How I Discovered My Creative Process For Painting
Forming My Projects
So far I haven't experienced artist block because I spend time organizing my ideas. But, I don't let creating them keep me from painting, I allot time to do this so that I can spend more time actually painting.
I also organize every idea to avoid losing them and because they bring me great joy when I think about painting them. Because I keep this connection with my ideas, I am able to paint consistently. My process is simple for me, but it may not work for other artists, especially those who paint their ideas within a journal. Here is my method:
- Because there are limitless subjects to paint, I narrow my categories of painting to what I enjoy and love the most, keeping them within specific themes or stories.
- Next, I digitally cut out images I find online or that I take with my camera and upload.
- Then I move them around over different digital background ideas that I save. I have so many paintings digitally ready, that I'm always ready to paint. I keep backups to be safe!
- last step is to print out my resource guide when I'm ready to paint.
That's it!
I Remain Myself
When I begin with a new painting on canvas, I prepare it from the core of my heart and soul. There are many styles of painting and within each there is the "voice of the artist." This is where I want to stay because it's detrimental to the creative process to copy other artists style or even a picture exactly. We can use the techniques of others, but our style should be our own. If not, we will never be completely satisfied or happy with our work.
Experience and knowledge of our own art should expand who we really are as artists, rather than our being confused by trying to be like the artists we follow and learn from. It's a common mistake for new artists, but it's a problem that can be overcome by developing our style.
We all have special gifts or talents, and of course, many people have the same type of gifts. But every person has a specific way in which they disperse or express that gift. Being an artist is no different. For example, there are 6 specific spider web characteristic of the different spider species with 3 other web designs used for specific purposes among all spider species.
Each specie of spiders has a built-in format to use their signature web. But humans can go farther into the deepest part of their beings to develop their unique style instead of copying the artists they love or admire. Fitting into a common format of art, like the webs identically made by spiders of a certain species will destroy an artists creativity.
So, in no way am I demeaning spiders, even though I don't like to share my space with them, I'm only pointing out that we have been given the freedom from within to create with unique imaginations.
Don't Become Overwhelmed
Once I have my picture created, I choose a pallete of colors that compliment each other and that best work with the picture. Many people use a sketchbook or journal as mentioned, but if you're an artist or you feel that you've lost your creativity, here are a couple of steps to help. (process for creativity)
I'll admit that I love creating ideas for new art, but I have to keep this process under control. If I don't, I'll cause two negative outcomes:
- I will take time away from creating a specific number of paintings per month which will result in low art production.
- I will have so many ideas, I become overwhelmed.
I learned to overcome these two steps from experience. I learned to prioritize my time so that I didn't enable these two negative elements to destroy my art production and my inner peace.
Finding Beauty in Art
That Flows From The Heart
