way I chose to solve problems and a way of understanding Chaos!!!

MaryBeth Karaus OPAM– During the last two winters, I have encountered not just creative slumps but full-on blocks. I couldn’t get my heavy arms and legs to stand up and walk in the studio. I thought, it must be the studio’s fault. It’s really just a small 8×10 breezeway. Who can get any work done in there? I have to roll the easel around so I can go in and out of the doors.

If not that, then it’s the weather. The skies are gray in Ohio in the winter like a heavy blanket. That must be it. Seasonal depression. Whatever the problem is, I’m noticing a pattern. Next year what can I do?

Once the daffodils start blooming it’s over. Then here come the peonies and roses. Creative block disappears into thin air! So, the source of inspiration is missing! How can we draw it in when we need it? Here are some suggestions that I plan to try next year.

1. Open your photos on your computer and reevaluate your reference photos by cropping differently.
2. Head to museums or art galleries. Get away from the studio.
3. For still life painters, search through antique or grocery stores for inspiration.
4. Keep an inspiration list in your phone under your notes. Here you can add photos and drawings when ideas are coming right and left. Something like…do a still-life with all yellows, or try a hi-key painting with a light blue pitcher. Store these ideas away for when your creative juices come to a slow drip.
5. Try very small paintings done in one day of a single thing- one cup, one rose, or one apple.
6. If all else fails…Clean and organize. Sort paint, brushes, canvases, frames or do the worst job ever- clean your turp can and scrape your palette clean.

I find this quote motivating- “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working” Pablo Picasso.

Let yourself off the hook. If you can’t paint ITS OKAY to accept it. You can still work doing other things that move your painting projects forward. 

John Pototschnik OPA – My usual procedure for overcoming these discouraging slumps is to start something new, create many small studies (4″x 6″ range) of possible future paintings, or get outside and paint on location. Many artists, when going through such times, have expressed that they have always come out on the other side doing better work…let’s hope that’s the case for all of us.

I made my first painting when I was 21 years old. Up to that point I had never been in an art museum, nor was I aware of the French Impressionist painters. I discovered their work looking at an art history book my girlfriend had. I was immediately drawn to the work, like nothing I had ever experienced before. It was life changing. My friend encouraged me to try painting and gave me a set of acrylic paints, so I proceeded to make some copies of the Impressionist work I saw in the book, plus enrolled in some art classes at the community college. A drawing class and two painting classes. I was also working but would paint on the weekends and evenings.

I’m not sure where it came from but I was also certain I would be able to survive as a painter. My parents certainly instilled in me a work ethic, but they also did not understand nor really support my choice. Years later when asked what he thought at the time, my dad replied “I thought he was a hippy”. All that changed when they saw my commitment, hard work, plus my paintings really improving. After almost six years of painting full time and a visit from my parents to my place in Arcata, CA, about 700 miles from their home and where I grew up, plus seeing the conditions I lived in, my dad gave me a call. He said my mother cried all the way home as she was so sad to see the cold water, showerless, no kitchen stove, just a hot plate, funky studio living quarters I resided in. He offered to cover my expenses for a painting each month. This from parents that really had no connection to the fine arts, but were getting to know it some, through my passion and love of art. They sent a modest check for a few years to help me out, building a nice collection of my work. My paintings eventually started to sell, beyond just a sale here and there. That was after 14 years of working very hard at drawing and painting. I believe there is great power in committing oneself 100% to what it is you want to do as an artist, or anything in life for that matter. When I made that decision to paint full time,

I was certainly naive in matters of life and art but my desire and passion, single mindedness and work ethic carried me each day. It was a good time to throw caution to the wind as well. From 1975 to 1988 I never paid more than $150 per month for a place to live or work, and $25 brought home a couple large bags of groceries. In 1989 my wife Terry, also an artist, and I bought our home, so of course expenses went up, but we were both selling our paintings and bringing in more money than any time before. We are in the same house in 2025 and have never missed a house payment, plus we built two studios on our property 20 years ago. All of that I attribute to working hard, growing and improving as a painter, plus never losing faith in the process and commitment to a life as a painter.

I also believe luck and being in the right place at the right time play a role in shaping our life. Luck is fueled by commitment and hard work. My decision to move to Humboldt County brought me to a place that was beautiful, with an abundance of diverse landscape painting opportunities and an art community that embraced me, one where I met some lifelong friends, painters that I learned from and helped me grow.

Making a commitment and following through on it, connected me over the years with so many fine people, fellow painters, patrons and friends. I have witnessed that support from so many people for all these years. In the lean years I had landlords trade for rent as well as dentists and other professionals who traded, and people buying the work, usually for not more than $150. When one believes completely in what one does and works hard at it, many people will see that commitment and support it in many ways.

Honesty and painting what you believe to be true and meaningful is so important to making work that is authentic. I have always believed it’s a mistake to ever think about what the market is looking for or trying to find what connects with buyers. One needs to connect on a deep level with the work they do and the people that love your work and those that purchase it, will sense that and follow your journey. I sell a lot of work, but I paint a lot more that hasn’t yet sold and fills my studio. For me, and my own wellbeing as an artist, I would find it to be unfulfilling to repeat over and over those paintings that were popular and sold. I think when trying to make art one needs to explore and push ourselves into unknown territory, or try something that is very difficult, exploring different subjects or one’s process of painting. I love this quote from Miles Davis. He was once asked why he didn’t play ballads anymore, “because I can” was his answer. Now I do love Miles Davis ballads but even more so, I love how he never stopped growing as an artist, even if I didn’t like everything he made.

Having experienced life outside the art world can be a curse and an advantage.

Like so many, and certainly in my case, these experiences have taught valuable lessons in marketing, sales, work ethics, as well as the ability to run a business. No substitute for experience.

The path you take can be varied as long as the goal you have set for yourself remains in sight.

I liken it to being an athlete, with kids playing any number of sports. All dreaming of making that final winning play in the World Series or Super Bowl. Do these dreams begin as goals, or are they steppingstone to our future.

Little League Baseball, Softball, Soccer, Gymnastics, Mighty Mite Football, you name it, and millions of kids have tried it. All providing experiences and opportunities to grow.

Then comes high school and the numbers are greatly thinned. The dream continues and the passion builds. College, however, will be the end to many of these dreams. The numbers are drastically reduced as the cream rises to the top, and a very elite few go on and play professionally. The experiences, however, are never diminished. They still are a very important part of you.

The art world has a very similar parallel, with millions of kids drawing and painting in schools, at home, rec centers and anywhere you can find crayons, markers and pencils.

The exposure is vast and the satisfaction these budding artists receive by seeing their creations hung in classrooms and on parents and grandparents’ refrigerators, as well as their own rooms, is all inspiring and motivating. “Look what I drew today, I drew it for you”!

As they grow in years and advance in their craft, the numbers begin to thin. By high school, the standouts are having their work submitted in contests and some seek professional classes with the dream of becoming an artist. Many of these artists might find different ways to fuel their creativity in other areas such as music, dance, theater and speech. All filling a desire to create and be heard.

The ability to find mentors and professional guidance has never been greater. The best of the best are teaching in person, online, doing workshops all over the world reaching masses of truly wonderfully talented artists.

Colleges continue to excel and produce amazing young artists and give them the opportunity to be seen and heard.

I was one of those individuals that chose a career outside the art world.

I fueled my passion by owning my own business in the automotive world creating custom vans, trucks and automobiles.

Entering the world of art full-time was and has always been a thought, that one day could come true. I never stopped drawing or painting throughout my corporate life, and it was something I always found rewarding and fun. It was a kick in the britches.

I never thought, however, it was something I could make a living at. This was something very high on my priority list. Taking care of my family was paramount.

When I finally decided to make a career change, I was at the point financially where I could jump in wholeheartedly and without reservation.

I remember it clearly; I told my wife I wanted to be a full-time artist. She said, “What! Are you crazy?” I said no, I want to spend the rest of my life working as a full-time artist!

After taking medication and time to think she agreed, and the rest is history. (I’m exaggerating of course, Susie has always been my rock and supported my crazy ideas 100%.)

Being one that wasn’t a well-known or standout artist was a problem. How could I possibly succeed among the thousands of successful artists today.

I started by contacting a very talented artist Jeff Hein who owns and operates The Hein Academy of Fine Art here in Salt Lake City. Jeff teaches classically and has a very successful atelier online and in person, not to mention a very successful art career.

I began by taking classes from Jeff in the evening, until a full-time position became available. For two and a half years I worked countless hours failing and absorbing criticism, as well as celebrating milestone victories along the way. This truly became the foundation of my work. I still hadn’t found my footing and voice yet and Jeff’s words where embedded in my mind, “Don’t Be Lucky, Be Good. You have one opportunity to make a first impression. Be sure you are ready!”

At 58 this wasn’t something I wanted to hear, but it was something I definitely heard. He was absolutely right, I felt the clock ticking and pushed and worked as hard as I possibly could. This being the curse I spoke about earlier. Is there time to switch careers mid-stream and find satisfaction and success in this area? Was this even possible?

I couldn’t allow negative thoughts to creep in and destroy all the work I had done, so I began painting for me and just enjoying the love of painting.

I started plein air painting in 2012 and found a new voice and calling within myself.

At the end of that year, I told Jeff I love you like a son, but I’m driven to paint on location En Plein Air! He understood and we said goodbye. Still an amazing friend, we see and paint together at events and plein air outings.

I took workshops from Bryan Mark Taylor, Charlie Hunter, Ron Rencher and Matt Smith. All were incredibly enlightening and rewarding. Again, hearing Jeff’s voice, “Don’t be Lucky Be Good”!  I painted plein air as much as possible and took every opportunity to learn whenever I could.

In 2013, I entered my first plein air event. I thought I had won the lottery when I took 4th place in the Wasatch Plein Air Paradise in Midway, Utah! This show has on average 100 plus artists that participate, with many of them being the best in the land.

It was just what the doctor ordered. A small amount of success among folks I had admired from afar, and now having my work alongside theirs was a dream come true.

It wasn’t a Best of Show, but it was that small spark of inspired motivation that told me I was on the right path.

Years have passed with hundreds of events in the rearview mirror. Finding success as a fulltime artist was a dream and that dream is a success measured on my terms.

Was I able to maintain my passion and love for my craft? Yes.

Was I able to support my family financially and grow my business? Yes.

Have I grown as an artist as well as a person? Yes.

Does each gallery sale excite, drive and motivate me still? Yes.

Was the decision to start down this path as an artist feel like an accomplishment? Yes.

Does my work get into every show I enter? No.

Have I reached all my intended goals as an artist? No.

Have I learned all that I can about my craft? No.

With all this being said, I still have a million miles to go. I still hear the clock ticking.

My drive to continue to take workshops from world class artists is something I enjoy and ability to keep learning is important.

There are thousands of paintings left to paint, each with the ability to express my voice. Without the promise of any tomorrows, how many will I be allowed to capture. This is what motivates and drives me.

Each piece is an honor to paint and hopefully it will touch and move a viewer to a special place or memory.

Is it too late to try something new?

I don’t think so. I find that when we challenge ourselves, step out of our comfort zone and really face change, that is where we truly find growth and feel energy that makes a life worth living.

Each horizon can be an opportunity and a new path to follow. Don’t miss these wonderful opportunities by being stagnant and not willing to be challenged. Be the best version you can be. You don’t have to be the very best there ever was, you just have to be the best version of yourself and abilities. That is where you will find peace within. You will then see the amazing you that you have created.

Have a super fantastic day today and don’t forget to share your smile with everyone you meet!