Why Rest Is Part of the Creative Process

I just got home after spending four days out of town visiting my daughter, and I have to tell you, I am tired today! LOL.

I have paintings waiting for me in the studio, business obligations that need my attention, and a whole list of things I would love to get done this week. But today? I just don’t have the energy to jump back into all of it.

And you know what? That’s okay.

I’ve learned over the years that sometimes the best thing I can do for myself is recognize when I need a little time to recharge instead of pushing through just because I feel like I should be doing something.

Spending time with my daughter was exactly where I wanted to be these past few days. And if that means I come home a little tired and need a day or two to get back into my routine, that’s a trade-off I’m more than happy to make.

But here’s the thing. Just because I’m not feeling especially productive today doesn’t mean I can’t set myself up for a really productive week.

So instead of heading into the studio and forcing myself to paint when I’m not feeling it, I’m going to spend a little time planning.

I’ll look at what I want to accomplish creatively, what needs my attention in the business, and what I want to make room for personally. I’ll figure out where my time needs to go and how I can make the most of it over the next several days.

And then, when my energy returns, I’ll have a plan. I won’t have to waste time wondering where to begin because I’ll already know what I want to work on.

I think we sometimes forget that resting, planning, and gathering inspiration are all part of the creative process, too.

We don’t have to be producing something every single day to be making progress. Some days are for painting. Some days are for learning. Some days are for thinking about what we want to create next. And some days are simply for living our lives and enjoying the people we love.

It’s all important.

And this is actually one of the things I love about LET’S FACE IT.

Every Monday, a new lesson becomes available, and I love knowing that there’s always something new to explore. But that doesn’t mean I have to sit down and create something that day.

Maybe I’m tired. Maybe I have a busy week ahead. Maybe I’m just not in the mood to paint.

I can still watch a lesson, see what the instructor is creating, pop into our Facebook community to see what everyone else is working on, or simply gather ideas for another day.

Sometimes I’ll watch something and think, Oh, I really want to try that! And then that little idea sits in the back of my mind until I have the time and energy to explore it.

I love that. I love that learning and inspiration can happen even when we’re not actively creating.

And with LET’S FACE IT 2027 now open for enrollment, I’m excited for another year of exploring portraits, discovering new approaches, and being inspired by so many wonderful artists.

EXPLORE LET’S FACE IT 2027

So, if you’re having one of those days where you’re feeling a little tired, overwhelmed, or simply not in the mood to create, give yourself permission to take it easy.

Maybe spend 15 or 20 minutes planning what you’d like to work on this week. Watch an art lesson. Browse through some artwork that inspires you. Or just rest.

You don’t have to make art every day to keep moving forward as an artist.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do today is make room for a better tomorrow.

Happy creating (or resting)!