Respond to your environment

"Azaleas," Dianne Bishop Carey, 2009
watercolor, pen & ink
Artistic inspiration comes from many sources...
and generations of artists have fallen in love
with a particular geographical area or
culture...the way the light falls on the
architecture or plants--
the colors and shapes of the
countryside...the exploration of traditions...
the atmosphere of the place.
Georgia O'Keeffe found unending
inspiration in the light, colors
and shapes of the desert...

Hills--Lavender, Ghost Ranch, New Mexico
1935, Georgia O'Keeffe

Frida Kahlo's images of pain and
self-examination nevertheless often
reflected the bright colors and culture of the
Mexican folk art traditions.
The environment that artists find
themselves in, or choose to respond to...
can have a dramatic impact on their work.

Self-Portrait "The Frame"
1938, Frida Kahlo

That is not to say that artists must travel
to exotic places to create---
on the contrary, it is vital that we create
wherever we are and whenever
we are able. But, a change of
scenery can inspire just because it
is different from what we
usually see...
Palm trees, white-capped waves,
cream-colored sand and sun-bathed
colors; as opposed to gray skies,
the sparkle of 'diamonds' on snow,
intricate patterns of leafless trees,
and graceful spruce laden with
heavy snow. One isn't better
than the other--just different--
and each inspires in its own way!

Creativity

Creativity is an attitude, a willingness to try new things or new ways of expression. It can be as simple as taking a different route to the grocery store, or trying a new way of organizing your desk or studio...Creativity is defined as "originality of thought or expression" --to facilitate the process one must research and experiment!

~Study other artists and their work
~Read about current events & history--be curious
~Research subjects that interest you
~Associate with fun & interesting people who are creative
~Meet people who are different from you
~Spend some time enjoying & appreciating nature
~Surround yourself with things of interest and/or beauty...seek a stimulating environment
~Learn about the art created by other artists-read art magazines and be aware of trends
~Draw every day!
~Have fun and keep your sense of humor!

This list has been garnered from various sources, and from experience...

I am a creature of habit, and I struggle to keep creativity alive...I tend to do more reading than doing--the hardest but most important thing is to practice and DO IT!