Any inspiration out there?

Sometimes people ask me where I get my inspiration to create a painting. That's a tough question, because inspiration, for me, can come from many places and at really odd times!

For me, inspiration is everywhere, you just have to look for it. Or, it may jump out at a random unexpected time. Like the pizza box in the picture. We ordered a pizza yesterday and it came in this box. I fell in love with the design on the box instantly! So I cut it off and kept it. What will I do with it? I don't know right now, but I know that at some future moment I will

come up with an idea.

Another source of inspiration for me is pictures. I might take my own, especially if

I'm in a "happy place", or I might grab one from the web. I'm talking about actual photos, not pictures of someone else's art work. I print these up (via the Free Print App) and keep them in a box, and go through the box when I need an idea. I like having an actual photo for a reference, as opposed to using a tablet or computer. It's much easier to use when traveling too.

Looking at other people's art work can inspire me as well. I love seeing the creations of others! It's amazing how their own personality and style shows via their painting or other creation. Many times this can inspire me to just go paint something!

East Tawas, where my family is from, is definitely my happy place. I have many paintings that began from photos up there. It doesn't have to be something "special" either. I have painted a house up there I liked, a row of trees outside a motel room, and a camper parked next to us at a campsite. One time I painted a shoe that was lying in a ditch. For me, even the ordinary comes alive in Tawas. The Mackinac Bridge, a piece of art work in itself, has also been the source of several of my paintings.

A visit to Hobby Lobby, Michaels, or some other art supply store can get me excited to create too! This is especially true if I buy some new art materials, even if it's just markers or colored pencils. It's like a child going through a toy store!

Even with all these situations, I do have times when I lack what I call "good" ideas for a painting. That's ok, because it's normal. Sometimes I will just go and start painting, with no project in mind. The mere experience of putting the brush on the canvas can bring about an idea, believe it or not! Or I will challenge myself to use up a couple half full bottles of random paint colors on a canvas. Finding an old piece of wood can spark some creativity too. Lately I've been painting birds on vintage wood scraps.

But sometimes, inspiration is no where to be found, or at least it seems that way. What then?

You realize that inspiration is everyday life. It's the food you eat, (I have a friend who paints what he eats. His illustrations are beyond amazing!), the walk you take, the people you are with, your pet, what's sitting on your table, an article of clothing, etc. The everyday stuff is your inspiration. It's fine if you are inspired to paint the Eiffel Tower, the Mackinac Bridge, or a portrait of Paul McCartney (I'd like to attempt that, he he), but don't forget it's the ordinary stuff that makes up people's lives. It's what we all share in common. So if you feel like being creative, and have no idea for a subject, just paint something you see: a jar of peanuts, a lamp, an apple, or whatever. This alone will get you started thinking and branching off to other ideas. Go for it. Or, not. Maybe just take a walk and come back to it later. (I guarantee your walk with bring inspiration, though!)

So what inspires you to get creative? Feel free to leave a comment, I would love to hear what works for you.