So, you want to create art? You have talent and a sketchbook or a canvas. You bought your paints, and you are staring at a blank canvas! Sometimes, the most difficult part is getting started. This is something that does not happen to me anymore. If anything, I have too many ideas and not enough time to carry them out. I wanted to share with the art community how to find and cultivate ideas for illustrations, paintings, abstract designs, even words to accompany them.
Here is how I manage to have a never-ending well of creative ideas for design and illustration:
*Attitude- I have an attitude of an artist. I am constantly mindful of my surroundings and the beauty of the world. I do not have the best memory, so I take tons of pictures if I see something that tickles my creativity. If its beautiful, I start snapping. I also have a notebook with me all the time. I have it categorized into art,design and words. This way I do not have to translate the ideas later, or try to decipher a million sticky notes (I used to do that) I can also draw a little picture or diagram in there. I also keep track of cute sayings that people use, or little signs or Bible quotes that strike me.
*Sources- Children and animals are a source of constant inspiration. The way the look, talk, bark, stand and play. I also find inspiration in children's art. Children are naturally artistic and they make lovely, sweeping lines with their whole bodies. Invest in some sidewalk chalk for your kids an you will see what I mean. They stop being artistic when adults tell them "how" to do it!
*Internet- Pinterest!!! see my boards!!! I will post a link! Endless inspiration from all kinds of places and people. Watch out, you may get inspired to remodel your home, redo your garden, travel to faraway places and cook something!
*Nature - If I ever get really stuck, I go hiking, take a walk around the neighborhood, drive to the beach, or just look up at the sky. There are so many birds in my yard, flowers, bugs, and critters to give me some good ideas. A sketchbook is a handy way to document these ideas. I like to use a multi-media sketchbook so I can add watercolor to the sketches as I please.
*Where NOT to look for ideas - Other than the old masters or classic art, I never look at other people's art to get inspiration. That is not to say that I do not look at art. I look at a ton of art. I love to see what other people are doing, promoting my friends on Society6 and promoting them on facebook, pinterest and wherever I can! If you want your art to be original and lovable, try not to copy other people's style or subjects. Sometimes it is difficult especially if you love owls or skulls! The key is to find a way to make them unique, to show your own personality. This is what will make your art truly beautiful!
More next week, thanks for reading!!
Cathy
http://pinterest.com/aftermyart/
Here is how I manage to have a never-ending well of creative ideas for design and illustration:
*Attitude- I have an attitude of an artist. I am constantly mindful of my surroundings and the beauty of the world. I do not have the best memory, so I take tons of pictures if I see something that tickles my creativity. If its beautiful, I start snapping. I also have a notebook with me all the time. I have it categorized into art,design and words. This way I do not have to translate the ideas later, or try to decipher a million sticky notes (I used to do that) I can also draw a little picture or diagram in there. I also keep track of cute sayings that people use, or little signs or Bible quotes that strike me.
*Sources- Children and animals are a source of constant inspiration. The way the look, talk, bark, stand and play. I also find inspiration in children's art. Children are naturally artistic and they make lovely, sweeping lines with their whole bodies. Invest in some sidewalk chalk for your kids an you will see what I mean. They stop being artistic when adults tell them "how" to do it!
*Internet- Pinterest!!! see my boards!!! I will post a link! Endless inspiration from all kinds of places and people. Watch out, you may get inspired to remodel your home, redo your garden, travel to faraway places and cook something!
*Nature - If I ever get really stuck, I go hiking, take a walk around the neighborhood, drive to the beach, or just look up at the sky. There are so many birds in my yard, flowers, bugs, and critters to give me some good ideas. A sketchbook is a handy way to document these ideas. I like to use a multi-media sketchbook so I can add watercolor to the sketches as I please.
*Where NOT to look for ideas - Other than the old masters or classic art, I never look at other people's art to get inspiration. That is not to say that I do not look at art. I look at a ton of art. I love to see what other people are doing, promoting my friends on Society6 and promoting them on facebook, pinterest and wherever I can! If you want your art to be original and lovable, try not to copy other people's style or subjects. Sometimes it is difficult especially if you love owls or skulls! The key is to find a way to make them unique, to show your own personality. This is what will make your art truly beautiful!
More next week, thanks for reading!!
Cathy
http://pinterest.com/aftermyart/
RSS Feed