Tools of the Trade

Intro to portrait paintings:

Canvas boards/panels/canvas paper.

• (5) 9"x12"s or 12"x16"s

• Palette

• Steel palette knife (3" trowel)

• Odorless mineral spirits (no smelly solvents). Gamsol and Turpenoid Natural are good less toxic solvents

• Container for your mineral spirits

• Paper towels (Viva brand is good) or rags

• Small container of linseed or walnut oil

• Brushes – assorted. Try hog and synthetic blend

  • Filbert 2, 4, 6, 8

  • Flat 2, 4, 6, 8

  • Round 2, 4, 6

• Oil colors (please use professional grade)

  • Titanium white

  • Naples Yellow

  • Alizarin Crimson

  • Cadmium Red Light

  • Manganese Blue

  • Ultramarine blue

  • Transparent oxide red (sometimes called Transparent Earth Red)

  • Payne’s Grey

Visiting the National Gallery in London is a life-changing experience that stimulates the senses and sparks creativity. Surrounded by famous artworks, visitors can appreciate artistic expression and learn classic techniques. The detailed brushwork of the Old Masters and the bright colors of the Impressionists provide inspiration, encouraging artists to connect with their craft. Practicing these traditional methods links art history to modern creativity. In this inspiring setting, the flow of creativity invites artists to explore, experiment, and enhance their own artistic journey.

Finding the motivation to draw every day doesn’t come from waiting for inspiration to strike; it comes from the act of drawing itself. Embrace the process as a discipline rather than a fleeting moment of creativity. Set aside a specific time each day, and commit to putting pen to paper or brush to canvas, regardless of how you feel. Each stroke, each line is a step forward, leading to growth and discovery. By focusing on the action rather than the outcome, you will cultivate a habit that nurtures your creativity and strengthens your skills. Just draw—allow the rhythm of your work to become the motivation, and let the joy of creation fill your every day.

An Artist’s Guide to Embracing Creative Procrastination

Procrastination is a struggle many artists face, often accompanied by feelings of guilt and self-doubt. But what if procrastination isn’t just a hurdle—it’s part of the creative process? For me, periods of inaction sometimes lead to breakthroughs I didn’t expect. In this post, I’m sharing how I’ve learned to embrace creative procrastination and use it as fuel.

Understanding Boredom as a Creative Tool

Boredom might seem counterproductive, but it can be an artist’s secret weapon. When I find myself putting off a project, I ask myself what my boredom might be trying to tell me. Often, it’s a cue to explore new ideas, step away from routine, or even approach my art from a different perspective. Sometimes, the mind just needs space to wander and find new inspiration.

Breaking Down “Procrastination” Moments

Rather than thinking of procrastination as a problem, I break it down. Am I avoiding the work because I’m uninspired, uncertain, or afraid of failure? When I take a moment to understand what’s holding me back, I can find ways to reframe it as part of my process rather than a roadblock.

Embracing the Space Between Ideas

Art isn’t just about the time we spend actively creating—it’s about the pauses between strokes, the spaces in which ideas grow. Creative procrastination often gives me the room to imagine without restrictions, daydream without goals, and make connections I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Those “wasted” moments are sometimes the ones that fuel my next project.

Tips for Productive Procrastination

For artists who struggle with procrastination, here are a few techniques I use to harness it creatively:

1. Mindful Distractions: Sometimes, engaging in a different task—reading, walking, listening to music—helps refresh my creative mind.

2. Tiny Goals: When I’m stuck, setting small, achievable tasks (even unrelated to art) can build momentum.

3. Reflection: Journaling during procrastination helps me identify what’s holding me back and may spark unexpected ideas.

A Final Note on Embracing the Journey

Procrastination doesn’t have to be a roadblock. When we view it as part of our creative journey, it becomes a time to recharge, reframe, and renew. If you’re an artist struggling with procrastination, I encourage you to embrace it as a necessary, even fruitful, part of your creative process.