BellaOnline Forums Hobbies and Crafts Painting In Search Of A Subject To Paint

Finding the perfect subject to paint is always something the artist is searching for. How do you choose yours?

It depends on what I am in the mood to paint - we travel allot so sometime I want to do something from our travels. I just started Plein Air and love it so sometimes I just pack up and venture out. Just finally experimenting with people but no one wants to sit for me so still working on that one. Grandkids won't sit that long, ha ! I guess it depends on the day for me....

For painting people I recommend using photos. They never move! Hehehe. But I also like the fact that the light doesn't change as the day wears on, so the shadows and highlights remain the same.

I like to take photos of my garden to use as inspiration for painting. But inspiration can come from anywhere. I've never done Plein Air. It just isn't how I work. I love the idea, but I sketch and then work the sketch and then draw it on the canvas, etc., etc... So for landscapes I still use photos and work indoors.

I like to work from photos, too, for landscapes. Often, putting two or more together will make a better composition. I have pictures of many random barns, buildings, trees and other things waiting for just the right moment.

After years of teaching and producing murals, borders and vignettes on walls for my clients, painting on demand is often the way it has to happen. When you have to do it now, the inspiration has to come from somewhere, so I usually just take a few minutes and concentrate on the task at hand and begin running ideas through my head until the juices begin to boil.

If it is for a client, talking it over with them & bouncing some thoughts and ideas around can really help. At that point, a quick sketch, usually with chalk, is what firms up the composition for me.

I think the most important point is in the planning and sometimes just BEGINNING can be what makes the difference. If I don't start, I'll never finish!

Great ideas. I get my motivation to start new paintings by reviewing my favorite photos, pictures already on file.
Then look through magazines, or CARD isles in department stores. There used to be wonderful pictures, you have thousands to choose from.
Happy Painting.
geriart

geriart,

Thanks so much for contributing!

I haven't thought about the card aisle for a long time. Cards have lots of ideas & you can take them home for just a couple of dollars. Finding inspiration in the countryside would take more than that in gas these days!

Save even more ... visit Hallmark online and browse their website.

Google images will also give you pictures of any subject you want. You can print them out & use as is or cut & paste them together.

Maybe we will get some more ideas ... come on & let us know how you find inspiration!

Paint a smile on it,

I don't paint regularly. But I choose a topic to paint related to the place I visit as traveling is one of my hobbies.

Google images are also a good way..

Bottom line seems to be that if you keep your eyes open, you will find inspiration. I think that tuning ourselves to look for it is the object.

The other day we were driving down the interstate and off to the side I saw some very interesting clouds so I asked my husband to pull over for a minute so I could get a picture of them.

Thanks for chiming in!

Paula,

Regarding getting inspired and finding ideas to paint.
Visit a Library-check out magazines and Art Books there, you can photo copy them, not sure about color? But you will be full of ideas when you leave.
Or, check out Art.com or other art galleries, online there you go-------thousands of posters, pictures and paintings will send your imagination soaring and you can copy them immediately-most of the time.
Happy Painting,
geriart

geriart,

Great ideas!

I think making the copies of ideas you want to remember in black & white allows you to "see" them in a different way than if it is in color. You can easily put different elements together and bring everything together with your own color schemes.

In articles on the painting site, we are beginning to cover color and value and how to use them. You might want to check out the archives there.

Thanks!