Filling the Well: Finding Rest After Creative Overdrive

I’m sitting outside on my deck, soaking in the perfect fall weather. It’s in the mid-seventies today, and the leaves are just beginning to turn. This is the time of year I first fell in love with my North Georgia home — crisp mornings, golden light, and that subtle promise of change in the air.

The Creative Rush

Despite the sunshine and my love for being outdoors, I’m feeling a bit tired and sad. Earlier this week, I had a flurry of creative energy and painted two larger pieces for our upcoming gallery exhibit at the Cumming Arts Center. I basically pulled an all-nighter finishing Trigger — a large watercolor inspired by Willie Nelson and his famously worn guitar. I followed it up with Pop, a fun, loose painting featuring an oversized champagne glass that just makes me smile.

For these pieces, I experimented with something new: “watercolor” canvases. After showing at multiple art festivals, I’ve wanted to move away from glass and frames whenever possible. To prep the surface, I coated the canvases with Daniel Smith watercolor ground. This was partly out of curiosity and partly because I don’t quite trust them yet! The experience was completely different from my usual 100% cotton cold-press paper. The absorption and flow behaved in unexpected ways. Still, I ended up with two pieces that I truly love. Maybe stepping outside your comfort zone is exactly what creativity needs sometimes.

Craftsmanship and Presentation

To finish the works, my husband helped me build cedar frames. I learned so much from that process — about presentation, craftsmanship, and the kind of aesthetic I want moving forward. I’ve also been experimenting with mounting watercolor paper to board and varnishing it. This allows me to frame without glass. It gives watercolor the tactile presence of oil or acrylic. I think it helps viewers see the medium differently.

Navigating Emotions

After the creative rush (and lack of sleep), I realized that my studio time this week was the only place I felt truly good. Outside of that, my heart has been heavy. A dear friend has entered hospice, and the end is near. I find myself doing dishes or typing a blog post with tears rolling down my face. There’s nothing to do but feel my feelings and be there for my friend and his family. It just… sucks.

The highs and lows of this week have left me emotionally spent — both filled up and emptied out. Today, I’m choosing rest. No paintbrushes. No productivity. Just the rustle of leaves and the trees shimmering in the wind.

Embracing Rest

Sometimes, that’s enough. Rest is just as important as creativity. It’s in these quiet moments that we recharge and find inspiration again. I encourage you to take a break when you need it. Listen to your heart and your body.

Finding Balance

Balancing creativity and rest can be challenging. We often feel pressure to keep creating, to keep producing. But remember, it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to step back and breathe. Nature has a way of reminding us of this balance. The changing seasons teach us that everything has its time.

The Importance of Self-Care

Self-care is essential. It’s not just about pampering yourself; it’s about nurturing your spirit. Whether it’s taking a walk in the woods, reading a good book, or simply sitting in silence, find what nourishes you.

Creative Inspiration from Nature

Nature is a constant source of inspiration. The colors, the textures, the sounds — they all feed our creativity. I often find that when I step outside, I feel a renewed sense of purpose. The beauty around me sparks ideas and ignites my imagination.

Conclusion: A Journey of Creativity

In this journey of creativity, we must remember to honor both the highs and the lows. Each experience shapes us as artists and as individuals. So, let’s embrace the moments of rest and reflection. They are just as valuable as the moments of creation.

Let’s continue to explore, create, and find beauty in the world around us. And when you need a little inspiration, remember that it’s okay to take a step back. You’ll come back stronger and more vibrant than ever!

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If you’re looking for unique, heartfelt items like mugs, totes, and apparel featuring original artwork, check out my Wix website. I’d love to share my journey with you!