Inspired Minds
Today I want to talk about what inspires me to create art. I get asked frequently where I get my inspiration. It truly comes from many resources.
First, I am so inspired by nature and God’s creation. Just to be outside and see all of the beauty can just almost put me on overload for ideas to paint. Sincerely, I have more ideas than I have time to paint. In nature, the ones that inspire me the most would be flowers, birds, sunsets, various kinds of clouds, streams of water, mountains, and the ocean. I love the variety of colors and kinds of flowers and birds, the smell of flowers and fresh rain, the sound of ocean waves, wind blowing through the trees in the mountains, the sound of water rushing over rocks in a stream, sitting on a beach or in a boat and enjoying the turquoise waters of the ocean. So much emotion comes from all of those. Having a camera with me most of the time is important to capture something that inspires me so I can paint it later. When looking through the photos I’ve taken for a reference to paint, I experience the memories of what I was feeling when the photo was taken and soon the inspiration is flowing again.
Other artists’ artwork is also a great inspiration for me. I love to go to art museums, art fairs, and other events that present an opportunity to enjoy other’s works of art. I enjoy taking the time to find out the medium the artist used, to study their subject matter and to ponder on what inspired them to paint that subject, and to observe their techniques that make them unique as an artist. I usually come away with fresh inspiration from those outings.
Music is another place to get inspiration. Listening to a song, I can get a picture of something, or an emotion that moved me in that song, and then find photos to help me capture that in a painting.
Animals also inspire me. I love to watch people with their pets and how they respond to each other. The smiling dog faces (you know what I mean, I hope) as they observe their best friend coming home from work or taking them for a walk. To watch cats or kittens play, or to watch calves running and frolicking in a pasture, it just brings a sense of peace and happiness that leads to inspiration. I don’t necessarily have to paint that subject; I’m just infused with inspiration to create again.
These are just a few of the things that get the creativity flowing in me, and make me ready to get my colored pencils out and create something new. In reflecting on this subject, it just makes me know the importance of slowing down and taking the time to be inspired by our surroundings. Most of the time, we don’t have to go far to accomplish that. Being inspired doesn’t relate to just painting. You could be inspired to write a song, a poem, or a book just by opening yourself up to things that stir up creativity in you. Someone might be inspired to cook a certain meal or dessert from something they’ve observed. It’s all about having an open mind to the endless flow of inspiration all around us. I encourage you to be inspired today in some way. Happy creating, whatever that is! We all are creating something each and every day. I encourage you to start being observant of what inspires you!
Included with this are some photos I’ve taken that sparked inspiration in me. I hope you enjoy them!
To see some of my work that I have been inspired to paint please visit my website at https://www.kimkeysart.com.
