What is Art Block?

"Artist's block" is when art runs dry and art inspiration becomes lacking.

It can happen to anyone at any time, any artist, musician or visual arts and even writers experience this blockage. A blockage of ideas and even the absence of will.

What could be the reason?

There is a saying by Lee Hammond who does art therapy, on his article about overcoming art block.

Source
Do you agree with Hammond? I do agree.
Subjects can be all around us, it is a matter of drawing them. Will you?

5 ways I kept art block away

As an artist, it is important to keep making art for the reasons of keeping your skills sharp, for emotional healthy expressions and for most, to gain income through paid works.

I have not had art block for almost a year. I draw 6 hours a day and even sleep at 1- 2AM just to draw. I always had ideas and the drive to keep going.

Here they are :

(1) Find Your Inspiration

I was first inspired upon seeing Alex Boyd's Circle of Life music video

I knew how valuable life is and for these endangered Rhinos, it was worthwhile drawing them and then I decided to be a wildlife artist.

(2) Art Trades and Art Requests

Art Trades and Art Requests are one fun way to challenge yourself to create art for others. You also get art in exchange. I did this with a few of my art buddies!

(3) Warm up with basic drawing or sketches

When facing art block, you have pencil and paper with you but all blank.

Doodle
Do some shadings
Random sketches

These can give you ideas!

(4) Join Art Contests and Challenges

Art Contests have a great motivator behind it, exposure, improvement and rewards. Probably this can fuel your drive as it did mine.

(5) Take a break

I take a one day break sometimes. Just to refresh myself. Also leave time to do other activities. This boosts mood!

ARTISTS SPEAK

I asked my artist friends:

I asked two groups, one on www.deviantart.com and on facebook.

Here are their answers!

I watch movies/ tutorials on youtube or look at awesome pictures of artworks on google.

Watch cartoons, then (listen to) music

Sleep, when I wake up, try again

Music, fastest way to recover

Rest, sleep a little, till you want to draw again.

My problem is when my back hurts

(But no really) I listen to chill kind of music

It's ridiculous to say you have art block if your subject is realism or portraits maybe the artist just feels lazy. Those who have the right to say they have art block are those concept artists who don't rely on copies for their art. When I do face art block I look at my favorites artist's art or watch anime to refresh myself. 🌋