An artist doesn't have to find time or an excuse to create. She/he just does it. It's as much a daily need as eating or even breathing. Of course every now and then along comes a slump in inspiration but the artist doesn't stop creating. They push on knowing that all will be fine soon and the mojo will be back.
For me I am happy to stir water around in the pot and contemplate my next move. The sound of the brush swirling in the clean water is really therapeutic. When larger works are not in my focus I will still paint. Sometimes an exercise, pigment play with colour fusions or trying out ways to create texture.
In November 2021 I painted the first painting in a new small painting series I called Mini Me. Simple little paintings that take between 30 - 90 mins. I have just added number 54 to the collection. So that is 54 paintings in 4 months on top of my normal works. What this means is that I really have every opportunity to keep my brushes moving even when I am waiting for the next "big idea" to appear and it is more likely to make it's appearance if I am in my studio keeping up my practice.