The other day, I stood in front of a blank sheet of paper — brushes ready, paints lined up — and… nothing. No spark, no excitement. Just that dull hum of stillness where ideas usually live.

I tidied my palette, rearranged my brushes, made a cup of coffee (or three). Still nothing.

If you’ve ever felt like your creativity has wandered off without you, you’re in good company. Every painter hits those quiet spells — when the colours stop speaking, and the surface, paper or canvas, feels like a stranger

I would normally describe myself as an optimist with a healthy dose of realism and a touch of cynicism thrown in for good measure. Most of the time I potter along quite happily, but every so often, something happens that throws me off kilter, leaving me somewhat discombobulated (what a fabulous word that is!!). I know this affects my creativity as my emotional state and creativity are intertwined.