The Love Poem Garden painting, an abstract painting by mixed media artist Natalie Eve Marquis.

Ever feel like you can’t start your next creative project until you’ve stocked up on the perfect supplies? You’re not alone—but here’s the surprising truth: that urge to shop might actually be resistance in disguise. Inspired by Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, this article dives into how resistance sneaks into our lives, convincing us we need more time, better tools, or ideal conditions before we can create. The good news? There’s a simple, five-minute trick to outsmart it and get back to doing the art you love. Ready to stop procrastinating and start creating? Let’s go!

Every artist’s journey is peppered with moments of brilliance and bouts of frustration. But there’s a particular phase in the creative process that can make even the most seasoned painters question their abilities – the notorious “messy middle.” It’s that pivotal point where everything goes to sh*t on your canvas and your confidence takes a serious hit.

Many artists start painting with enthusiasm, only to lose momentum.. If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone. Your Inspiration and intuition haven’t deserted you. It’s most likely one of these common pitfalls are hindering your progress. Let’s dig in and learn how to recognize and resolve them in order to reignite your creative flow.

Imagine a creative companion that never criticizes, only celebrates. That’s the canvas before me - a silent conspirator in the joyful chaos of creation. With each brushstroke, whether timid or bold, intentional or accidental, it whispers, “Yes, and…?” It transforms my missteps into stepping stones, my hesitations into happy accidents.

I couldn’t help but marvel at the synchronicity when I pulled the Deer Medicine card this morning. This animal, symbolizing gentleness, perfectly aligned with an article I had posted just yesterday titled “Art Making is a Gentle Teacher.” My higher self is emphasizing the importance of gentleness in my creative journey.

Artist Natalie Eve Marquis, Exeter, NH

Why is it so difficult to follow our joy?

I keep circling back to this question a lot because, while it may sound frivolous, I’ve come to believe it’s hugely important. Our entire ability to not only be happy, but to thrive and honor our soul’s callings, depends on our ability to follow the breadcrumbs of joy.

It all boils down to energy and vibration – being able to detect it and lean towards it. But like canaries in a cage, we feel trapped. We can point to the bars in life that make us feel this way — our jobs, finances, body type, circumstances or lack of opportunities. Somehow we landed in this cage and we don’t know how we got here.

Poet Lorna Simes new poem "Dare She?" was inspired by the painting, "Hearts Rising", by Natalie Eve Marquis. Both were on display as part of the "Image & Imagination" ekphrastic exhibit, a collaborative art & poetry show with 12 area poets inspired by 13 artists which runs through October 8, 2022 at Art Up Front Street.

My Pop and I in the Outer Banks, NC. / Natalie Marquis, Mixed Media Artist

We Three Native American Painting Family by HonoringMotherEarth

Natalie Marquis sliding in Sedona, AZ (photo by Tennousei Liila Leslie).