"What do you do when your muse is on vacation?" Topic

For the last few weeks my desire to paint models has just seemed to evaporate. I have definite idea about things I WANT to paint, but when it comes time to sit down and get to it there are suddenly things I'd rather be doing.

Who does the rest of you deal with this when it happens?

i might read a book either on the period (if historical modelling is your thing) or about building kits generally
mostly, I don't fight it. If i don't want to paint, I don't force myself! it's about fun and relaxing, if you would rather do something else for fun or to relax, do that!

I either do what you do or break the painting down to the smallest detail. I will paint the cuffs blue on these five figures or I'll do the gun barrels. Sometimes I'll do it before I go out to do the other thing and then get caught up in painting sometimes it's as far as I get. I'm fortunate to have an area that I can leave set up for painting.

M'use another one.

Sorry, the devil made me do it.

In truth, the trick is to get your brain onto autopilot. If you're not focus thinking about what your doing, the boredom monster cant get a hold on you.

+1 FusilierDan. Break what you're doing down into assembly line rote. Let yourself daydream. You only have to deal with the impulse to go do something else at the shifts.

It's how I used to do yard work.

I have learned to just do something else. Otherwise, I just think "I should be painting" or I feel guilty for not painting. Unless you make your living doing it, you don't EVER have to so don't worry about it. That way you will probably again have the desire to paint in a while.

I usually try these methods of encouragement:

1. Start watching a film or DVD that has to do with the period I want to work in.
2. Look at some previous work I have completed and admire how it all looks when done.
3. Sit down and just start working on 1 figure, even if doing something simple like priming.
4. Check out the web for someone else's work in the same period and get inspired again from that.

Drink.

Seriously, the autopilot thing works. I always have a list of "ankle biter" projects … just little doos and dads to quickly knock out. They are usually for when I am sitting around waiting for something to dry or somesuch. They are also a great get-er-started.

Build terrain, read, watch movies.

When I don't feel like painting, I don't.

I'm with Doug. It's a hobby, and if it's not pleasant, do something else. That said, I rarely don't want to paint, I just don't have the time to paint as often as I would like.

Aethelflaeda said it best

I go outside and play. Hiking, boating, skiing, repairing buildings, felling trees, making firewood, etc.

- Ix

Scheduling a game requiring troops you haven't finished is always good.

But being of German descent I operate less on the muse striking and more on guilt and a sense of order embodied in a schedule and a "to do" list. The muse might leave, but the guilt and the schedule never go away.

take a nap

Paint just one color a day, then before you know it your interest comes back.

I do something completely different. During warm weather I study alligators, which includes taking lots of pictures and giving impromptu lectures. If it's too cold for the local dinosaurs I photograph interesting abandoned buildings, civic art installations, murals, etc around New Orleans. Sooner or later the muse will return.

LT

I find terrain making an excellent use of time when I am not painting.
I paint a lot of figures as I have to provide both sides but without terrain it would be pretty bland.

"For the last few weeks my desire to paint models has just seemed to evaporate. I have definite idea about things I WANT to paint, but when it comes time to sit down and get to it there are suddenly things I'd rather be doing."

This has been me the past 5 years. I've been to some cons the past year. I had fun playing, but I just have not been able to bring myself to pick up a brush. Perhaps it's because I'm nearing 60 years old, which I cannot imagine myself even saying. Why start a new project now, especially when I can only play once or twice a year anymore?

Nearing that age point as well but hoping to increase my painting time in the near future. I am lucky enough to be able to game frequently with my local club so that keeps my interest up.

If have a low interest in painting any given day after dinner (or more likely my body is not up for it), I generally read. I prioritize gaming over painting for weekend hobby free time.

I have learned that if I just try to paint five minutes per day, I am amazed at how much I can get completed. Slow but steady wins the race.

Go and play with the grandkids, if you're lucky enough to live close-by.

I know the general idea is that this is a hobby and it should only be done for fun. But I'm like Robert above.

Put on a game at a local con that requires you to finish that army and terrain. You will have a goal in mind and this will rejuvenate the Muse. Plus you will have a great sense of accomplishment that you can share with others playing your scenario.

I also have a "to do" list that I try to whittle down. I realize that it seems counter intuitive to fun and enjoyment, but I find it helps. Nothing beats the sensation of checking off armies and terrain features off of your list.

Then read books about the eras you are interested in. That should stimulate your imagination on getting a conflict onto the table top.

Finally, if none of those work, then don't fight it. Do something, anything else that gives you pleasure. It's not a job.

Having just come out of a painting slump myself the answer was to find somewhere to set up my painting table so it was set up 24/7. That way I can just do a little bit when the urge takes me and let it sit there until next time I'm ready to paint. My problem was the hassle of getting everything out and set up and then packing it all down again. By finding somewhere where I can leave things out ready to go means I can just sit down and paint.

As already said its surprising what you get done by doing just a little on a regular basis. It boils down to working out why you don't want to paint and address that issue. BUT for most of us it isn't mandatory that we paint every day so if you don't feel like doing it go do something you do want to do instead.

I usually go with her.