How are you doing? Have you started your drawing praxis? Maybee you are having some setbacks? I guess I have said it before, how important it is to be present in the creative process, but  it can be difficult. Eventhough you have been creating for a long time, their can be times where it is a challenge to create. But what does it actually mean to be in the process, and what is the different stages?? What can stop the creative flow, and what to do when it happens.?

Very often it is a conflict between control, and the urge to let go and play. The best way is to make room for both. I think it's very important to start with playing and experimenting, to totally let go of controlling your drawing. When you feel you can't go further, you look at your drawing, and take a conscious choice of what to do next. Try not to do the same every time, but stay focused and see where the drawing want you to go. Stay open, don't try to finish it yet.

Here an example of a creative process:

• You start, and everything flow for a while.

• You stop because you don't know what to do next, you like some parts of your drawing, but don't like other parts.

• Now take a quick look. Lisent to your first impuls on how to continue.

• Continue the process, until you can't go further.

• Sometimes the drawing just works itself out, without any disruptions or second thoughts. But very often, you reach a point where you get stuck.

• Now you can do two things, you can either put it aside and start a new one, or stop and reflect on how to continue. (of course there a millions possibillities, and not just two. But for now, I want to make it easy for you to make a choice) 

• If you want to stay in the creative flow, just make new ones every time you can't get further. Remember you can always come back to them later.

• Another option, is to stop the flow, and take a deep look at your drawing. Now you make a conscious choice on how to continue. What to do?? Take time to look at your drawing, and just listen to what comes up. You can look at this blog post for ideas  Wait!! Before you throw that drawing in the bin!!!!!

• Now continue with creating.

This is just an example, but what I want to point out is, that it's totally okay to loose that flow feeling. The obstacles are an essential part of being in the process. The crucial thing is to continue, to raise above these setbacks, and enjoy them. Just accept the whole process, and you will open up to new possibilities again and again.