Have you ever looked at your paints and brushes and just… felt nothing? That spark you used to have? Nowhere in sight. You used to love painting—those quiet, meditative moments when you’d lose yourself in color and creativity. But now? You’re staring at a blank page, and it feels heavy.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not broken or bad at art. You’re just in a creative season that’s asking for something different. Even as someone who paints for a living (and teaches thousands to do the same), I’ve been through this more times than I can count. So I want to talk about how we gently find our way back to that love.

Because you can. You really can love painting again. And it might be closer than you think.

You’re Not Alone (and It Doesn’t Mean You’re Not an Artist)

Before we dive into the how, I want you to know this: losing your spark doesn’t mean you’ve lost your identity as an artist. In fact, it might be a sign you’re growing.

Burnout, doubt, comparison, boredom, over-scheduling—these things sneak into our creative lives without warning. They cloud up the joy. But underneath all of that? The reason you love painting is still there. It’s just waiting to be seen again.

So let’s peel back the layers and uncover that spark.

Ask Yourself Why the Love Might Be Fading

Take a moment to reflect, not with judgment, but with curiosity. What’s really going on?

Here are a few common reasons I’ve noticed (both in my own journey and with students):

• You’ve turned your hobby into a hustle, and now it feels like pressure.
• You’ve been comparing your art to others and feeling behind.
• You’re forcing a style or subject that doesn’t excite you anymore.
• You’re mentally or emotionally drained from other areas of life.

Grab a journal or even your Notes app and just write. You might discover that it’s not the art itself you’ve fallen out of love with, it’s the expectations wrapped around it.

Give Yourself Permission to Pause

Sometimes, the most healing thing we can do for our creativity is take a break. Not a dramatic, “I quit art forever” kind of break. Just a soft, honest pause.

I wrote a whole blog about this in August (you can read it here) because I believe in it that much. When we pause with intention, we give space for new inspiration to enter. We refill our creative cup.

This pause could look like:

• A week away from your paints with no guilt
• A quiet nature walk with a sketchbook in hand (but no goal)
• Simply noticing beauty again—sunlight on a leaf, colors in the sky

When you step back, even just a little, you give your mind and heart time to rest. And rest is fertile ground for creativity.

Try Something Different (Without Expectation)

One of the fastest ways to fall back in love with painting is to shake things up. When you do the same thing over and over, it’s easy to get bored or feel stuck. So why not experiment?

Try a new subject, like a loose watercolor landscape if you normally paint florals. Or switch from your favorite palette to a limited two-color combo. Even changing your brush or paper can create new excitement.

Here are some playful, pressure-free ideas:

• Paint with your non-dominant hand
• Let yourself only paint shapes and color, no objects
• Start with a splash and build from there

The goal isn’t to make “good” art. The goal is to make different art. When you do this without expectation, you often rediscover the play and magic that made you love painting in the first place.

Feeling stuck trying to make everything look “good”? Learn why making “bad” art on purpose might be the most freeing, inspiring thing you do this week. Read the full blog here.

Write a Letter to Your Art

I know this sounds a little unusual, but stay with me. Writing a letter to your art can be surprisingly emotional and healing. I’ve done this when I’ve felt disconnected, and it always brings clarity.

Start like this:
“Dear Art, I miss you. I’ve been feeling…”
And then just write.

Tell your art how you’ve been feeling, what you’re afraid of, and what you remember loving about it. Let it be raw and honest. You don’t need to share it with anyone. It’s just for you. (And trust me, it can be a turning point.)

Redefine What Art Means Right Now

What if your definition of painting didn’t have to stay the same?

Sometimes we get stuck thinking art needs to be something productive, impressive, or consistent. But art is allowed to evolve. What felt joyful last year might not be the thing you need right now, and that’s okay.

Let your art practice shift with the season you’re in. Maybe you’re craving small watercolor doodles instead of full compositions. Maybe you just want to play with color swatches or fill a sketchbook page with brushstrokes.

Loosen your grip. Let painting be whatever supports your joy right now.

Feeling stuck in perfection mode? Learn how embracing your inner beginner can unlock more creativity, confidence, and joy in your painting practice. Read more here.

Your Spark Still Matters (Even If It Feels Dim)

If you’re doubting whether your creativity has any value, I want you to pause and watch this video I created. It’s a gentle reminder that your spark (your presence, your creativity, your voice), matters.

In this video, I talk about how your creativity isn’t just for making pretty things. It’s how you connect, how you give, how you inspire. Whether it’s through a smile, a post, or a brushstroke. It matters. And the world needs it.

Even if your art never leaves your sketchbook, even if it’s just for you, it still has worth.

Want Support Along the Way?

If you’re looking for ways to gently ease back into your art, I’ve got you:

• Explore my blog post for my favorite no pressure watercolor painting exercises for a low-pressure project.
• Join the membership community for tutorials, encouragement, and creativity coaching.
• Revisit my blog post on taking a creative pause for more permission to rest.
• Or dive into my beginner-friendly watercolor companion course if you're ready for a full reboot.

And remember, you don’t need to force it. Sometimes, just being near your paints is enough to begin again.

You Can Love Painting Again

The path back to your love for painting might not be a straight line. It might take some patience. But I promise, it’s still there.

Take it slow. Be kind to yourself. Try new things. Rest when you need to. And most of all, trust that your creative spark can’t truly disappear. It’s part of you.

Whether you’re painting every day or just thinking about picking up a brush again, you’re still an artist.