Painters Block

[kev1964]

Hi,



I think everyone gets it once in a while, like the guys said, paint something different or as i try and do now and paint a couple of units then base them, then at least you can see an end result. I did paint all the figs first before basing any, but it does get very boring at times especially if i have a few hundred on the go. Luckily it dosnt happen very often to me , which is a good job as it's my living  , a good war film's also a motivator,

kev

[i_am_win]

When I get the block, I tend to have to mentally force myself to get something done, once I'm motivated I'll paint all sorts of stuff for days, but a change of tack is very good advice (especially when you have shed loads of identical uniforms/minis to paint up, that really does sap the energy from anyone  )

[Leman]

Which is why I have incredible respect for Mad Lemmey.

[daveyboy21]

Thanks Guys.
Some sound wisdom flowing like fine wine. I changed tack and started work on something completely different, Imperial Roman Auxiliaries, and it seemed to throw paraffin on the flames.
I suppose this happens when you have thousands of castings acquired over the years, bought with all good intentions, ans then you sit down and think " Oh my god! These things have gotta be painted". I've realised that "No" they don't HAVE to be painted, but eventually  they will be...............................No rush. I've always got my retirements years...........If my eyes hold out...........If I don't buy any more figures.............ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Leman]

New set of rules inspires furious painting - Longstreet has arrived at North Star!

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

On the other hand, I have three projects stalled on the painting holiday as I've been away for the last week and it never feels right breaking the paints out immediately on return... 
Tonight my pretties...

[seano1815]

Hi . I tend to suffer from this on a regular basis, the way I've found that helps me is to do figures from different periods, on my bench at the minute I've got highlanders for the 45', and some dragoons for the 45', Carthaginians, republican Romans, Imperial romans, and early WW1 French. I paint each in turn and I find it stops me getting bored. Another way is watch a video or dvd on your favourite period or battle get some inspiration that way. Hope it helps a little, works for me most of the time
All the best
Sean

[sixsideddice]

Shelve your current project(s) (literally, just put them away somewhere) and start another. It also helps to actually play a game with what you've got, as this will often fire up the creative juices as well.

Great advice.. always works for me that one 


Six

[julesav]

To cope with this problem over a period ofmore than 30 years of painting miniatures I've developed a two-pronged strategy -

1) I always try to have a selection of sizes/scales of miniatures on table so that if I get fed up with 6mm/10mm I can paint 15mm or 28mms.

2) I try to make sure that every day I do at least one thing to stuff on the table. It really doesn't matter what I do, undercoat something, flock something, paint someone's boots or face, or spend 2 hours on a unit. This has increased my overall productivity to a marked extent!

Cheers

Jules

[Ithoriel]

2) I try to make sure that every day I do at least one thing to stuff on the table. It really doesn't matter what I do, undercoat something, flock something, paint someone's boots or face, or spend 2 hours on a unit. This has increased my overall productivity to a marked extent!

I'll second that.

[Chad]

I'll third that.

Chad

[Albie Bach]

Same here. I've started doing half an hour in the morning before work to finish off a unit that has been sitting on my painting table for about a month.
In my case though it's just certain units I lose motivation for. I have been doing other stuff.

[Maenoferren]

I had a major block. Basically hadn't touched a thing since the painting competition before last. Then last week just felt the urge and off I went 

[get2grips]

Another good way (and Leon will like this) is to buy something new.  This can, of course, just make the problem even worse 

[Hertsblue]

1) I always try to have a selection of sizes/scales of miniatures on table so that if I get fed up with 6mm/10mm I can paint 15mm or 28mms.

The only problem with that I find is that I have had a certain 15mm SYW Austrian 3 pr sitting on my table for about 5 years now. And I believe there's still a 1/3000th Hiryu aircraft carrier somewhere at my previous address.