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Mujibyepi
Posts:2
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| 05/15/2009 11:34 PM |
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Hi. It seems that perhaps this forum is not used that much, but I'd like to give it a try. I love the Artist's Magazine, and I like the idea of a forum to support each other. I'm very much a beginner artist, and I'd like to ask a question, because I am facing this issue squarely and would love to hear other's thoughts on overcoming it.
So, here's my question that I throw out: What strategies do you have to overcome any initial creative block when you want to paint, but just don't know what to paint and face a big, blank canvas. In some ways, the blank canvas can be viewed as an open invitation full of possibility. I'm currently finding myself just staring in the face of that possibility, very stuck from even beginning a painting. So, would you please mind sharing your various strategies? Do you just start free-flow throwing paint onto the canvas and see what appears? Do you have a pre-set idea? Do you sketch first? Other thoughts, ideas, inspirations? I would imagine everyone is different in their approach, and that's what I'm looking for - to be inspired to find my own approach, learning from the experiences of others. Thank you, thank you, thank you, and peace to you.
Christopher
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Johanna
Posts:269
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| 05/16/2009 10:27 AM |
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Hi !!
I to have had blank moments. I find that happens when I try to force something. Instead I try and grab the inspiration when I have it. Many things inspire me. Art is always in the back of my mind, just because I like to create and I am curious. If I see something or I have a thought I try to sketch of write the idea down so I could refer back to it. So a pencil and paper always at hand are handy. Or a camera. Sometimes I have a conversation on the phone and I doodle in the prossess. That is usually when I come up with neat abstract ideas. When I am travelling in a car, I enjoy the beauty that is passing by. Like the early morning mist on the water or the sun peeping over the hill. The trees budding. Or I catch glimpse of someone well manicured yard. Travelling is when I am most inspired. I find am not always able to capture what is inspiring me but I trying to frame it in my mind for future use. Art becomes part of who you are. And like all things you have to learn to live it. That is the best that I can discribe it. It is a frame of mind. Music is inspirational.
As far as drawing or painting itself. It is a learned thing. Tricks to the trade so to speak.
Johanna |
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Mujibyepi
Posts:2
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| 05/18/2009 7:59 PM |
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Johanna, hi. Thank you for sharing that. I like the way you described some of the things you notice and the things that inspire you. I love how art can make us more present, and also makes us see the world in a different way.
Peace, Christopher
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Heather
Posts:12
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| 05/21/2009 12:29 AM |
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Hi Christopher, good questions! I usually pray and ask God for wisdom and guidance when I want to create artwork. He gives me inpiration and it works out beutifully. Sometimes you can get inspiration from travels, photographs, books even family, friend or pets. What do you like to draw or paint? That might be a good place to start |
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To God be the glory, great things He has done. |
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colorspinner
Posts:5
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| 07/10/2009 1:53 AM |
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What I like to do when I have no idea what to paint is take liquid paint (I work with liquid acrylics) and just pour them at random and then create a scene from the image. Like this one:
http://www.sherrysdesigns.com/storefront/Images/BeforeandAfter.jpg
You never know what will come out! |
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Sherry |
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Kassie
Posts:827
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| 07/10/2009 12:11 PM |
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Hi Christopher,
I have found scrolling through Wet Canvas and this forum, Artist's Network helps to trigger ideas.
Kathy |
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FAIRWINDS
Posts:18
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| 08/30/2009 5:05 AM |
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Interesting question....
For me I wait for inspiration, and it sometimes takes months. If I have the urge to do something pleasing right away, and don't want to wait, I go to Google Images and scroll through! It never fails ! There is something for everyone, and as I have a strong liking for portrait work I can wallow in the various techniques. Saves time on visiting galleries too... |
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AL |
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Shoosha
Posts:2
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| 11/03/2009 5:25 PM |
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Hello Christopher,
I remember the times when artist block was a problem for me as well, up until I realized what was the tool to create a spark between me and the canvas. With time I started noticing exactly when I would be inspired and I use it as a warm up, before starting a new piece. This is something you can try out your self. For example, what is it that you admire, what is it that you are attracted to in terms of objects, places, different time periods etc. When you fully surround yourself with all that it is you are drawn to, then the inspirational process starts. I like to also look through various art books of painting, drawings or just any kind of style I like. I research different sites for picture references that could be of use. If you have a studio, or some sort of personal space, put up a board where you can just pin any of those references up and look at them every time when you need that starting push. (when I was in college, my walls where filled up of images of beautiful things and it worked perfectly for me  ) I also play some good music vibes in the background for flavor. If that doesn't help, try watching a movie or a TV show that has to do with an interest of yours. Maybe something creative, like Project runway or Top Chef, anything that can make you feel like you are in a work room with an assignment where all the creative energies compile.
I hope this is helpful to you and if anything it's very enjoyable. Good luck! 
Mina Miryanova
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mquintrall
Posts:21
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| 11/19/2009 11:00 AM |
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It would depend on your favorite subject matter. Still life? Landscape?
I keep a file of photos I've taken with a plan to paint that scene. There's usually something in there that I'm ready to tackle. I will also go back through my sketchbook and while there is rarely enough information in my sketchbook to make a whole painting, sometimes it's a good jump off point or becomes a more abstract piece or I make up the details in my mind.
When I have a total block, I leave the house. Go for a walk, a drive, visit my favorite beautiful places. If you're doing still life, go antiquing. If you're doing figures, go to the mall. |
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robinlb
Posts:4
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| 01/07/2010 7:22 PM |
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| get a copy of Harley Brown's 'eternal truths for every artist', it never fails to pull me out of a funk |
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Juwayria
Posts:3
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| 01/07/2010 11:19 PM |
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| Most of my ideas come from feelings that I have or my experiences in life. When I hit a rough patch and find myself staring at a blank canvas, I start focusing on landscapes and still lifes. I usually find my self switching back and forth a lot. |
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