There are so many components when it comes to making a painting. Whether your composition is abstract or realistic, there is a lot of analysis and organization into making sure you have a successful piece.
With all of the components in painting, you would not be able to accomplish anything without the ability to take action. Artist block is literally the inability to take action on your own artpiece. Any amount of experience, advanced theory or technique means absolutely nothing if you cannot even get the motivated to work on your canvas.
When we are able to take action and just work on our paintings, even if it means making a mistake, it is almost always better than being stuck. Many of the Masters in the past would work and rework canvases until they were satisfied with the results. Look at Monet, for example. In Ross King’s book “Mad Enchantment,” he talks about how Monet would have a “slashing day” in which he would destroy all of his unsuccessful paintings with a knife.
When I was younger, I used to spend so much time trying to get motivated to paint. What I started to realize is that even if you aren't in the mood to paint, if you just get started you will eventually get yourself into the mood you want to be in. Working out is exactly the same.
Exercising has really made a profound impact on my working ability in art. In many ways, taking action in exercise is very similar to taking action in art. Some days you are super excited to get to work. Other days, you can feel like a slug. When you just take action and put in the work, you will eventually get into the flow.
