Working specifically for an art competition doesn't work for me. Many artists like myself work because of an emotional drive to create. Unfortunately, that drive doesn't just hang around with you 24/7. It's frustrating to lose motivation. You keep saying to yourself, "I want to work. I need to work". But, the drive is just not there today.
Wish I had a simple solution to the problem. Just know you're not alone. Some things I FORCE myself to do is to get out of the house and among other artists or artwork. Go to a art museum or art gallery. Go to a local art exhibit or competition to go to just to look. Find a local art guild in your area and go to their monthly meeting. The public is usually welcomed since they would like to have new members. And, don't not go because you have no one to go with. Go by yourself. I love going places by myself. It gives me time to think.
If you're in the Houston Texas area, the Lone Star Art Guild is local. I am a member of Sugar Land Area Artists. Just going to the meetings is motivational. And you can make new artist friends in the process. I also participate with Artists' Alliance of Sugar Land. This organization is a studio and art school. They also have a small gallery that features a different artist each month. To just stop by a place like that to see what other artists are doing may create a spark in you. I teach drawing lessons there. I think that just going there on my class days is what keeps me inspired to create. You can see my class schedule at ArtClasses4U.com.
