Recently, I received an article through an artist newsletter about "Creative Slump" and how to relax your mind to inspire thoughts for new ideals. I found the tips very helpful. I do take baths or showers when I feel tense, the water helps especially when you're in there to soak. Sometimes using a fragrant bath soap can inspire feelings and lift images into a thought process of events maybe from childhood or fantasy.
Music helps me a great deal, depending on my mood, classical really provokes scenes in my mind of still life and the old masters .
I'm a great big fan of Norman Rockwell and the realism he illustrated. I'll get a book out with his works and flip through the pages and study his techniques, old calenders are a great source of information and help loosen up my thought process, especially landscapes,lighthouses and animals.
Days I don't feel up to pulling out my art-supplies to paint or draw, I make myself a cup of tea, sit down and look through books and magazines. I sometimes go through pictures I've collected over the years. These are a great inspirational starting point.
