7 Painting Rules to Remember When You’re Feeling Stuck

Reading Time: 3:00 minutes

Artistic ruts happen to the best of us. Whether you’re staring at a blank canvas or halfway through a piece that just doesn’t feel right, it’s natural to feel blocked. However, with a few guiding principles, you can reignite your creativity and fall in love with painting again. Here are 7 painting rules to remember when you’re feeling stuck, paired with tools like Drawlish Acrylic Paints, Drawlish Paint Brushes, Drawlish Paint Palette, and Drawlish Paint Pens to help you get back on track.

1. Start with Simple Strokes

When inspiration feels far away, don’t pressure yourself to create a masterpiece. Start with basic strokes or doodles to loosen up. Sometimes, the act of painting without expectation helps your creativity flow naturally.

• Try This: Use Drawlish Paint Pens to sketch simple patterns or outlines directly on your canvas. These pens provide precision and vibrant color, perfect for getting into the groove.

2. Limit Your Palette

When overwhelmed with choices, simplify. Pick 3-4 colors and explore their potential. This limitation often sparks innovation and helps you focus on composition.

• Try This: Use the Drawlish Paint Palette to mix your chosen hues. Its spacious compartments make blending effortless, and you’ll be amazed by the harmony that comes from fewer colors.

3. Play with Texture

Experimenting with texture is an excellent way to overcome a creative block. Whether it’s thick impasto techniques or delicate washes, different textures can transform your work.

• Try This: Drawlish Acrylic Paints offer a creamy consistency ideal for texture experimentation. Layer them with a palette knife or a dry brush for striking effects.

4. Take a Break to Observe

Sometimes the solution lies outside the studio. Step away and observe the colors and patterns in nature, architecture, or everyday objects. Let your surroundings inform your next move.

• Pro Tip: Carry a Drawlish Paint Pen to sketch ideas on the go when inspiration strikes.

5. Revisit an Old Piece

If a new project feels daunting, revisit an old painting. Add layers, adjust colors, or completely reimagine it. This can spark fresh ideas without the intimidation of starting from scratch.

• Try This: Use the Drawlish Paint Brushes to enhance details or refine textures on your older works. With their smooth bristles, they’re perfect for adding finesse.

6. Work Through the Ugly Phase

Almost every painting goes through an “ugly” stage where it looks chaotic or incomplete. Don’t let this discourage you—it’s part of the process.

• Try This: Trust the process and continue layering with Drawlish Acrylic Paints. Their vibrant pigments ensure your colors remain bold and dynamic, even during the messy stages.

7. Experiment Freely

Art is about exploration, not perfection. Try new tools, techniques, or styles to break free from your rut.

• Try This: Combine different mediums like Drawlish Acrylic Paints and Drawlish Paint Pens. The contrast of fluid paint and precise pen strokes can lead to exciting results.

Rediscover Your Artistic Spark

Feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’ve lost your creativity—it’s just a signal to try something new. With these seven rules and high-quality tools like Drawlish Acrylic Paints, Drawlish Paint Brushes, Drawlish Paint Palette, and Drawlish Paint Pens, you’re well-equipped to overcome any artistic block. Remember, every brushstroke is a step forward, and the journey is just as meaningful as the final piece.