Lost Your Creative Spark? Here’s Some Things I Do To Find Mine Again…

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, sorted some papers, rearranged my brushes - again - 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. I’ve yet to meet an artist who doesn’t have those quiet spells — when the colours stop speaking and the canvas or paper feels like a stranger.

But here’s what I’ve learned: the spark always finds its way back. Sometimes it just needs a bit of time, a little tenderness, and a few gentle brushstrokes to coax it home.

Try something new.

Fresh air and new sights can wake up your senses in the best way.
Take a day trip. Wander through the woods or along the coast. Try a new colour, a different medium, or even a class you’ve never thought about before.

Creativity loves surprise — the shimmer of light through leaves, the texture of weathered stone, the smell of rain. Be a sponge and soak it all in. ✨

Step away from the pressure.

When painting becomes something we must do, it loses its magic. When I pressure myself to create work to sell, it stifles my expressiveness and spontaneity. So I try to loosen the reins. To paint something just for me — no expectations, no audience, no plan. Let the colours flow the way they want to.

Feel it, don’t fight it.

Some days, the canvas or paper stays blank — and that’s okay.
Instead of forcing it, I find it best to pause. Breathe. To let myself rest in that in-between space.
Creativity often needs a little stillness before it speaks again.

Start small.

It doesn’t need big ideas, a grand plan — just one stroke of colour.
A quick study, a splash, a swirl of paint on paper.
Creativity grows through movement; even the smallest gestures can open the floodgates.

Paint badly (on purpose).

Acknowledge that not everything has to be beautiful. In fact, the messy, awkward beginnings often lead to my most authentic work. Allow yourself the grace to make a glorious mess. Scribble, smear, start over — that’s where discovery lives.

Protect your focus.

Too much scrolling clouds my vision. Bombarded by the works of others, by inspiring images - well, my brain ends up like a butterfly, flitting from one thing to another. And when I go into the studio I want to try anything and everything - very much a scattergun approach!

I find it best to step away from the noise. Let my own colours — my own rhythm — take up space again.
Sometimes the quiet hum of the studio is all the inspiration I need.

Take care of yourself.

When the ‘slump; hits, I stop taking care of myself. Not totally, obviously, but I stop doing the things I know nourish my creative well. I forget that my art comes through me.

Rest, walk, stretch, breathe. Let fresh air and sunlight refill you.
When I feel well, everything glows brighter.

Reconnect with play.

Remember how good it felt to splash paint around just for fun? Bring that energy back.
Drip, splatter, mix wild colours — follow joy instead of perfection. Let curiosity lead the brush.

My creativity isn’t lost — it’s just resting. Start small, stay gentle, and trust that it’ll return in its own time, as it always does.

What about you?
How do you find your way back to painting when the spark fades? I’d love to hear — hit reply or share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Case of the Missing Muse & How to Find Her Again…