When Inspiration Disappears – How to Get It Back (Even on a Grey Thursday)

Ever sat in front of your canvas, brush in hand, and… nothing? No spark, no flow, no idea what to paint — just a quiet, grey kind of “meh” in your chest?

You're not alone.

I’ve been there more times than I can count. Sometimes I blame the weather (hello, grey Norwegian skies). Other times it’s just life — too many to-dos, too much scrolling, too little breathing. But over the years, I’ve found a few things that gently lead me back into the magic. And I want to share them with you.

1. Let Go of the Pressure to Create Something “Good”

Seriously. This is often the root of the block. We sit down thinking we need to make something worth showing. But inspiration doesn’t come when we demand perfection — it comes when we play.

Try this: Give yourself permission to paint badly. Smudge, scribble, make a mess. Think of it as “creative stretching,” not performance.

2. Start with a Feeling, Not a Motif

When I feel stuck, I don’t ask “What should I paint?” I ask, “How do I feel today?” Then I choose colors that match that mood. Maybe it’s deep blues and soft whites. Maybe it’s fiery orange and wild marks.

Try this: Close your eyes for a minute. How do you feel? Choose 3 colors that express it and cover a page or canvas without thinking.

3. Limit Your Tools

It sounds strange, but too much freedom can be paralyzing.

Try this: Set a timer for 10 minutes. Choose just 2 colors and 1 brush. Paint anything using only those. It’s amazing how limitations can unlock creativity.

4. Go Outside (Even Just for 5 Minutes)

I once stood outside my studio in the rain, arms crossed, totally uninspired. Then I noticed the patterns the drops were making on the windows. That tiny shift — just seeing — was enough.

Try this: Step out the door. Look for something with texture, light, or movement. Take a photo or sketch it loosely when you return.

5. Inspiration Is Not a Lightning Bolt – It’s a Habit

Sometimes we wait for the big “aha!” moment, but creativity is more like a gentle tide. It comes when we show up regularly.
Even when we don’t feel ready. Even when it’s Tuesday and grey and our mood is as flat as a pancake.

Final thought:

If you’re in a creative slump, be kind to yourself. You haven’t lost your spark — it’s just resting. Trust that it will come back. In fact, it might already be whispering quietly beneath the noise.

And if you try one of these exercises, I’d love to hear how it felt. You can always hit reply to my newsletter or DM me on Instagram — I read every message.

Until next Thursday,

🎨 Hege