can talent just be.. lost?

Question

I normally classify myself as artistic. I love to draw and paint, and I'm fairly good. Art has and always been my best subject. Im 16 right now, and about six months ago I hit a block. I didn't know what to draw anymore. So I basically stopped drawing. Now I want to start again but I feel its not even the same. Are there any exercises I should practice so I can get back in the groove again?

HA. I can assure you it's not because of a puberty thing. That happened a long time ago.

Answer 1

A lot of changes go on during puberty.

Something may have changed in your personality due to hormonal changes.

Ask your doctor or a neurologist if you are disturbed by this change.

Answer 2

First, what was your original purpose for drawing? Did you satisfy that purpose? Sounds like your motivation to draw has come to a halt, but that does not mean that your drawing is history. How do you go about finding a new purpose for your drawing?
However, I think there is an even more basic question to ask yourself. Have your needs changed? What are you day dreaming about? What are you concerned about at this time? Are you worried about something or maybe even many somethings?
Do you have other adjustment problems? Are you stuck in more ways than one? Are you experiencing fear? Do you have someone you can look up to as an artistic trainer?
Try drawing a picture of the way you feel at the moment. Ask what is making you feel that way. What is it inside you that wants to keep painting but needs some assistance.
Try going at your drawing in a different way. Or study drawing in a new way or a new place, like a new school or private drawing classes.
In the world of work, what jobs need drawing skills? Are you thinking about money? Do you have a counselor at your school? If you do, make an appointment to ask your questions.
Keep asking questions.

Answer 3

No, not at all. I have hit this block SO MANY TIMES I feel like I am going to lose it. But here's the thing: I'm only 11 years old. I'm like you. I love drawing and painting. A whole lot of people know me as the girl that draws. Every time I hit this block, my head spins, and I think I'm never going to draw the same, EVER. And I don't. I draw BETTER, than I did before my block. But I know from experience that a natural talent, or even a taught one, can't be lost. It might seem like it on the outside, but inside you know you're going to draw again, but it takes a little time before it gets to your head, making you think, 'Y'know what, I thin I'm going to draw! And it will be Magnum Opus! It will be the BEST painting I'll ever draw!', and it will, until something else inspires you! I have Faith in you, you'll have that annoying little voice deep down inside your head in no time! Don't worry! And if you need modivation, feel free to tell me! Ps. Oh and it's not puberty, that didn't affect me at ALL. Actually, I drew MOST while going through it. : ) And music doen't help, it just breaks your concentration.

Answer 4

Been there, done that.

Really, I'm and artist and author, published in both counts. After a while my creative side just seemed to dry up.

It's been a year since I've done more then sketch, and I know what it is. Stress.

Which is odd since my creative streak started as escape from stress. I think I had to face the stressful items in my life so directly that I couldn't allow myself to escape, and it caused the block.

If you don't use it you WON'T loose it, but it will get rusty.

Immerse yourself in images that will inspire you to draw, paint or sculpt. Look through magazines, art galleries, online pictures, anything of subjects you once loved to draw. Believe me, the more you see what others are doing the more you will want to do something yourself.

Get a sketch book and keep it handy. You never know when something might strike your fancy. Just the other day I drew a wrecked car... It's sitting in my yard and I've seen it every day for a year, but for some reason I just had to draw it the other day.

Follow your insticts, they will lead you back.

Answer 5

I say, do what you love. I go through phases like that a lot too (and consider myself to be a rather good artist too). I go through art sites like DeviantArt, ArtWanted, Elfwood, or just a random search on an engine for whatever floats my boat, to get a muse interested again. Or I discover inspiration through books I read, or images I see in the ceiling, floor, or clouds.

Draw anything and everything that catches your eye! If you see a style you like, try to duplicate it. If you see a picture of a cat you think is nice, try to paint it. Practice will help you get better...but I don't think there is such a thing as perfection. If I ever hit perfection on my work, I might as well stop... because I'll never be able to do it again, and then where's the challenge? Isn't that part of what it's about? The challenge. Good luck!

Answer 6

Interesting question.

Psychological research has shown that your brain "reboots" early adolescence. Normally this would occur in folks a bit younger than yourself, but there are always exceptions.

What may have been natural to you when you were around fourteen is no longer quite as natural to you now. A couple of years ago you may have committed more time to socializing or math or something other than art for a few months. Completely normal. What happens is that your brain creates new neural pathways like CRAZY during this time. The neural pathways in your right brain were likely less stimulated than the ones in your logical/relationship oriented left brain and they developed more strongly.

With practice you may develop the strength, talent and inspiration you felt you lost; but it will take a substantial amount of work.

Good luck to you!

Answer 7

Man i feel you i started drawing when i was in the 3rd grade i was always told i was a good drawer, during middle school i felt the same b/c my best friend a girl can draw with fine smooth lines which i cant. b/c i am the type that strike a line a thousand time before its a line.....so i stopped drawing....i move no to computer and its great... try something new it might light a spark.......but i hit a block again i hate graphic design now hmmmmm......lol...

Answer 8

ive done this too--but not for that long, and this might not be great advice, but...
get crayons, tempera, charcoal, or whatever you want to use
and just draw (or paint), i know i do this all time, but try to not criticize your art, in fact just doing scribbles can help

mix various colours together, on paper, canvas, etc
again, scribbles help

getting in an artistic mood is can be caused by your environment, or seeing something that inspires you
so go somewhere that might help, take a look at the sunset,
go to the beach, the mountains, and be inspired, then try to create

i hope you can draw and paint again, it is something that creates a magical feeling

Answer 9

relax, life moves in a circle. you can't dictate inspiration. but surround yourself with things that move you. always keep that pad and paper handy in case something ignites that spark again. i find just sitting with pencil or paint and listening to music will fill my head with inspiration and ideas. i also keep a sketch pad next to the bed when i wake up from a vivid dream i put it immediately to paper. if i force myself it becomes a chore i don't enjoy it and it's a beautiful soulless picture that moves no one...........i've been an artist since i was old enough to hold a crayon (38 now) and i've went a year at a time without drawing/painting but the embers still burn just awaiting something to ignite the inferno again.............timothy

Answer 10

I can successfully say that it will pass. Listen to different music as you draw, and just make lines or something. Stare at things like tables or ceiling fans until you can see them as individual shapes and colors. You can never lose artistic ability. It's in you.

Libby, you really shouldn't be here. You're way too young.