I just listened to John Cleese’s book “Creativity: A Short and Cheerful Guide“. One of the tips was to write about what you know.

Which made me wonder: what is it that I know really well? And how that might relate to Art?

When I have found myself in a rotten mood, I find that the one sure way to get me to feel better is to have some exercise. I woke up yesterday morning and felt particularly awful. I somehow decided to go outside for a run and came back remarkably better. It was the first run outside I’ve done this season (apart from ones where I’m running and late to an event!). It was nice to feel that sense of accomplishment – that little win right in the morning.

I have also found that listening to music while doing something like painting really helps. I have found this sometimes in the art classes I took, where they tended to play soft classical music.

But I think it’s most important to play. We adults don’t get to do that often. From just letting go of what the result should be, and just trying out a new technique or new method – we reactivate that element that makes art fun to do.