Get past writer’s block or fear of the white canvas with these.
The creative fires that bring out the best in writing and painting require constant feeding.
Typical Inspiration
Photos from travels near and far can inspire your writing or painting.
This type of inspiration can work admirably for both writers and painters. For example, the above painting was inspired by walks in nearby woods. However…
What about dry spells, when the travel seems like old news? Here are some other ways to find creative inspiration.
1. Find Practical Inspiration in Other Artists’ Work
This one has been effective over centuries. Be inspired by other writers and artists. It’s good to have faves in your area of expertise.
Enjoying work that delights you and makes your heart beat faster is time well spent.
This is especially true if you ask questions such as: what is so attractive to me about this style? Try thoughtfully writing a list of specific aspects of the work that you love. The more specific the better.
Don’t say, “I like that author’s way of handling conversations.” You can be more specific. For example, “I like the short punchy statements from some of the characters in this book.” Then see if you can pull that technique into your writing.
With paintings, don’t say, “I like the colours.”, be specific. “I like the light grays and browns in this painting. These allow the small areas of brilliant blues to shine.” Then see if you can make that technique happen in your painting.
This type of thoughtful analysis can greatly impact your work.
2. A Different Point of View
Set your imagination free by asking, “How can I take a completely different view on this idea?” This concept translates equally well in writing and painting.
What would you write or paint if you were a small creature looking up at your ideas? What if you were flying above looking down? Consider looking through a microscope or telescope. Changing your vantage point can give you a fresh take.
3. Engage the Senses
Including sensations such as taste, touch, and smell, helps pull the reader into the story. These add excitement and make your writing more memorable.
Texture in a painting can have a similar effect. This can be visual texture, an illusion caused by how paint is handled, or physical texture achieved by thick paint, layering, or collage. This may give your painting a special appeal and make your process more creative and fun.
Keeping Track
My problem can be, keeping track of all those creative ideas! I have a list on my phone called Painting Ideas. You may also have an idea list.
In addition, I keep little sticky notepads and pens anywhere I tend to sit — the living room, by my computer, and even beside my bed. Sometimes at 2 a.m. I wake up with an idea. Not sure what time zone my gray matter thinks I live in. No matter. Old-fashioned paper and pen still work.
Find a way of capturing your fleeting creative thoughts that works for you— because as the right brain gets into gear, the ideas can rapidly multiply.
Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.
– John Steinbeck
There are many ways to find inspiration. What is your favorite way? Please share it in the comments so others can be inspired too. Thanks in advance!
Forget the writer’s block and fear of the white canvas and trade them for happy anticipation. Creativity is a refreshing place. I hope you are inspired to go there often.
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