How to Find Artistic Inspiration

All artists at some time or other feel a creative block. Finding something to break us free from these obstacles can be challenging and discouraging, but it can be done. Sometimes introducing new stimulation to the situation is enough to get you on a roll that may take you down a new creative path. If you feel stagnant in your artwork and need to freshen up your artistic direction, here is how to get started.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a library
• Access to art shows or festivals
• Community college or available art classes

Instructions

How to Find Artistic Inspiration

1. Broaden your horizons. Read new books and go to new places to experience things that may inspire you. Go to the library and browse through the art history books, old fairy tales (look at the illustrations,) and read stories of lore and legends. All of these things will get your imagination going and inspire you to pick up a paintbrush or other tools of your genre of art.

2. 

   Shrink it down. Look at things at a microscopic level or magnified view to see all the beauty that nature provides for the artist. Look closely at clear photographs of animals, bugs, or even microscopic bacteria to see new colors, consider different compositions, and challenge yourself.

3. Let a poet inspire you. Browse through famous poems or quotations on love, friendship, and nature to find your muse. Close your eyes and think about the beauty of the words and try to paint the image that comes to mind.

4. 

   Use guided imagery. Guided imagery is a technique where people are led through a story using words and images. This is meant to encourage them to express themselves through words, art or music. People have successfully used guided imagery to overcome depression and anxiety but you can use these techniques to get rid of your artistic blocks as well.

5. 

   Go to an art fair. Nothing is more inspiring then seeing the works of others and you can see some really unique items and find new ideas get you going. If you are a painter, you may be inspired to try collage work; a sculptor may want to try making jewelry! Be inspired by the genius of the others in the artistic community and set your imagination free.

6. 

   Pick up a new skill. Take a class at your community college to learn some new techniques or a whole new art media to get your creative juices flowing. The assignments may help trigger a new style or theme for your work that can keep you working for months.

Tips & Warnings

• Get your friends involved. Have your artistic friends teach you something new to help break your rut and get you inspired to try something different.

• Don't feel pressured to be great at every type of art media you try. Feel free to experiment and get a feel for the media before you dive in to do your masterpiece.

Resources

• Art as Therapy: Inspiration, Innovation and Ideas: Steinbach