All it takes to be an artist is to start doing art.
That sounds simple, but actually producing art is difficult.
The hardest part is making yourself go to the canvas or paper and begin working.
I've given ideas on how to create the time, and ways to deal with anxiety, but sometimes the anxiety is so overwhelming that the artist cannot even begin.
One of my creativity clients was the most anxious of artists.
She could not even pick up her brush even though she wanted more than anything to create a beautiful painting.
There were reasons for her anxiety that I am sure a psychologist or psychiatrist would be happy to delve into, but, as her creativity coach, I took a different tact.
I call it "Baby steps".
We communicated via internet twice a week.
I gave her a task at each session that was to be completed by the next session.
The first task was to clear a small table of all table top clutter so that it is completely bare.
Place the table in front of a window, so that even a lamp would not be needed on the table.
That is all she had to do for the first session.
The second session I asked her to go and buy a small palette, one that would hold six to eight different colors.
Place the palette on the table.
Notice it as you pass by the table during the next few days but do not touch it.
The third task was to purchase three tubes of paint - red, yellow, and blue.
Take them home and squeeze a small amount of each in three of the areas for paint on the palette.
Notice the brilliant colors but do not touch them after applying them to the palette.
The fourth task was to purchase a number 8 or 10 sable brush.
Place it on the table next to the palette.
Add a container of water.
You may dip the brush in the water and notice the perfect point that is created in the wet brush hairs.
The fifth task was to purchase a small pad of watercolor paper, no bigger than 8x10.
Place it open next to the palette.
The sixth task was to sit in a chair next to the table and look at the materials.
Do not paint with them yet.
Just notice the white surface of the paper as it contrasts with the brilliant colors of the paint.
Think about which color appeals to you the most.
At this point, we have had three weeks of sessions during which I basically told the client that she was not to paint.
The tasks I gave her were not anxiety-producing because she did not have to create any art.
My hope was that her comfort level would increase during this preparation time.
The seventh task was to dip the brush in the water and select one of the colors to add water to.
This is to be done slowly and carefully.
Notice the way the color changes as the water liquefies the surface.
Run the brush through the paint until you have a load.
Now run the brush across the paper, noticing the color soaking into the surface and coloring it.
Notice the variation in the color as it gets thinner as you pull it across the surface.
Notice how you feel after using the paint.
Put only this one color on the paper.
Clean the brush and return it to the table.
Empty the container and refill it with fresh water.
Anticipate coming back to this spot and adding another color next time.
I followed these steps by adding new colors consecutively, by blending the colors, and finally by creating a small painting.
My goal in taking my client through these baby steps was to reduce her anxiety and to remind her of the joy that she feels when engaged in painting.
My hope is that she continues on the path we have started and is no longer frozen by anxiety that prevents her from expressing her creativity.
If you find yourself similarly blocked, try taking "Baby steps" until you again feel comfortable enough to work at your normal pace.