Do you feel like you can\u2019t find inspiration when you need it to get work done? In this article, I\u2019ll give you three tips you can use right now to boost your inspiration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
ACTION BEFORE INSPIRATION<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the truth: you can\u2019t always wait for inspiration to find you; you have to chase it down. Picasso said, \u201cInspiration exists, but it must find you working.\u201d So the first thing you need to do is show up consistently, whether or not you feel inspired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This could be sketching thumbnails, working on paintings, or even going to the museum and taking notes. The key is to keep the momentum going. So do something creative and manageable as often as possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
BROADEN YOUR SCOPE <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next, if you want inspiration to come, you need to cast a wider net and redefine what you consider potential sources of inspiration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a landscape painter, possibly consider tossing a few still lifes into the mix. If you mainly paint daytime scenes, perhaps try some nocturnes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And write absolutely every idea down. Don\u2019t label ideas as good or bad. Consider everything, and don\u2019t discount an idea because you think it may not have potential. James Gurney says, \u201cNote first\u2014analyze later.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the most famous creators had doubts about their most renowned creations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
SHAKE THINGS UP<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, if you want inspiration to come, try getting out of your usual routine. It\u2019s easy to get trapped in our creative bubbles and screen out the massive world of possibility we live in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re a studio painter, maybe try painting plein air for a while. Or you could change up your materials. Try a limited color palette or using just a palette knife for a little while. Be creative. Think of what you typically do and try the opposite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
CONCLUSION <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So there you have it. If you want inspiration to come to you, you have to invite it in. First, you need to take action (any creative action) to get the ideas flowing. Next, you can broaden your definition of what qualifies as good inspiration. Then, make sure you write it all down and give every idea a chance to grow. Finally, you can try new approaches you normally wouldn\u2019t have considered.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But that\u2019s just a start. Generating ideas is an evolving and individualized process. Experiment and find out what works best for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
NEXT ARTICLE TOPIC<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the next article, we will discuss what an artist can learn from the Grateful Dead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nYou must act first before inspiration will hit. -Robert Rodriguez<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\nInspiration is for amateurs. The rest of us just show up and get to work. -Chuck Close<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Do you feel like you can\u2019t find inspiration when you need it to get work done? In this article, I\u2019ll give you three tips you can use right now to boost your inspiration. ACTION BEFORE INSPIRATION Here\u2019s the truth: you can\u2019t always wait for inspiration to find you; you have to chase it down. Picasso … <\/p>\n