Where Do You Get Your Inspiration on What To Paint?

Question

When it comes to paint on canvas using your oil paints or whatever you use, what gives you inspiration? I dont make art for art's sake but rather paint when I feel I should describe something...

so when it comes to you painting, how do you figure out what you will paint/create?

Answer 1

You're almost asking the question backwards. Here's what you do:

Paint something. Paint ANYTHING. Then something else. And another. As you start painting many many things, you will discover a few things.

One thing you'll probably discover first is that some things interest you more than others. If you're doing three paintings at a time, you'll probably find you want to finish one of them more. That's a hint.

Worse (or better) yet, you may find that there are some things you really want to paint, but haven't the slightest idea exactly how to go about it. Some people shrug and just go back to their comfort zone at that point. Some few just make a stab at it anyway. It is those latter folk to whom we owe a lot of very interesting works.

You may also discover after some time that EVERYTHING has something that you can say about it. The paintings become as much or more about YOU than any particular subject. This is why most great artists simply never run out of ideas... once you develop an idea of what you like to say, things to talk about will come out of the woodwork.

The same is true for most artistic media. Among great workers, the concept of 'stealing' an idea is almost laughable. Practice, and you'll probably see yourself!

Answer 2

I don't paint, but I do draw. And usually my inspiration comes from other art: sculptures, watercolour paintings, etc. Or I'll be inspired by something when I take a walk, or while I'm out in the city. Or something, I guess inspiration can come form pretty much anywhere.

Answer 3

a photograph..a scene in nature...a moment..a chance glimpse...taking a walk and picking up a leaf...looking at my photos from a hike...something will stand out and from that there will a sketch..then perhaps a painting..sometimes the drawing stands on its on..sometimes it begs for color and canvas...if I end up thinking about it for hours/days..then most likely it will become a painting...lately it has been photographs of flowers...two months ago it was the high desert with the mountains in the distance...last night it was the reflection of land upon still water at a local bay...I let the object set the pace...

Answer 4

Nature mostly. Some things like mountains, sky colors, animals & birds, trees, etc. are so beautiful that I want to keep them and remember them. So I paint as close as possible because we do loose our memories.

Answer 5

If you want to create astonishing artwork, you need to expand your knowledge in philosophy, social sciences, and history, so you can interpret the news, and express your feeling towards the news using your artistic talent. Therefore, I suggest you to pick up some humanities books as soon as possible.

Answer 6

Just whatever you like to do or like to look at!!!!! Take a walk once in a while and you most likely will see things that will inspire you!

Answer 7

while i am not a talented artist my sister is. as she explains it she waits until images "come up" from her subconscious/unconscious and "require" that they be portrayed. this happens for her "naturally". her work is quite unique and powerful; in no way derivative or mediocre. one way to promote the experience is to involve yourself with those practices which aid conscious connection to these depths of being: meditation, energy work such as yoga, ch kung, reiki, etc. good luck!

Answer 8

..from whats going on at the time in ones life...