Any ideas how to encourage an artist to paint?

[Shanndee]

Does anyone have any suggestions? My husband is an artist. He has sold a few small pieces in the past. He used to have a studio, but we couldn't afford to keep paying the rent.

Real life got in the way, and he works a regular day job. He is exhausted from work...and the result is that he hasn't painted in 2 years.

I have asked him to paint something for me. First a specific scene, then I asked for an abstract of his choice in fall colours...still no painting.

I believe he misses it and would like to see him be creative again. Should I keep trying or just leave it alone? Thanks!

 

[Kestra]

He is probably too bogged down with other things. Try to find ways to free up some of his time and just relax more in general. Usually creative pursuits come on their own time. I know that sometimes I'll just get the urge to paint or write, but not if I'm stressed out about other things, or if it feels like work.

 

[Gov Kodos]

Sunlight, cut down on caffeine, fruit, create some productive do nothing time that you enjoy- park/nature trips, museums, the point being is getting past the exhaustion. It's hard and frustrating to try to be creative when exhausted. The unimpressive results can often be depressing and make giving up on creative endeavor easier.

 

[Shanndee]

That makes perfect sense. We do try to hike/walk on the beach as much as possible. It is just really hard to not be exhausted. I will try to increase the leisure and reduce the stress.

Would you consider my asking for a painting adding to stress or expressing interest? (I have asked him this question, he laughs and says it means I'm interested...but he hasn't directly responded to the stress part!)

 

[Gov Kodos]

Ask him if he'd like to do a nude portrait somewhere unexpected. Give him a second or two to think, then hand him a naked Barbie doll and wish him luck.

 

[ed629]

Ask him if he'd like to do a nude portrait somewhere unexpected. Give him a second or two to think, then hand him a naked Barbie doll and wish him luck.

I had a similar thought, but mine would be posting for young nubile women to pose NAKED, that should get him in the mood.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

If you get to go on vacation make sure it is somewhere outside and roomy (I'm thinking cabin) and make sure he brings all his paints and painting gear. You bring stuff you really like too, even if it's only a pile of books or a laptop, so he doesn't feel like you're just sitting around while he paints.

 

[ThankQ]

Ask him if he'd like to do a nude portrait somewhere unexpected. Give him a second or two to think, then hand him a naked Barbie doll and wish him luck.

I had a similar thought, but mine would be posting for young nubile women to pose NAKED, that should get him in the mood.

She wants him in the mood to paint, not to pant.

--

How about you start painting something and see if that gets him going?

Or, if he's anything like me, put on some Bob Ross DVDs. Everytime I see bush-haired bugger all I can think about is making happy little trees.




I'm not sure I like how that last sentence turned out.

 

[B.J.]

It could also be a extended period of just not being inspired to paint anything, kinda like writer's block. Personally, I like to draw/create things, but quite often I'm just not in the mood or can't think of anything good.

 

[Professor Zoom]

I believe he misses it and would like to see him be creative again. Should I keep trying or just leave it alone? Thanks!

Why don't you just ask him if he misses it? Engage him in that conversation. Maybe he doesn't miss it. Maybe he doesn't see himself as a painter anymore, he has other interests. Or maybe he does. I would talk to him about it rather than shove paints at him and expecting that reignite his interest.

 

[Shanndee]

I didn't even thin of that Professor Zoom! Just because I think of him as an artist doesn't mean that he still does. Just because I miss seeing him in that creative zone, that doesn't mean that he misses being there. Huh. I guess it is time to talk more and assume less!

Ask him if he'd like to do a nude portrait somewhere unexpected. Give him a second or two to think, then hand him a naked Barbie doll and wish him luck.

I love it! :-) I think I may do this just for the laugh we both get! Thanks Gov Kodos

But it seems the take away from everyone is talk more, unwind more, decrease stress, pursue my own interests so he doesn't feel I'm waiting for him to create, encourage him to take a life drawing class...and watch Bob Ross create his happy world

You know...we may have stumbled upon the recipe for "life"...

 

[Yevetha]

Sex strike.

 

[Professor Zoom]

I didn't even thin of that Professor Zoom! Just because I think of him as an artist doesn't mean that he still does. Just because I miss seeing him in that creative zone, that doesn't mean that he misses being there. Huh. I guess it is time to talk more and assume less!

Been married for almost 7 years, and I still have to remind myself better to talk than assume...

 

[JarodRussell]

Sex strike.

That's how Max Ernst and Jackson Pollock invented their style.

 

[Roshi]

A good ol' kick in the butt!