Where Do Your Creative Ideas Come From?

Yesterday I was reading a blog post from Jason Horejs' Red Dot Blog about  'productivity' being the best thing you can do for your 'creativity'.  It's absolutely true, if you are in any sort of creative career, you must simply 'do the work' and  show up at the canvas, paper, laptop...or what ever medium you work in. It is indeed when the work begins that the ideas begin to sprout and grow. 

 

That being said, live every day with a fun sense of curiosity.  Consider the "what ifs" in your approach to problem solving or just daily life.  The large painting above has stemmed from a 'what if'....I take some of the small plein air scenes I've painted from Barn Island and create much larger paintings based on them?  "Spring Skies" is an example of that, the small plein air is only 8"x6" but was such a beautiful day in April last year:

This past Monday morning at 8:00am, I was out at this same location for a bit of morning exercise in the frigid air.  It's too cold for me to paint at 11 degrees F., in fact I can hardly take my gloves off long enough to take a photo;  but if I keep moving I can at least go for a bit of cross country skiing.  We have had plenty of snow this year to make the going quite nice! But it looks completely different out here at Barn Island when it's covered in snow! 

So what does this have to do with creating? It's living your every day life. Getting your exercise, trading stories with your friends, getting outside for a bit of fresh air, running errands, and yeah, even shoveling snow!  So the same morning I was chatting with my friend about how my hubby had made 'snow ice cream' for me Sunday night, to coax me out of the studio! 

 Even though she had grown up here in CT and my hubby in Atlanta (where snow is rare but can be disastrous or delightful).....she had not ever tasted this treat...so of course- she went right home to give it a try! Several different flavors later (including maple and chocolate among others), she was sharing the bounty with co-workers; leading to even greater creativity....as she is an excellent writer! And here is the story in our local paper today: (click here for link and for recipes!).  

 

So there you have it! Tuesday, when the next storm howled through, I was in my studio (pictured above) trying to warm things up with a large version of "Spring Skies"!  There are some parts of winter that I really do enjoy, like cross-country skiing in the sunshine, and eating snow ice cream, but I will truly welcome Spring and all its warmth....after all, I think I'm starting to grow antlers!

 

Sunflower Memories

20"x16" oil on gallery wrapped, stretched canvas

For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

This piece has some of my favorite still life items in it, an antique plate from my brother, and a "lettuce" cream pitcher from my mother.  Have you considered the possibility of commission a painting with some of your favorite items in it?  Are there special mementos from family and loved ones that you'd like to commemorate in a painting?  These can be especially lovely with these items displayed in front of the painting!  And a painting, will last for generations!  Contact me for a collaboration on that unique painting just for you!

Sunflowers and Citrus

20"x16" oil on canvas

 For more information, or to purchase, click here. 

Have you been trying to not think about roses encased in ice?

Or maybe you're glad not to be in the "hot-seat"?

Maybe you're like me, and ready to wave good-bye to winter?

Surround yourself with warm colors, and things like sunflowers and citrus - one perfect antidote to winter!

Bloom Your Heart Out!

 

12"x12" oil on archival panel

Click here, for more information, or to purchase.

This little orchid has been the most encouraging little plant...and one incredible orchid.  It has re-bloomed so many times for me, I've lost count! Seems like one bloom shoot is over, and it's putting out another one, bringing beauty to my winter world! Which does wonders for my happiness! 

Keep a smile blooming on your beautiful face - you'll bring happiness to everyone you meet today (wonderful person that you are!).   

High Tide Morning

 

40"x40" oil on 1.5" deep gallery wrap canvas

For more information, or to purchase, click here.

There are places for each of us, that resonate deep within our souls. They restore us, rejuvenate us...in any season.  Being out in nature, whether you call it, "Forest Therapy", Vitamin D-Soaking up the Sunshine moments; we all need that...for inner and outer happiness.    

Instant Sunshine Sunflowers!

5"x5" oil on archival panel

To purchase, or for more information, click here.  

You know the kind of day...when it looks like this:

Your lavender dreams are months away, buried in a winter slumber....

Snow has begun to blow sideways, and catches in the bark of all the trees....

Warm colored river birch bark ruffles in the winter wind, snow catching in its elegant sleeves....

Each tiny flake accumulates, and joins forces with countless others, giving weight to the grasses; together bending what one single flake could never do

and keeping even the most agile

from flying. 

Those are the days, you want that instant sunshine, the glow of sunflowers to brighten the longest snow storm.