When the Brush Won’t Move: How to Gently Overcome Creative Blocks

We all know that feeling.

You finally carve out time to paint. You make a cup of tea, clear your space, sit down at your table — and then… nothing.

The ideas don’t flow.
The colors feel wrong.
The energy you hoped to tap into? It’s nowhere to be found.

And soon, that familiar voice creeps in:

“Maybe I’ve lost it.”
“Why can’t I just start?”
“Other artists seem to create effortlessly — what’s wrong with me?”

First, take a breath.

Because here’s the truth: creative blocks are not a sign that you’re broken.

They’re not proof that you’re not “meant” to be an artist. They’re simply part of the process — especially when you care deeply about what you create.

In fact, I believe creative blocks often come when:

• We’re growing into something new
  
• We’re afraid of messing up what’s already good
  
• We’ve been away from our brushes a little too long
  
• Or we’re carrying stress, comparison, or perfectionism
  

Sound familiar?

So what do we do?

We soften.
We lower the pressure.
We start smaller.

That’s why I often recommend switching to paper, ink, or even just mark-making when you feel stuck. Something about the simplicity of it — no canvas, no expectations — invites us back into flow.

You don’t need a breakthrough.
You don’t need to “fix” your block.
You just need a gentle way in.

A Creative Prompt for You:

Grab a piece of paper.
Pick one color that feels interesting today.
Set a timer for five minutes.
And let yourself move — dots, lines, scribbles, shapes, anything.

No pressure to make it pretty. No goal to finish anything.

Just move.

Remember:

You haven’t lost your creativity.
It’s still there, waiting beneath the noise.
Sometimes all it needs is a little kindness, a little play, and a moment of trust.

The brush will move again.
Your art is still inside you.
And you are not alone.

With color and care,

Hege