I generally prefer audio books as a background in my studio. I have listened to hundreds of art histories, biographies, mysteries and true crime stories, plowing through series after series. I have always needed a bit of escapism to occupy my inner critic as I work, but lately I prefer silence.

​At the beginning of quarantine when life became strange and frightening, I turned once again to meditation (and Ben & Jerry). I had exactly zero success with meditation up to this point, but during the repetitive circumstances of lockdown, I began a modest practice that began to help with my anxiety and focus.

A funny thing has happened after months of meditation. It has crept into my studio! When I am working, I often prefer silence.  I am happily conscious of being in the moment and I don’t need to drown out that voice, in fact, I think I may have made friends with my inner critic. Well, more like a friendly acquaintance I chat with, and sometimes tell very nicely to shut up. 

Meditation is a process that’s not everyone’s cup of tea. But you could try switching up your painting soundtrack or turning it off all together. Maybe In the quiet you can have a nice polite chat with your inner critic too.

Over the years I have collected many art practice tips. When I feel tight and off track I use this list to loosen up my painting. 

• Simplify.
• Enjoy the process, have fun and experiment.
• AMS - Avoid Masterpiece Syndrome. Don't pressure yourself into thinking every painting has to be a homerun. If you aren't happy with the end result you can always get more paper or paint over a canvas.
• Try working larger and aim to fill the entire space. 
• Use larger tools like bigger brushes and large pieces of charcoal or pastel.
• Use the whole tool not just the tips.
• ​Avoid drawing shapes and filling or coloring in.
• ​Try to put the color down in one stroke.
• Try a rougher surface. The rougher the surface the harder it is to put in details.
• Stop painting when you start to repaint areas.
• Forget the details and compose with large shapes.
• ​Accept what the painting gives you, embrace happy accidents and go with the flow. 

I hope you will give these ideas a try and add them to your own collection art practice tips.