In my artwork, I feel most connected and free when I empty my mind and just start...no plan, no preformed image, no adhering to my audience, or the rules of the game. That's not to say that I am not often inspired. A color may jump out at me, I may collect my favorite images, papers...anything that speaks to me. I begin without a plan. *Sharp intake of breath*
I continue without a plan. Each step of the way, I listen to the work. More turqouoise? A snake...really? I don't argue. It's like floating in the ocean, riding the waves, and letting the water hold you up.
It feels like the times I have felt most stuck and uninspired is when I am thinking too much about what I should modify, what should I add, what's missing. The key to developing your own style is to get out of your head and just create, create again, and keep creating. Stick with the ones that frustrate you most, coax them, sweet talk them, and above all listen. Trust that creative well inside you. Trust that the muse inside each piece will take your hand and lead you down that path.
It's ok to layer and layer again. Change your mind. Try something different. It's only paint and paper, one canvas, one wood substrate. Often the more you rework it, the more you add and modify, the more interesting your piece becomes.
Be brave my friend. There are no mistakes. You were meant to do this.