Hi Friends,
As most of you know I lost my best friend/husband in March of this year. For very good reason I developed artist's block at that time. I felt the love and support you all gave me back then, and I know I am repeating myself, I frankly do not know how I would have gotten through that black time in my life without it. After encouragement from you guys, I gradually got back to drawing but now, here comes mean old "artist's block", AGAIN! I need your help again guys. Has this happened to anyone else? "Had it once but then I lost it..." feeling?
I really need your feedback on this.
Thanks,
Trish

I have that same feeling now. Haven't picked up a pencil in a couple of weeks! In my case, it's probably because I've become extremely busy at work this past couple weeks. I get the same about writing songs and playing my guitar. I haven't written a song in well over a year! And I've let my guitar gather some dust since I last picked it up! I never worry about 'dry' spells. The urge always returns. I have joined in the ATC for this month, although I don't feel particularly excited about it, even though the theme is right up my street. I think I'm just very very tired. My job is very labour intensive, and after a full day, I'm too tired to even eat properly! I'm sure when I get down to drawing, it'll be enjoyable.

Hubby looks like a real character.

I used to always draw when I was young and when I got older I guess I just lost it. But I would take art in school to help me out a bit. Right now i'm trying to do ATC's and sometimes weekly challenges. I'm still not completely back into drawing but I want to. Sometimes my excuse was that my room was a mess, well it's not anymore since yesterday and I need to thank my boyfriend for that one because he made a bet that if I can't clean my room before Friday that i'd have to buy the alcohol for my sister's last party. There was no way I was losing that. But yeah anyways I more space so it'll maybe make me want to draw more.

Trish, its so very common to so many people. You're not alone.

Creativity ebbs and flows and there's no point in pushing it because you'll only frustrate yourself.

Sometimes your head just needs a break, so do something else. Go to some art musuems or galleries, look through other artist blogs, try a new medium. Go big, go smell, sketch your lunch. Anything to get out of the mindset of 'having' to produce something.

Then one day soon, you'll be fired up by something and want to produce a drawing or painting. But believe, me, we ALL get these high and low points

If you don't feel like eating chicken, you eat something else... it is not that you will never eat it again, you just don't feel like it now. Don't worry about it, your brain didn't fall out.. you will feel like drawing again when you feel like it.

Trish,

I feel that way too sometimes. My problems mostly stem from feeling restrained, because with my 2-year-old running loose I can't exactly pull out all my drawing equipment and start on a serious project. Can't leave anything within his reach, especially the kneaded eraser... he's a master thief when it comes to that thing. I reach for it and find empty space, then spend the next hour pulling my hair out trying to figure out where he's hidden it this time... hoping he didn't eat it... lol

You lost someone you love very much, it can't be easy, and the grief won't just suddenly go away and never come back. Just know that you have friends here who care for you, and whenever you feel that urge return to create art, we'll still be here to cheer you on.

Ahhhh, i am going thru this now too trish, I havent really drawn in over a month, At least being in the trade means I have to keep in touch with pencil/brushes for a bit. I think its because winter is coming on..getting the summer 'packed away' always makes me dreary, the cold mornings, the colder evenings,and only getting colder from here for the next few months..its DEPRESSING..
I am glad your pain is more bearable now, and that you never lost touch here. It was/is good for you.
hug to you!

Get the kettle on Trish, we're all coming round for a cup of tea.

I feel I am doing the opposite of you I am drawing to avoid the end of my fathers journey on earth. My husband does not know who I am any more because I am in my art room I wish I was getting a lot of art done. I spend a lot of time thinking and time really flies by for me..I have made a few friend on the art site and they do make a difference to know some one out there cares and we do Trish wish you well it always comes back just read about art or what you like at the moment..we will always be here when you feel like coming back or if you just want to say hello..

i think you should take a break for a while dont think to much and let your mind rest. just dont forget that there are still people who care for you and love you

Thank you to all who commented and offered advice. I have been taking a break from art, but not for a bad reason. I have been getting ready for a reunion of my high school's various musical groups I was involved with (Glee Club, Chorale, Chorus and Broadway shows-I was in "Music Man"). I have been in contact with people I haven't seen or talked to in over 43 years!
A friend I recently reconnected with sent me this picture, it is funny and I wanted to share it with you (remember this picture was taken in the 1960s)
Pat the WiseWoman

Again, thanks to all who have supported and encouraged me. I hope you all realize how much this means to me.

Boy oh boy do I have a closet full of these sort of pictures !!! and that's where they need to stay !! ha !! Umm I think I had a blouse like that one ? ha !! too cute..you brave soul you..

I have a shirt like that!

Did you have a hat to match ?

An essential component! Where you been? We've missed you!

Oh I've been laying low.. by doing so I managed to get another fundraiser started for my Art League .... as much as I love you guys I needed to get priorities in order.. I have looked in from time to time .. I see you're still your wonderful self..

I'll try and join all the reindeer games soon.. I miss ya'll too..