Golf and painting bear striking similarities

Ongoing Ritual, 36x36 inches, oil on canvas, $3100 ©Lynn Goldstein

Painting is like golf. Bear with me. This will make sense.

My father was an avid golfer. He played as often as he could and was always happy when he got time on the links. While gathered around the dinner table, we would always ask him how his day had been when he returned home after playing a round. I remember, with great love, the smile that would spread on his lips as he responded, “It was great, I think I have finally found it.” ​

Now, I loved it when he was happy about his golf, but I knew that he “found it” and “lost it” with great regularity over the years.

Painting is like golf in that way. I will find myself elated after having a great day of painting. I will think that I have finally found it, and I will go back to the easel with renewed confidence and drive... until... I have lost it again.

Every single artist I know experiences this, including the famous ones that we read about in biographies  and whose work we admire in museums.

What helps when I have lost it?

1. I get myself back to the easel and work. Inevitably I come up with something that I feel good about eventually, and sometimes I get on a roll of making many paintings in a row that I feel great about.
2. Listening to music that makes me feel creative and happy. Keep an eye out for an upcoming blog post about this very topic. 
3. Looking at artwork that inspires me. I may look at compositions that intrigue me, art that utilizes unusual color choices, and/or artwork that is totally different from my own.
4. I get out in nature, take a brisk walk, or dance around my studio.
5. Travel. I am always inspired by my visits to places that are new and different for me.
6. Taking classes and workshops helped me when I was starting out and they are great now when I want to stretch my artistic muscles. ​

What do you do when you have lost your mojo? Let me know in the comments below. 

If you are interested in taking advantage of number 6 on my list, I have a great workshop opportunity for you to check out here.