I have never met an artist who didn't have a stack of unresolved works sitting around the studio. No matter what medium one may work in, it is 'normal' to have works which get 'stuck' or 'lost' somewhere along the way.
STEP 1 To unlock the treasure trove of information and guidance contained in these unresolved works, begin by sorting through them. Line them all up, step back and scan over the group. Notice similarities and group them accordingly. This may take some time, so give this process whatever time it requires ~ even if it takes overnight or a few days to consider things. Allow it to work for you.
STEP 2 When you are through sorting, sit down for a few minutes to record the process of sorting in a journal. Begin by writing the word 'PROCESS:' and then write a description of your sorting process, the mechanics of what you did. Write in the first person and present tense. Keep your description to what you were doing during the process of sorting (not what you are feeling now.)
STEP 3 Now ~ On a clean page write the word 'SYMBOLS:' Scan through your process description and pick out any words or word combinations which catch your attention. Write these, one at a time, under 'symbols.' As you write each word, also write any other words, thoughts or feelings which 'pop' to mind. It's ok to be silly or quippy. Any and all possiblities and associations are appropriate. When the flow stops, then move on to the next symbol and so on.
By now you will have uncovered at least some of the insights contained in the unfinished artwork. Write the insights as you discover them. Write questions which come up along the way. I invite you to share your results in the comment box. Did you move the art to the next stage? Did you move something in your life to the next stage?
3 Steps to Finding Direction in Problem Paintings
3 Ways to Get Inspiration
To Make Painting Easier, Ground Yourself Before You Begin
Many times inspiration is not possible because we are not grounded. Just like any electric current, without grounding ~ the spark of inspiration cannot flow properly. Here are three ways to ground yourself to make creating easier.
1. One way to ground yourself is to gesso canvases. Handling these natural earth elements; pigment, cotton or linen canvas and brushing/rubbing them together is physical, frictional. Doing this with the intention of grounding yourself increases the speed and degree to which you connect with the earth.
2. Another way to ground yourself is to walk outside in nature; in the garden or in the sunlight. Again, intend to ground yourself as you do so.
3. You can also ground yourself by rubbing your fingers across the paper or canvas, scuffing your feet on the wood floor or doing other similar activity which involves connecting with the earth.
HEALING artNOTE As grounding yourself becomes routine, you will find you do it automatically, that NOT being grounded is uncomfortable. Staying grounded will have a tremendous impact on how you feel physically. You will find you have more energy and stamina. This is because you have corrected the short circuit in your energy system; energy which was not available to you when you were not grounded is now available to you!
Balance Light & Dark
Consolidate the Darks in Your Painting.
Many painting problems involve scattered value fields. Value is the range of light to dark; on a scale of 1 to 10, one is white, 10 is black. Strengthen the energy of your painting by connecting or grouping the darks. Counter-balance these with the lights.
A good cue is whether you feel scattered when you look at the painting. If you do, look to see if you can connect the darker areas together. You may wish to do some sketches to try this out first.
HEALING artNOTE This will also consolidate your energy, strengthen your focus & increase your awareness of patterns.