There’s nothing like a deadline to get the creative juices going! More and more I am finding the ability to sit and be present with the creative process is more important than the technique and application of painting itself. For me, sometimes the sense of forcing to sit and paint is physically painful and yet if I were to wait for inspiration to strike, to linger until that sweet spot presented itself nothing would get done. I think every individual is different about how they approach this, but here’s what I find works for me when I have a deadline and also face resistance:

1. Acknowledge the block / resistance

Take some time to actually feel it. How is it presenting itself? Pain the body? Foggy in the head? Distraction or craving based?

2. Open up to the idea that there is more

It will pass, be open to the shift … otherwise surrender to it – what does it want? A nap? A walk? A sit in a café? A sit in front of the TV to zombie out for a while with the awareness that when its done, its done and then move on.

3. Prepare

For the Japanese calligraphy artist, lovingly grinding their ink was the time to get their head in the right space. For me, my brushes and paint have never been lovingly cared for I have to admit. But I do like to have a good environment so that I can switch my organising head off and turn my creative head on!

5. Define what you want to achieve

Beginning with parameters in place allows the left side of the brain to have a plan and feel like someone is in charge!

4. Breath

The importance of breath came up in conversation with a friend who has recently commenced fire arms training. She described how she was being trained to coordinate her breath with accurately firing a weapon and I realised that I do exactly the same thing when I paint. It is also an indicator of when to stop!

5. Know when to stop

Before you get over tired and over work a piece, always end on a high – nothing is set in stone. You can re-visit it in the morning! Create some momentum in your practice by finishing with still a little something to achieve next time! I always need another project lined up before the one at hand finishes for this reason.