Have you ever made time to paint, put your supplies on the table, and then just sat there?
You look at your canvas. You look at your brushes. You might even scroll through a few paintings for inspiration. But you still don’t feel ready to begin.
If you have experienced this, you are not alone. I have had these moments too.
In Episode 3 of Artist to Artist, I talk about artist’s block and those days when creating feels harder than we expect. It is something we don’t always talk about openly, especially when everyone around us seems to be making and sharing beautiful work.
So let’s talk about what to do when you don’t feel like painting, without making it another thing to feel guilty about.
What Is Artist’s Block?
Artist’s block, sometimes called art block or creative block, is the feeling of wanting to create but struggling to begin or move forward.
You might have no painting ideas. Or you might have plenty of ideas but feel unable to choose one. Sometimes, you know exactly what you want to paint, but you worry that the finished painting won’t look the way you imagined.
Creative block can look different for each person. It can also feel different from one day to the next.
Having a difficult painting day does not mean you have lost your creativity.
Why Don’t I Feel Like Painting?
Before asking, “How do I overcome artist’s block?” try asking yourself a smaller question:
“What is making painting feel difficult today?”
Perhaps you are tired after looking after your family or working all day. Perhaps you have been comparing your art with paintings online. Or perhaps every painting has started to feel like something you need to film, post, sell, or prove yourself through.
For those of us who share our work online, even a quiet painting session can turn into a list of jobs.
Is the camera recording? Is the lighting right? Will this make a good reel?
It can become difficult to hear your own thoughts through all of that.
You don’t need to find one perfect explanation. Simply noticing what you are feeling can help you choose a gentler next step.
How to Start Painting When You Feel Stuck
1. Make the first step smaller
“Finish a painting” can feel like a big task.
“Mix three colours” is much smaller.
You could put a few brushstrokes on a practice sheet, sketch a leaf, or paint one small section of a canvas you have already started.
You are allowed to have a painting session that ends with practice rather than a finished piece.
2. Give yourself something clear to follow
An empty canvas can feel overwhelming when you are already struggling to make decisions.
A drawing reference, a familiar subject, or a step-by-step painting tutorial can give you a starting point.
This is one reason I enjoy teaching beginner-friendly painting workshops. Sometimes, knowing what comes next helps you settle in and enjoy learning.
You don’t have to invent a new idea every time you pick up a brush.
3. Let one painting stay private
Try making something without planning to share it.
You don’t need to record the process or decide whether it belongs on your website. You can simply paint and see what happens.
Ask yourself: “What would I like to paint if nobody else was going to see it?”
It might be something very simple. That is enough.
4. Return to familiar materials
When you are feeling stuck, you may not want the extra challenge of learning a new medium.
Choose materials you already enjoy using. If you love acrylic painting, start with your usual acrylic colours and a comfortable brush. If a full canvas feels too much, use a practice surface suitable for your paints.
Make it easy to sit down and begin.
5. Allow yourself to rest
Sometimes, the next helpful step is a break.
You might need an evening away from the studio, a walk, or time to enjoy something without turning it into a creative project.
You don’t need to judge your commitment to art by how much you produce every day.
What Can Beginners Paint During Art Block?
If choosing a subject is holding you back, try something with a clear, manageable starting point:
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A single leaf or flower
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A small sunset with a few colours
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A simple bird silhouette
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A colour study inspired by a favourite painting
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One section of a guided acrylic painting lesson
Choose something that feels interesting and achievable for you today. You can save the bigger challenge for another time.
Paint Along With My Free Peacock Workshop
If you would enjoy some guidance, I would love to welcome you to my free Peacock Painting Workshop.
It is beginner-friendly, and I guide you through the painting step by step. You can take your time, follow along, and give yourself space to enjoy the process.
Find the free Painting Workshop here.
You can also explore my online acrylic and mixed-media painting workshops and Artyshils Art Brushes at artyshils.com.
Watch or Listen to Artist to Artist: Episode 3
In this episode, I work on my Cozy Fall Bear painting while we talk about creative block and finding our way back to painting.
Bring your sketchbook, pick up a brush, or simply listen with your coffee. You are welcome to spend this time with me.
Watch Artist to Artist on YouTube.
And I would love to hear from you: when you experience artist’s block, what feels hardest—getting started, choosing an idea, or worrying about the result?
Come tell me on Instagram @artyshils. ❤️
With love,
Shilpa