Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, embarking on a daily / routine art practice journey can sometimes feel daunting — and maintaining it can be an even bigger challenge! After a very long break, I’ve been trying to reignite my art practice. I’ve learned that infusing your art routine with intention, yet leaving room for creativity and exploration is key. Ready to revitalize your passion for art and unlock new levels of inspiration? Here are five refreshing ways to restart your art practice:

Embrace Experimentation
One of the most effective ways to reignite your artistic flame is by stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing experimentation. Try new techniques, materials, or styles that you’ve never explored before. Whether it’s dabbling in abstract painting, experimenting with mixed media, or trying your hand at digital art, allowing yourself to play and make mistakes can lead to surprising discoveries and breakthroughs in your artistic journey. Have you ever explored Skillshare? It’s is a fantastic online learning platform for experimenting with short projects that might be outside your comfort zone. You can try it out 1 month free. What do you have to lose?

Set Achievable Goals
Setting achievable goals is essential for maintaining a consistent art practice. Instead of aiming for monumental tasks that may feel overwhelming, break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Whether it’s completing a small sketch every day or dedicating a specific amount of time to your art practice, setting realistic goals will help you stay motivated and focused on your creative endeavors. Check out Artful Pursuit’s Guide to a Successful 100 Day Project for more tips on setting goals to achieve a consistent art practice.

Find Inspiration Everyday
Inspiration can be found in the most unexpected places, from the vibrant colors of a sunset to the intricate patterns of a leaf. Take time to observe the world around you and find inspiration in everyday experiences. Keep a sketchbook handy to capture fleeting moments of inspiration, whether it’s a fleeting gesture or a striking composition. By cultivating a keen eye for observation, you’ll find that inspiration is everywhere, waiting to be discovered. Try this technique next time you go to the store—inspiration is everywhere!

Cultivate a Supportive Community
Building a supportive community of fellow artists can provide invaluable encouragement and motivation on your artistic journey. Whether it’s joining a local art group, participating in online forums, or attending workshops and classes, surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can provide fresh perspectives, constructive feedback, and a sense of camaraderie. Sharing your work with others and receiving feedback can also help you grow as an artist and gain new insights into your creative process. A great way to join a supportive community is by doing an art challenge or taking an online art class with a companion Facebook group to share class progress.

Practice Mindfulness
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and lose touch with our creative selves. Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily art routine can help you reconnect with your inner artist and tap into a deeper sense of creativity. Set aside dedicated time each day to quiet your mind, focus on your breath, and immerse yourself fully in the present moment. Practicing mindfulness can help you cultivate a sense of calm and clarity, allowing your creativity to flow freely.
Restart Your Art Practice
To restart your art practice is a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration. By embracing experimentation, setting achievable goals, finding inspiration in everyday life, cultivating a supportive community, and practicing mindfulness, you can breathe new life into your artistic pursuits and unleash your full creative potential. Remember that art is not just about the end result, but also the process of self-expression and personal growth. The most important step, though, is simply to begin. So go ahead, pick up your brush, pencil, or digital tablet, and embark on a journey of artistic rediscovery today.