Get in the Zone

When I’m painting, art has to be the only thing I’m actively doing at that moment.  It takes so much concentration for me and if I get distracted, I have to stop.

If someone calls.

If the doorbell rings.

If my partner shows up.

If the cat jumps on my lap, it all stops.

To support myself within this way of working, I take a lot of breaks, especially while things dry, to manage the intensity. I also listen to music.

Let the Music Play

I have such an emotional connection to art, and that includes music. I make music, too! Singing lots of little songs while I’m chipping away at whatever task is in front of me. But listening to music allows me to get into the zone like no other method does.

I listen to different types of music when I’m drawing and painting. My art is dreamy, and I achieve flow in different ways for different things. 

While painting, my flow state is achieved through incessant repetition of music and sounds. I have a multitude of tailored playlists based on energy or mood. Anything can be on these playlists with little exception. All I need to get moving into my flow state is hear the first few strains of music playing.

When I first began to life draw, I felt very vulnerable. In order to get into my flow state within this medium, I would listen to house music. This allows me to set myself to a pace and just fly. I would get dancy drawings, and that's fun for a bit.

Using music to guide me through is essential. And I'm always looking for new music. Play me a song, I'll love it!