Life as a Muse: 7 Ways to Spark Inspiration

Oftentimes I am asked…How do you find inspiration for your paintings?

The simple answer is that I draw inspiration from life! There’s always so much going on in my world that I tend to go inward and pull from the mix of emotions, feelings, dominating thoughts, and my environment while analyzing my circumstances and what I can draw from them. Here are seven ways that I draw inspiration to create:

Journaling and Reflection

I keep a daily journal where I write down my emotions, thoughts, and experiences. Reflecting on significant events and understanding how they make me feel provides a rich source of themes and symbols for my artwork.

Nature Walks and Observation

Spending time in nature, observing my surroundings, and immersing myself in the natural environment helps me connect with my feelings. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature often inspire elements in my paintings, like using a stormy sky to represent turmoil or a blooming flower to signify growth and hope.

Music

Listening to music that resonate with my mood helps me explore my emotions. The rhythm, mood, and energy of the sounds often translate into colors, shapes, and patterns in my art.

Abstract Expression

Sometimes, I create abstract art without a specific plan or outcome. By focusing on expressing my emotions through spontaneous brushstrokes, colors, and textures, I can channel intense feelings into my artwork, resulting in pieces that embody my inner emotional state.

Meditation and Visualization

Practicing guided visualization techniques during meditation allows me to imagine vivid scenes, colors, and shapes that correspond to my emotions and thoughts. Translating these visualizations into my art helps convey a sense of inner peace or clarity.Dialogues and Quotes

Dialogues and Quotes

Take note of impactful dialogues or memorable quotes from various sources and use them as text elements or themes in your artwork to add powerful messages or context.

Everyday Conversations

Pay attention to recurring topics in everyday conversations and translate these themes into your art, visually exploring concepts that frequently arise.

Drawing from life’s experiences, emotions, and surroundings allows me to create art that is deeply personal and resonant. How do you find inspiration in your everyday life?