There’s something very personal about painting. Most of the time, it’s just me, Alys (my little studio pup), a cup of tea, and my sketchbook. And I love that. But sometimes, the stillness can stretch into loneliness—especially when I’ve had a long week, or I haven’t shared my work in a while, or I’m doubting if any of it really matters.
If you’re working as an artist, especially from home, that feeling of loneliness can sneak in easier than you expect. Maybe you work alone in your studio, get lost in that creative bubble for a little too long and aren’t always active in artist circles or communities. Creating is deeply fulfilling and quietly isolating, all at once. So, if you’re feeling lonely as an artist, know that, you’re not alone.
You’re not alone if you’ve ever felt this way. Creative work often means:
🧘🏽♀️ Spending time alone to focus – which is beautiful, but can also mean fewer shared moments
🤹🏽♀️ Balancing multiple roles – painting might come after work, study, or parenting, which can make it feel like a solo side project
📱 Seeing other artists online – who seem to be creating full-time, surrounded by art friends and big studios, which can feel discouraging or out of reach
💬 Not always having someone to talk to about your process – especially if your loved ones don’t enjoy creativity or understand how much goes into your work.
It’s no wonder we sometimes feel a little adrift—even when we deeply love what we do
Here are a few things I’ve found helpful when I’m feeling disconnected:
✍🏽 Write beside your painting – I often scribble notes in my sketchbook—how I’m feeling, what colours I’m using, or just little thoughts. It makes the process feel like a conversation, not a performance.
📸 Share the behind-the-scenes – Even if I don’t post every piece, just sharing one small moment- a paint swatch, a reference image I’m excited about—helps me feel connected to others. And you don’t always have to share to social media- just share with your family and friends.
🫶🏽 Invite connection intentionally – I love hearing from other creatives. If something you see sparks joy, send a message! I always feel more inspired after those moments.
☕ Build gentle rituals – Tea. Music. Lighting a candle. These small comforts turn solo time into sacred time.
Loneliness doesn’t mean something is wrong. It just means we’re human—and sometimes we need a little more connection woven into our practice.
As a provisional psychologist, I find it comforting to know that loneliness isn’t about being truely alone—it’s about feeling unseen or unacknowledged. And that’s something artists can feel often, especially when we create privately in a solo studio.
Loneliness isn’t just a mood—it’s a biological signal, like hunger or thirst. It tells us we’re craving meaningful connection. According to research by Hawkley and Cacioppo (2010), loneliness activates the same stress pathways as physical pain, which helps explain why it can feel so heavy.
And here’s something comforting: loneliness doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It’s not caused by being alone, but by the quality of our connections. You could be surrounded by people and still feel lonely—or spend most of your time solo and feel deeply fulfilled.
As artists, we often move between both. Creative solitude can feel sacred—until it doesn’t. Learning to notice that shift and gently respond to it is part of the practice. Whether that means reaching out to another artist, sharing your process online, or even journaling beside your painting, every act of connection matters.
Studies show that creative flow can boost dopamine, focus, and even a sense of meaning (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990). But without community or reflection, it can start to feel unmoored. Humans are wired for social creativity—we thrive when we share, respond, and feel heard.
So while solo painting is beautiful, so is making space to connect— through conversation, collaboration, or simply knowing someone else feels the same.
Not every season of artmaking feels deeply social or deeply seen—and that’s okay. Some phases are quiet. Internal. Hidden. That doesn’t make them less valuable.
If you’re painting quietly, gently, at the edges of your busy life—you’re doing something brave. You’re holding space for your art. That matters. Even when it’s quiet. Especially then.
Here’s how I gently navigate the quiet seasons:
🧘🏽♀️ Let the silence be soft – Your alone time is part of the process
🌻 Stay open to connection – Comment, message, share—others feel this too
🫶🏽 Talk to yourself kindly – Loneliness is temporary. You’re doing your best.
🎨 Keep showing up – Every painting you make is a quiet act of courage
I’m here, painting alongside you. Cup of tea in hand, brush in the other.
Have you ever experienced this? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a message on social media 🌻✨🫶🏽
If you’re in the mood to keep reading and are looking for more practical tips on building your art practice, take a look at my other articles! 👩🏽🎨🤍
☼ Brown, B. (2017). Braving the wilderness: The quest for true belonging and the courage to stand alone. Random House.
☼ Cacioppo, J. T., & Patrick, W. (2008). Loneliness: Human nature and the need for social connection. W. W. Norton & Company.
☼ Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The psychology of optimal experience. Harper & Row.
☼ Hawkley, L. C., & Cacioppo, J. T. (2010). Loneliness matters: A theoretical and empirical review. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 19(4), 218–225.
☼ Why does part-time painting sometimes feel lonely?
☼ How can artists feel more connected when working alone?
☼ What does psychology say about loneliness and creativity?
☼ How can I build more community into my art practice?
know someone who might enjoy this article?
♡ share the artsy love right here ♡
a space for artists & art collectors ♡
hi, i’m sarah, an australian artist head-over-heels for watercolour & creative practice- it truely is good for your soul.
& this ↑, is my girl alys.
i am completely self-taught in all the mediums i use & i am here to share everything i know with you!
i write about all things creativity, watercolour, gouache, hand-made ceramics, collecting art, & my own artistic process. I have degrees in human psychology & veterinary medicine- so you might find some sporadic related facts in my writing.
sign up for artsy news, exclusive discounts & member-only offers ♡
disc.- the above article may contain affiliate links. that means that at no extra cost to you, I may receive a small commission from the purchases made through these links. I only recommend products I have bought myself, use, and love!
get 30% off your next print order!
no spam, i promise- just exclusive discounts, member-only commission openings & some other artsy bits.
