Have you hit the WALL?
Creating art is an experience that magnifies your feelings to such an extent that when you hit that 'wall' it seems like you can never climb over it.
But in looking back at my work which extends pretty far back, I admit, I do see the progress and the subtle differences in the work from years ago to the work I am creating today. The simple shadow on a chin, the light in an eye, the tone over the shoulder of an animal help me to realize that I have learned and noticed and watched what is going on around me.
If you are truly in a rut, take some time away for the 'soaking in' of life. Watch the leaves turn in circles when the wind blows, walk in a puddle in your bare feet after the rain, go far afield from where you usually hang out... see new faces, get new perspectives - literally - by viewing things from as many different angles as possible. Stand on a bridge, look through a keyhole, swing on a gate.
This may sound too mundane, but believe me, if you are in a rut the best way to leave it behind is to leave it behind and give yourself permission to take a break. Actually "Take a chance!" and just to make sure you don't miss that inevitable breakthrough, bring along a sketch book.
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