How to Dig Yourself Out of a Creative Rut

A painting rut can be so discouraging to artists of any kind, but they come with the territory. This past January, I experienced my first one since starting my business. I went from feeling so inspired and wanting to paint everything and anything, to feeling frustrated and disappointed in everything I was creating. The last thing I wanted to do was share my work with anyone (which turns out is pretty important when you paint full-time). Thankfully though, I had prepared for this and knew what to do when it hit me. Here are a few tips from some of my favorite mentors on how to get yourself over a creative slump:

REST - Sometimes creative ruts can come simply from a place of burn out. After getting through my first holiday season as a business owner, I’m fairly certain that’s what drove my first one. I decided to take a few days off to rest and recover and not put pressure on myself to create. I instead read, took walks in nature, and listened to good music. I spent lots of time with my family, and gave myself lots of rest.

GO BACK TO THE BASICS - I decided to give myself a break on painting and just return to drawing. I started with small 2 x 2 sketches in my sketchbook and grew larger each day. By day 4, I was back to sketching large landscapes and laying on blocks of oil paint.

TRY SOMETHING NEW - As a landscape painter, I used to believe that abstracts weren’t my thing. But when I hit my creative slump hard in January, I decided to just try something completely new. I started to play with some of my favorite colors and tools, and the next thing I knew I had an abstract collection in front of me that I was in love with. I initially didn’t think I would share it with anyone but a few collectors have expressed interest and now they are headed of to a couple shows this spring.

CREATE SOMETHING SMALL DAILY - Once I started to come out of my rut, I dove in head first. I told myself I would create something every single day. It didn’t have to be perfect, but I just had to make something. Some days, it was a tiny 4 x 4 still life and other days it was a 24 x 48 landscape, but I tracked my habit every day and made creating a priority.

I’m happy to report I am now out of my creative funk and back to feeling inspired and ready to paint every day. Hoping I don’t experience one again any time soon but if and when I do, I’ll know just what to do.

Until then, wishing all of us inspiration, endless creativity, and joy in the process!

Finding Peace through Creativity

Being a human is hard…there’s no question about it. Seeing as it’s world mental health awareness month and there are a lot of heavy things going on in the world, I thought I would share a bit about my journey back in to art and how it can be an incredible tool for improving our mental well-being.

As someone that’s struggled with some anxiety in the past, I can tell you I have tried just about everything to fight against the overwhelm that can come with adulting and parenting in today’s world. While I still lean on other tools to calm my mind (meditation, prayer, exercise, ect.), painting is what brings me complete peace and comfort.

Painting, like most forms of creative expression, can have a significant impact on mental health in both positive and therapeutic ways. For those who might be even a little curious, here are some benefits:

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Painting often requires concentration and attention to detail, which can induce a state of mindfulness. It truly promotes relaxation and a sense of calm. I know this sounds funny but a day in my studio is just as calming to me as a day at a spa or a yoga class.

Self-Expression and Identity: Engaging in art, including painting, can help individuals explore their own identities and develop a sense of self. It allows for self-expression and the exploration of personal narratives.

Problem Solving: Painting often involves making creative decisions, such as choosing colors, composition, and style. These decision-making processes can improve problem-solving skills, which can be transferable to other areas of life.

Social Connection: I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many new friends and other artists who share my same passion for art and painting.

Catharsis and Healing: Some individuals use painting as a form of catharsis, allowing them to work through traumatic experiences or emotional pain. It can serve as a therapeutic outlet for processing difficult emotions.

Distraction from Pain or Symptoms: For individuals dealing with physical or mental health issues, painting can serve as a distraction from pain or symptoms, helping to improve their overall quality of life.

Sense of Purpose: Having a creative hobby like painting can provide a sense of purpose and deep meaning in life. It gives me something to look forward to every day and motivates me to always keep learning and growing. Some of my favorite artists are men and women in their golden years who have taught me so much about painting and life—-they bring me a lot of hope and I’m so grateful for their knowledge.

I should note that while painting and other forms of creative expression can have so many mental health benefits, they are not a replacement for professional mental health treatment when needed. If someone is struggling with severe mental health issues, it's essential to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide appropriate help. Please call 988 if you or someone you know is in crisis. And if you ever want to talk, I’m here. You are never, ever alone.

2023 Art for Hope Project

We’re kicking of the third annual Art for Hope Project! This year, participating artists will be fundraising for St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital. Details are below but please reach out with any questions or if you need additional information.

What’s the goal of The Art for Hope Project?

The goal of this project is to help put more art in to the world, encourage creativity, and collectively raise money for a singular cause each year. This challenge is open to both emerging and established artists, makers, photographers, and children of all ages.

The process is simple:

1) Opt in by emailing Megan at meganspillars@gmail.com

2) Create a piece of art in the month of October

3) Market the artwork in November - use the hashtag #artforhopeproject for better visibility online.

4) Contribute $ from sales to our fundraiser supporting St. Jude

Who are you raising awareness and funds for this year?

St. Judes Children’s Hospital

Tell me more about St. Jude’s.

Every day, 43 children in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer.

St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus on helping their child live, regardless of the duration or the cost of care.

I’m an artist/maker - how do I get involved?

Opt in to participating by emailing me at meganspillars@gmail.com and I’ll send additional details. Please include your preferred medium and your website/IG handle.

Create a piece of art (an original or a print) with the goal of selling the artwork by December 1st.

On November 1st, consider posting a photo of the piece on social using the hashtag #artforhopeproject. I will also share some information about St. Jude that you can share w/ your audience. We want to drive awareness as well so anything you can share regarding childhood cancer or their work, we would apprecaite. If your art sells, you may donate a portion or all of the sale to St. Judes via our fundraising link. All donations are 100% tax deductible.

Also, please kindly share with your artist friends so we can make an even bigger impact. If your work does not sell within the designated timeframe, you are still welcome to donate directly to our fundraiser. We hope this challenge helps get your art in front of new collectors though while raising money for an amazing cause at the same time.

How should I market my artwork?

Marketing and sales is up to the individual artist but we will be helping to share your work and provide marketing guidance. In the past, artists have sold their art at shows, online via their websites, via Etsy, or have simply posted a photo of the work on their Instagram or social media using the hashtag #artforhopeproject. If you have questions on how to market your work, please reach to me directly and I’m happy to help. We’ll also share materials that you can use to share more about the project with your audience.

Children are welcome and encouraged to participate as well! Consider having your kids create art and sell it to grandparents, start an art club in your neighborhood to help raise money, encourage kids to contribute a portion of earnings to our fundraiser. We hope this provides another path to get kids creating and to teach them to give back at the same time.

My art sold! How do I donate?

Please donate any portion of the final sale to our Spotfund fundraiser here: 100% of the money raised will go to St. Jude and the amount you dontate is 100% tax deductible. Please donate by December 1st, 2023.

I love art. How can I get involved?

Starting November 1st, search the #artforhopeproject on Instagram. Consider supporting participating artists by purchasing their artwork or simply consider donating directly to our fundraiser online. I will also email a list of participating artists to my studio list on November 1st so you can reach to them and determine the best way to view their available artwork.

What organizations have you raised money for previously?

2023 - St Judes Research Hospital

2022 - The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

2021 - Wounded Warriors

Anything else I should know?

Please note that this is an artists challenge. We are not a 501c3 and are not hosting in-person fundraising events at this time. Artists are currently responsible for marketing, selling, and shipping artwork to the buyer. We are not responsible for lost or stolen work. The fundraiser will be run through a professional fundraising channel to ensure all money donated goes directly to St. Judes.

5 Things to Know Before Trying Oil Painting

1. Oil painting can be addicting - For years I had many teachers and mentors tell me to switch to oils (and they promised me I would never go back) but I always made excuses on why I should stick with acrylics and pastels. I knew it was messier, more expensive, took longer to dry—-but what I didn’t know at the time was how much I would fall in love with them. They are so much fun to work with and make blending and layering so much more enjoyable. I dove in to oils a few years ago and haven’t looked back. I’m hooked. I’ll continue to try different mediums to keep things interesting but oils will always be my first love.

2. Oil painting does not have to be toxic - I avoided oil painting for years because I heard horror stories about the fumes and toxins. Cadmiums and powerful paint thinners often give oils a bad reputation but there are so many ways you can start working in them without the toxic side effects. For one, always try to be in well ventilated area or have a fan on. I work in my studio usually with a door or window open and when I worked in my attic I would run two fans. Avoid thinners if you can. I use walnut oil as both a thinning agent and a solvent. You can also use lavendar or citrus based solvents to clean your brushes but I haven’t found them to be necessary. I just soak my brushes (just the bristles) in walnut oil overnight so I don’t even have to clean them after each use!

3. Oil painting requires patience - while I absolutely love that oils stay wet longer (which is ideal for blending and layering), it does require a lot of patience if you are wanting to sell your art or need to complete it within a short timeframe. My paintings can take anywere from a few weeks to months to dry depending on how thick they are. I’ll occasionally switch to acrylics if I’m feeling impatient or need an easier clean-up some days but oils always pull me back in. I also wouldn’t recommend oils for anyone with really small children who may not understand they are not for them.

4. You don’t need a large quantity of brushes or paints to get started in oils - I started out using the primaries and titanium white and slowly added in a variety of other colors. Keep it simple when you are learning! Here are my favorite brushes.

5. Oil painting requires constant practice - When you’re just starting out, practice is key. I was told to paint weekly if not daily to build my skills. This seemed impossible at first as a working mom to three but I started really small and turned it in to a daily habit. Now I can’t imagine a world without oil painting and get excited thinking about all the possibilities of what I can create. I constantly dream about what I want to paint next and wake up every day excited to dive in to a blank canvas.

If you are curious about learning how to paint, please stay tuned! I’m hoping to offer classes soon and introduce others to a practice that has brought me so much joy and peace. I love teaching kids as well so let me know if your children are interested! I only teach acrylics and color theory with kids but will offer some oil painting workshops for adults soon as well. Just make sure you’re on my mailing list for more info!

A Love Letter to Raleigh

I moved to Raleigh in the 4th grade (born in Washington DC but moved from a little town in Connecticut). It was a big adjustment at first but having lived here for 20+ years now, I can honestly say it is one of my favorite cities. I was told I should work for the Chamber of Commerce because I’ve convinced so many friends to move here over the years. Don’t get me wrong, I love so many other places too (we also did stints in Washington DC and Charlotte, NC) but Raleigh has the best of so many things, I knew I wanted to return here to raise our family.

It’s been fun to paint some of my favorite spots in the city and beyond. I just released “City of Oaks” on my website—an abstract cityscape of our downtown. It’s a favorite of mine because it highlights the green and parks surrounding our downtown, something that I appreciate so much. I loved doing it so much that I’m working on other cityscapes in the coming months. I also have a few other small pieces inspired by the sunflowers at Dix Park, the Rose Garden, the NC Art Museum, and Lake Johnson where I have so many memories from.

People ask what makes Raleigh such a great place to live. Here are a few other reasons I love it:

• Quality of Living: Raleigh consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the US due to its high quality of living. With a strong job market, affordable housing, overall good schools, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other major cities, it’s a great place to raise a family. Even post-pandemic, we still are growing like crazy and I don’t see that slowing down any time soon.

• Food and Drink Scene: Raleigh has an amazing food and drink scene, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafes, craft breweries, and food trucks. From traditional Southern cuisine to international flavors, there is so much yumminess out there. I thought I would miss all the international food we used to have in DC but thankfully we’ve found just about everything here!

• Community and Diversity: Raleigh is a diverse and inclusive city that embraces people from different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. See photo above. :)

• Thriving Job Market: Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle Park (RTP), which is one of the largest research and technology hubs in the country. The presence of so many tech companies, research institutions, and universities creates a strong job market, particularly in industries such as technology, healthcare, and education.

• Education and Universities: Raleigh is home to great universities, including North Carolina State University (our alma mater), UNC Chapel Hill, and Duke which contributes to a vibrant academic community.

• Cultural Scene: we have a pretty vibrant cultural scene with museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Events like festivals, concerts, and exhibitions offer lots of great entertainment thoughout the year. The NC Art museum is one of my favorite places and we love seeing outdoor concerts at Red Hat Amphitheater.

• Green Spaces: Raleigh is surrounded by a lot of natural beauty and offers plenty of green spaces, parks, and recreational areas for outdoorsy folks. We live down the road from Falls Lake and hike the trails pretty regularly.

• Southern Hospitality: Raleigh is known for its warm and friendly hospitality. While we have a lot of transplants moving to the area, I have found people are generally just really nice and welcoming here.

• Climate: Raleigh experiences all four seasons, providing a pretty diverse climate for those who enjoy a variety. I love that we have a mild winter and very occasionally get snow but our spring and fall is typicically beautiful. The humidity stinks in the summer (it’s hotter than Haiti right now) but I’ll still take it for a variety of seasons!

• Proximity to Beaches and Mountains: The beautiful North Carolina beaches and the scenic Appalachian Mountains are only a couple hours away, making them the perfect escape for a weekend or even a day trip. I also love our airport—easy to get in and out of and so many direct flights to amazing places (Paris, London, Montreal ect.).

Are you ready to move here yet? :) Or at the very least, please come in for a visit! XX

Megan

For Artists: Turn your original artwork in to fine art prints

Art prints now make up a large portion of my art business and I’m so thankful that I took the leap in to offering them. There is a bit of a learning curve and they require A LOT of patience but in my opinion it’s so worth it. Prints offer affordable ways for customers to own your artwork and provide an excellent opportunity to earn without burning yourself out painting all the time (as much as we would like to). The beauty of art prints are that they free up our time so we CAN paint more. I’m working on creating a wholesale business from my art prints and have found that a lot of boutiques and stores have interest in carrying them as well. I’m now on a mission to encourage other artists to do the same. One of the very best courses I took on how to turn my artwork in to prints is “Art to Print” by Laurie Ann Gonzalez. If you are interested in learning more, check out her website and consider signing up here:

“Art to Print” Course

I’m a 100% certain I would not have been able to leave my corporate job a few months ago if I hadn’t invested in this course and learned how to create beautiful art prints. Please reach out any time with questions and use the link above to sign-up if you are interested in taking the leap.

Happy Painting & Happy Printing!

Hang your artwork like a pro

Hanging artwork doesn’t have to be intimidating. Here a few tips that will help get you started:

Keep in mind the ideal height to hang artwork is generally at eye level. The standard guideline is to hang the center of the artwork at approximately 57 to 60 inches (about 145 to 152 centimeters) from the floor to the center of the artwork. Here's how to determine the best height for hanging artwork at eye level:

• Measure the height of the artwork: Measure the height of the artwork from the top edge to the bottom edge.

• Divide the height by 2: Take the measurement from step 1 and divide it by 2. This gives you the center point of the artwork.

• Measure from the floor: Measure up from the floor to the center point of the artwork. This measurement should be around 57 to 60 inches (145 to 152 centimeters).

• Mark the wall: Use a pencil to mark the spot on the wall where the center of the artwork will be.

• Hang the artwork: Hang the artwork so that its center aligns with the mark on the wall.

The eye-level guideline is a general rule of thumb and might need slight adjustments based on your personal preferences and the overall arrangement of your space. For example, in rooms where people often sit down (like a dining room), you may want to lower the artwork slightly to make it more visible from a seated position. If you have taller ceilings, you may need to raise the artwork a bit higher to maintain the right proportion within the room.

Ultimately, the best height for hanging artwork is what looks aesthetically pleasing to you. After all, it’s your house so do what makes you happy!

Travel & Paint - Banner Elk, North Carolina

Being in nature and traveling is where I find most of my painting inspiration. I feel so fortunate that we live in North Carolina where we are surrounded by beauty and are only a couple hours from the beach and the mountains. Our family just returned from a beautiful vacation in Banner Elk, NC and had the most incredible, relaxing time. We stayed in a community that was perfect for kids and adults of all ages and the scenery was spectacular. I didn’t want to leave. I was able to do some small paintings in the morning before the kids woke up and left the week with so many beautiful photographs and memories. Sharing some of my favorite shots here should any of my painting friends want to use for inspiration. Happy painting!

Want to start painting landscapes?

I’ve talked to so many of you who are interested in learning how to paint landscapes but you aren’t sure where to start. I’ve listed some of my favorite books below as a good starting point but there are so many good resources that exist now. Youtube and Skillshare are also amazing tools for learning and I’ll share my favorite instructors soon! I found most of these books at my library or on Amazon. While these books help, remember that the MOST important way to improve your skill as an artist is to practice and experiment daily. Observe nature, play, and remember that you can always paint over anything you don’t like. ;)

"Landscape Painting Inside & Out" by Kevin Macpherson: This book provides valuable insights into the techniques and thought processes involved in plein air (outdoor) landscape painting. Macpherson shares his knowledge on composition, color, value, and more. Linked Here.

“Carlson's Guide to Landscape Painting" by John F. Carlson: A classic in the field, this book offers comprehensive instruction on landscape painting principles and techniques. It covers topics like atmospheric perspective, light and shadow, design, and creating mood in your paintings. Linked Here.

“Landscape Painting: Essential Concepts and Techniques for Plein Air and Studio Practice" by Mitchell Albala: Albala explores the fundamental principles of landscape painting and provides practical advice on capturing the essence of nature. He covers topics like simplification, color mixing, and developing a personal style.

“The Elements of Landscape Oil Painting: Techniques for Rendering Sky, Terrain, Trees, and Water" by Suzanne Brooker: Brooker focuses on the technical aspects of landscape painting, offering step-by-step demonstrations and explanations of various techniques. She covers topics like underpainting, brushwork, color theory, and capturing different natural elements.

“The Oil Painting Course You've Always Wanted: Guided Lessons for Beginners and Experienced Artists" by Kathleen Lochen Staiger: While not exclusively focused on landscapes, this book provides a comprehensive guide to oil painting techniques. It covers topics like composition, color mixing, brushwork, and more, with examples and exercises that can be applied to landscape painting.

Happy Painting!

xx,
Megan

Framing your Art Prints

Framing a fine art print is a great way to enhance its visual appeal and protect it from damage. Here are some recommendations on how to get started with framing:

1. Choose the Right Frame: Select a frame that complements the style and subject matter of the print. This is where a professional framer can help or you can always ask the artist if they have recommendations. Consider the color, material, and design of the frame. Popular options include wooden frames or sleek modern frames. While a local framing store is usually the best place to start, I’ve also had a lot of luck at thrift stores—you can easily replace old paintings and use the frame.

2. Matting: Matting is an optional but beneficial addition to framing a print. It adds a border between the print and the frame, giving it a polished and professional look. Choose a mat board color that complements the print and enhances its overall appearance.

3. Conservation Materials: When framing a print, it's essential to use conservation-grade materials to ensure its long-term preservation. Acid-free mats, backing boards, and UV-protective glass or acrylic are recommended to prevent yellowing, fading, and damage caused by ultraviolet light.

4. Mounting: Select an appropriate method to mount the print within the frame. Some options include using archival mounting corners or hinging the print with acid-free archival tape. Avoid directly adhering the print to the backing board or using non-archival adhesives, as they can damage the print over time.

5. Handling and Cleanliness: Prior to framing, ensure your hands are clean to avoid leaving fingerprints or smudges on the print. Use gloves or handle the print by its edges to prevent any damage. Additionally, clean the glass or acrylic surface on both sides before assembling the frame to remove any dust or fingerprints.

6. Hanging Hardware: Install appropriate hanging hardware on the back of the frame to make it easy to hang on the wall. Use D-rings or wire for larger frames and sawtooth hangers for smaller ones. Ensure the hanging hardware is securely attached to support the weight of the frame.

7. Professional Framing: If you are unsure or want to ensure the best result, consider taking your print to a professional framer. They can provide expert advice, offer a wide range of framing options, and ensure the print is handled and framed correctly.

When framing a print, it's important to strike a balance between enhancing its aesthetic appeal and preserving its longevity.

All about Art Prints

Giclee printing is a high-quality printing method I use to reproduce my favorite oil paintings. I saved months for my p9000 printer and it has changed my life as a professional artist. It gives me the freedom to paint what I love, and then use reproductions to release prints in my shop. While most of my clients prefer originals, prints are well suited for those who may not be ready to invest in original paintings yet or who missed out on the purchase of a favorite painting.

Giclee printing involves using a specialized printer that sprays tiny droplets of ink onto a paper or canvas surface. These droplets are so small that they create a very detailed and precise image. The word "giclee" comes from the French word meaning "to spray". " When printed on canvas paper, the prints resemble the original artwork, both in terms of color accuracy and detail.

Giclee printers use a wide range of colors, allowing them to produce vibrant and realistic prints. They also use archival-quality inks, which means the prints are resistant to fading and can last for a long time without losing their quality.

One of the advantages of giclee printing is that it can reproduce a wide range of textures and tones, capturing the subtle nuances of an artwork. I only release a limited number of prints each year which makes every print special. If you have questions about my prints, please reach out any time. If you are interested in learning how to to turn your art in to prints, check out the “Art to Print” course. You can sign up using the link here: https://learn.laurieanneart.com/a/2147598051/V2P8vsan

Happy Painting & Happy Printing!

Materials Needed to Get Started in Oil Painting

I didn’t try oil painting until I was in my 30’s. I used to be very intimidated by it but now I’m hooked and I’m mad at myself for waiting so long to try them. I occasionally get asked about the materials I use in my process so thought I would share those here:

1. Oil Paints: Choose artist-grade oil paints in tubes. My favorite places to shop is Dick Blick and Jerry’s Artarama in Raleigh. I recommend starting with a basic palette, including primary colors (red, blue, and yellow), along with titanium white and black.

2. Painting Surface: You can paint on canvas, canvas boards, or primed wooden panels. Stretched canvas is the most popular choice. I also often paint on watercolor paper but I prime with gesso first then do a layer of acrylic paint.

3. Brushes: I recommend investing in a variety of brushes with different shapes and sizes. Hog bristle brushes are commonly used for oil painting, but you can also use synthetic brushes. Have a mix of round, flat, and filbert brushes for different techniques. I mostly use flat brushes (one large and one small) to begin my paintings but then fill in with other ones.

4. Palette: Get a palette to mix your paints. You can use a wooden palette or a disposable palette pad made of tear-off sheets. Some artists prefer glass palettes, as they are easy to clean. I love my glass palette but lately I’ve been using tear-off sheets for the ease of clean up. With 3 kids, ease is key!

5. Palette Knife: A palette knife is useful for mixing colors and creating textured effects. It's not essential, but it can be a super handy tool to have. I use my knife for laying impasto (thick strokes of paint) at the end of my painting to provide texture.

6. Solvents and Mediums: You'll need solvents for cleaning your brushes and mediums to modify the consistency and drying time of your paints. Common solvents include odorless mineral spirits or turpentine. Mediums like linseed oil, stand oil, or liquin can enhance the flow and texture of the paint. I use walnut oil as my medium and a lavender brush cleaner because they are less toxic than others. Try different ones until you decide what works best for you!

7. Palette Cups or Containers: These are used to hold your solvents and mediums while you paint. Make sure they have secure lids to prevent spills. You really don’t need anything fancy here! Glass jars with lids work perfectly fine!

8. Easel: An easel provides a stable support for your canvas while you paint. It can be a standing or tabletop easel, depending on your preference and workspace.

9. Rags or Paper Towels: Keep some rags or paper towels handy for wiping brushes, cleaning spills, or blotting excess paint. You can also use tissues! I never, ever throw out t-shirts any more—I use them to clean my brushes!

10. Varnish: A varnish should be applied as a final protective coat to your finished painting. It enhances the colors and provides a glossy or matte finish. You can choose between removable or permanent varnishes. I love Gamvar and often will use a mixture between gloss and matte finish.

11. Paint Palette or Knife Scraper: You may need a tool to scrape off excess paint from your palette or mix colors. A paint palette or knife scraper can be helpful for this purpose.

12. Brush Cleaner and Soap: Use a brush cleaner to remove oil paint from your brushes after painting. Brush soap can be used for deep cleaning and conditioning of brushes. For brushes you’ve forgotten about, you can always soak them in Murphy’s Soap.

13. Apron or Smock: Wearing an apron or smock can protect your clothes from paint stains and splatters.

That’s a start but I hope it helps!