Reconnecting with Your Creative Flow: Why a Consistent Art Practice Matters

 

There’s something magical about the moment you pick up a brush, a pencil, or even a handful of collage scraps and begin to create. It’s a dialogue between your inner world and the materials in front of you — a conversation that deepens with time and attention. But like any relationship, your creative practice needs tending. And if too much time passes between visits to the studio, you may find, as I recently did, that the flow doesn’t return instantly.

Lately, I’ve been immersed in a different kind of creativity — building a course, writing, teaching, and sharing the joy of mixed media with others. This work lights me up. It feels like a calling. But as the weeks passed, I noticed I was spending less time actually making art just for myself.

This week, I stepped back into the studio with the intention to paint — not to teach, not to film, but simply to make my own work. And what I discovered surprised me: there was a gap between my desire to paint and my ability to do it. My hands felt hesitant. My familiar instincts weren’t quite there. I had to slow down and ease myself back into the rhythm of creation.

It reminded me of something important — the creative process is very much like a muscle. And like any muscle, it needs regular movement to stay strong and responsive. When we step away from our practice for too long, even with the best of intentions, the connection between our mind and our hands can weaken. We don’t forget how to make art… but we might need to remember how to trust ourselves again.

That’s why I believe in a structured art practice — not rigid or overly scheduled, but consistent and committed. Whether it’s once a week or three times a week, making time to engage with your creativity is essential. It doesn’t have to be a masterpiece session at the easel. It can be as simple as:

  • Sketching your coffee mug while you sit at the kitchen table

  • Doodling in the car while waiting for a loved one at an appointment

  • Pulling out colored pencils and letting yourself play for fifteen minutes

  • Snipping out magazine images and building a quick collage

  • Reaching for your sketchbook in those quiet in-between moments

The key is to say yes to your creativity regularly, even when life is busy, even when your energy is low, even when you're focused on other passions. Because the longer the pause, the harder it is to jump back in. And the more often you return to your practice, the easier it becomes to access that beautiful state of flow.

If you’re learning, or growing, or rekindling your artistic self, this is especially true. Momentum matters. Trust builds. Skills deepen. And your own unique visual language starts to emerge.

So here’s my gentle invitation to you — make a date with your creativity. Put it on your calendar like you would a coffee with a friend. Because that’s exactly what it is: time spent with a part of yourself that needs attention, care, and joy.

I’m recommitting to my own practice this season. Maybe you are, too. Let’s walk this path together.

 

Wishing love to you and yours,

 

 

✨ Let's Stay Connected on Your Creative Journey

If this post spoke to something in your heart, I’d love to support you further.

🎨 Ready to reignite your creative spark?
Download my free guide, Awaken Your Inner Artist: Unlock the Joy of Mixed Media Painting — a gentle introduction to exploring art in your own way.
👉 Click here to get your free guide

🖼️ Curious about my own artwork?
You're warmly invited to explore my mixed media and acrylic paintings here:
👉 Visit my online gallery at lindabellreid.com 

Creating art has transformed my life — and I believe it can do the same for you.