As any artist will tell you, sometimes it’s hard to get inspired when you’re looking at a blank canvas. For beginning artists, a blank canvas can be especially daunting. But, art and creativity should flow freely… without anxiety. Right? Well, eventually, they do! It happens after you stumble through the process of creating a finished painting- at least 50 times or so. If you paint enough, just like with anything else, it will get easier. The brushes will flow more smoothly, and so will your creativity. You will soon be able to put on canvas the picture that you see in your mind.
How to Get Inspired When You’re Looking at a Blank Canvas
One way to overcome the blank thoughts of a blank canvas is by having a reference picture to use as a starting point. I find myself thumbing through pictures on Google for hours. I see many beautiful photos that would make a great painting, but my inner artist is looking for a photo that moves me.
How I Know When I’ve Found the Right Photo
When you find the right picture, it should light a fire inside of you. You should feel the painting as you stare at the picture. When I find that picture that sparks inside me, I’m excited and ready to paint. Don’t be tempted to settle for just any picture because that will leave you feeling unsatisfied and you’ll be pushing through just to get it done. That’s not enjoyable or relaxing, and you’ll most likely be left with a piece of art that you’re unsure of. But, if that happens, it’s not the end of the world. Every artist has those paintings sitting in a corner of their studio that they’re not eager to share.
How I Use the Picture to Inspire My Painting
I use the pictures for ideas, perspective, and symmetry. I don’t follow every movement in the picture. I free flow with what is happening. The picture is there to help you get inspired when you’re looking at a blank canvas. But remember, it’s only a starting point… you’re not trying to copy it exactly. If you try to paint exactly what you see, you will quickly become overwhelmed and feel buried by your painting. You will find that if you don’t worry about being exact, your creativity will take over, and you will relax and enjoy what you are painting.
Paint What You Don’t See
And this is where the title of this post comes in. Paint what you don’t see. If you’re painting from a photo and you’re well on your way to a beautiful piece, your creative side will eventually kick in. Something inside you will say, “I think this painting needs another tree… or a cliff… or a waterfall.” Just let it happen. Make it yours. Let the paint flow.
Remember, the photo you picked is for ideas, and for the layout. It’s meant only to help you get inspired when you’re looking at a blank canvas. Once you start to paint, move with freedom and confidence and your art will show it.
Happy Painting!
George
