"Where does your inspiration come from?"
To be honest, I used to think I needed a deep story behind what I paint. So many artists out there have interesting artist statements and stories behind the art they create and share. There have been times where I have struggled as a self-taught artist because I kept comparing this need to have such an equally compelling reason behind my art.
The source of my inspiration is actually quite simple - I paint what catches my eye to reflect God's marvelous creation. Whether it's something off my camera roll, or a theme I want to try out, I am guided by my own curiosity. It's quite exciting actually because inspiration can then be found all around me - something my children need, an intriguing colour palette, a beautiful view. Anything can be inspiration for me, if I take the time to slow down and notice it.
One thing that I have overlooked over the last few years is my camera roll. My gallery is filled with so many memories particularly landscape images - of camping trips, walks with my family and my travels. While I could print these images out to hang on my walls, I thought that they would be the perfect project to translate them into watercolour pieces.
Because anything can be inspiration, it can be quite paralysing to then focus on what to paint. So I am looking forward to growing in my landscape painting skills. I feel a pull towards being more playful in my art, and away from painting realistically and I think there's a certain type of magic when you can infuse a painting with your unique eye. If the sky in the reference image is blue, why not try and paint it in warm peachy pink tones as if it were the sunset? This playful approach has now unlocked more ideas for me and I can let go of that pesky perfectionism by painting with a little bit of curiosity and wonder.
"I wonder what would happen if I used a bigger brush..."
"I wonder what would happen if I didn't do an initial sketch..."
"I wonder what would happen if I mixed these two colours together..."
So for now, inspiration is being observed from the God's natural creation as a way for me to turn my family's adventures into beautiful watercolour works that hopefully bring that sense of calm and wonder to your home.
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