I had walked down to the pharmacy from home the other day and noticed all the different windows on the houses along the way. There are a lot of older homes in my neighborhood and their windows are like large expressive eyes looking out at the world. This little painting began to evolve like a story line. Was there a cat behind one of the windows, sitting in the sun, watching for movement in the garden.Where does inspiration come from? Do you find it in everyday objects or your daily routine? Do you set aside time for a walk, or to go out photographing, or just take a ride in the country? I am interested in how each artist finds and develops their subject matter. What I found for myself is that I often have several ideas going at any given time, yet sometimes I focus on one particular theme. For example, I grew up next door to my grandparent’s farm which for years became the subject of my paintings. There was endless subject matter to work off of from the barns, to the fields and orchards, and I painted everything in all seasons. The farm is gone now and so I must find my inspiration in other places.
7 comments:
Inspiration is such a personal thing Holly. I think it is lovely that you must have so many physical memories of your grandparent's farm in your artwork.
Mine comes from many sources but very often something I read or see in a book sparks off an idea. If I am a bit stuck I leaf through my endless supply of scrap books where I collect work from other artist, cards, photos etc. Sometimes it may just be a combination of colours or perhaps a part of a design which sparks my interest. It just needs that tiny little bit of inspiration to start me off and then I can carry on myself.
I love this painting. Beautifully composed and executed.
Hi Holly, it's good to see another posting. You have definately captured an intimate moment in a snapshot. The cat, the butterfly, the sunflowers look like they have just been frozen and any moment they will sart to move again. The intimacy of the picture is gorgeous and it just feels like Spring.
As for inspiration. I work mainly from photos, but not always. The photo has to be insiprational to me in some way. it might be the colors, or the movement or the mood captured. Some of my art friends have actually remarked on how boring my phots are and are amazed at what I have created from them. Obviously there was something in the photo that I saw or felt that didn't trigger anything in them. It is amazing how everyone is so different in there interpretation. I find that it is especially ineresting to have a live model in a group and then to view the paintings that have all used the same live model. That is amazing!
I really must proof read before publishing. I apologise for all the errors.
What a beautiful, serene painting!
You've asked some great questions!
Cathy - Magazines and cards are another source I use to jump start the juices flowing also. I am always picking up new cards from artists when I am out, I hang them up on a bulletin board by my drawing table to inspire me.
Hi Kay - I think as artists we use photos as a jumping off spot. There is a big difference in how my husband photographs and how I do. Thanks for your positive comments, this was a fun piece to paint.
Thanks Gwen, I got some thoughful answers, nice to here from others about their process.
Post a Comment