Priya Kapoor
Figuring out what to paint can be challenging, especially when you're feeling uninspired. A great way to start is by picking a few of your favourite colours and putting them on the canvas. Don't overthink it, just let the creative juices flow. If you're painting for yourself, you can paint anything you like. But if you're painting for others, consider what they might enjoy. You can also try visiting museums, looking at art books, or searching for images online to spark inspiration. Think about what kind of art you want to create and set goals to improve your skills. Experiment with different styles, subjects, and media to find your unique artistic voice. Remember, there is no right or wrong in art, so let your intuition guide you and enjoy the process of creation!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pick a colour theme | Pick a few favourite colours and start painting |
| Choose a subject | Paint what you like or what you want to become known for |
| Find inspiration | Look at paintings, art books, museums, nature, photographs, etc. |
| Composition | Feel how you want the composition to flow on the canvas |
| Style | Find your style by discovering what you like and dislike |
| Practice | Experiment with styles, subjects, and media |
What You'll Learn
Choose a colour palette and go from there
Choosing a colour palette can be a great way to get started when you're unsure of what to paint. It can be a simple as picking out five of your favourite colours and seeing what happens when you put them together. You can also decide on a colour theme based on what you feel like painting that day, just like choosing a meal based on what you crave to eat.
You can also try limiting your choices by deciding on a genre or subject matter that you feel immediately connected to. This can be as broad or as narrow as you like and can be a great way to help you find your artistic subject. For example, you might decide to paint a landscape with a distant mountain range, or a cityscape. You can then refine your idea by searching for images online and picking out elements that you like.
If you're still unsure of where to start, try experimenting with different colours and compositional aspects as you go. You can start by deciding where you will make your painting colour heavy versus spacious, or which direction your main flow will go in. You can also add more colours or accents as you go, depending on how you want the painting to evolve.
Remember, there is no right or wrong when it comes to painting. The most important thing is to find something that you enjoy and that sparks your curiosity. Through experimentation and practice, you will develop your own unique style.
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Seek inspiration from art galleries and books
Visiting art galleries and reading art books can be a great source of inspiration for artists. If you're struggling to figure out what to paint, try visiting a local art gallery or museum. Take your time to observe the artworks and notice the unique elements in each piece. Consider the medium, subject matter, lighting, composition, and emotional impact of the artworks. Ask yourself what it is about a particular artwork that resonates with you and try to identify any common themes or styles that you are drawn to.
Art galleries provide a diverse range of artistic expressions, allowing you to explore different genres and find your niche. You can also gain valuable insights by attending exhibitions and learning about the artists' intentions and creative processes. Additionally, many galleries offer educational programs, artist talks, and workshops that can spark new ideas and enhance your artistic skills.
Building an art library is another excellent way to seek inspiration. Collect art books that showcase a variety of artistic styles, techniques, and themes. Study the works of renowned artists, both classic and contemporary, to expose yourself to different artistic movements and perspectives. Art books often provide insights into the artists' lives, influences, and creative processes, offering a deeper understanding of their artworks.
In addition to galleries and books, online platforms like Instagram can be a convenient source of artistic inspiration. Many artists share their work on social media, providing a diverse digital gallery to explore. You can also join online art communities and forums, such as WetCanvas, where artists share their work, techniques, and experiences, fostering a supportive environment for creative growth.
When seeking inspiration, it's essential to find what resonates with you personally. Consider the subjects, themes, and styles that intrigue you and that you want to explore further. Developing your artistic style and vision involves experimentation and soul-searching. Embrace your unique perspective and don't be afraid to deviate from your references or try new techniques.
Lastly, remember that inspiration is often found when you step outside your comfort zone. Challenge yourself to try new mediums, subjects, or artistic approaches. Engage with other artists, seek feedback, and remain open to constructive criticism. By immersing yourself in the art world through galleries, books, and online platforms, you'll discover a wealth of inspiration to fuel your creative journey.
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Make a list of painting ideas on your phone
Keeping a list of painting ideas on your phone can be a great way to ensure you always have something to paint when inspiration is lacking. Here are some ways to generate ideas and curate your list:
Start by thinking about what you want to spend your days doing. What subjects spark curiosity in you? What do you want your studio time to look and feel like? Do you want to spend your time painting realistic portraits or would you rather focus on abstract shapes and colours? Do you want to paint things that are familiar to you or do you want to explore new subjects and places?
You can also try limiting your choices. Pick out five of your favourite colours and play around with them. Don't judge yourself or overthink it. Just paint. You can also try picking a genre and limiting yourself to painting a set of things within that genre that you want to become known for.
If you're still stuck, try looking at paintings that you enjoy and starting with similar subject matter. You can also do a Google image search for something super generic, like "blue" or "red", or a specific object or place, like "mountains", and use the images you find as inspiration. If you're painting for a gift, think about what the recipient might like and use that as a starting point.
Finally, remember that there is no right or wrong when it comes to painting. Art is a journey, and it can take years to develop your style. So, keep making work, pay attention to what you enjoy, and your style will emerge.
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Think about what you want your studio time to look and feel like
When figuring out what to paint, it is important to consider what you want your studio time to look and feel like. This involves reflecting on the type of art you want to produce and the creative process you want to follow.
Firstly, consider the subjects that spark your curiosity and interest. Do you find yourself drawn to landscapes, abstract shapes, or portraiture? Are there specific themes or genres that you want to explore within your artwork? By narrowing down your interests and passions, you can start to shape the direction of your studio practice.
Additionally, think about the practical aspects of your studio time. Do you prefer working on a single painting for an extended period to capture intricate details, or do you favour a faster, more spontaneous approach, allowing your intuition to guide you? Understanding your preferred pace and level of detail can help you decide on the subject matter and style of your paintings.
Another aspect to consider is the atmosphere and environment of your studio space. Do you want your studio time to be peaceful and contemplative, with soft music playing in the background, or do you prefer an energetic and vibrant atmosphere with upbeat music to keep you motivated? Creating an environment that aligns with your desired mood and emotions can enhance your creative process and make your studio time more enjoyable.
Furthermore, reflect on the materials and techniques you want to work with. Do you enjoy experimenting with different colour palettes and compositions, or do you prefer to focus on perfecting a specific style? By understanding your preferences for materials and techniques, you can tailor your studio setup and ensure you have the necessary tools and resources readily available.
Lastly, consider the level of structure and planning you want in your creative process. Do you prefer to start with a detailed sketch and colour scheme, or do you like to begin with a blank canvas, allowing the painting to evolve organically? Deciding on the level of structure can help you establish a workflow that suits your studio practice.
By contemplating these aspects, you can shape your studio time to align with your interests, passions, and preferred ways of working. This will not only make your painting process more enjoyable but also help you develop your unique artistic style and voice.
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Consider what you want the finished piece to be
Before beginning a painting, it is important to consider what you want the finished piece to be. This involves thinking about the colours, composition, and subject matter that you want to include.
One way to start is by choosing a colour palette that you want to work with. You can decide on a few key colours that you want to use and then add or change colours as you go along, depending on how the painting evolves. You can also consider the overall composition and flow of the painting. Where will the focal point be? Will it be colour heavy or spacious?
Another way to approach a new painting is to think about what you want to spend your time doing. What subjects spark curiosity in you? Do you enjoy painting realistic scenes or abstract shapes? Do you want to paint something that is meaningful to you or simply experiment with colours and textures?
You can also find inspiration from other sources. Look at paintings that you enjoy and start with similar subject matter. You can also search for images online or in art books and use them as a reference for your own painting. If you are painting for a specific purpose, such as a gift, you can consider what the recipient would like.
By considering these aspects, you can gain a better understanding of what you want the finished piece to be and develop your own personal style.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Pick things that you would like to paint. If you're still unsure, try looking at paintings that you enjoy and perhaps start with similar subject matter. If you see something that inspires you, take a photo or make a note of it.
Try visiting museums or art galleries, or collecting art books. Alternatively, try limiting your choices by deciding to paint something you have an immediate connection to.
Style grows organically, unpredictably, and slowly. Think about what you want your art practice to look and feel like. What subjects spark curiosity in you? What do you want to spend your days doing?
Pick a few of your favourite colours and start moving the paint around. Don't judge what you're doing, just do it. Put on some music or do something else that inspires you.
Make a list of painting ideas in your phone. If you want to paint a landscape, for example, search for images of landscapes and pick out what you like about each one. Then, create your own version.
