Finding Inspiration: A Guide for Artists
I decided to escape the heat and head up to the mountains, where it’s a comfortable 70 degrees as the sun sets. Surrounded by aspen trees and lots of greenery, I thought it would be the perfect time to share some thoughts on finding inspiration in nature and painting during the summer.
Get Outside
One of the best ways to get inspired is to step outside. Sometimes, we get stuck inside and lose our creativity. Nature is a fantastic way to fix that. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, or work with any other art form, spending time outdoors can bring new ideas and excitement. You don’t even have to paint right away—just taking a walk, looking around, and enjoying the beauty can be really inspiring.
Notice Nature’s Colors
In the summer, everything tends to be green, which can be both challenging and fun for artists. The key is to notice the different shades of green around you. As the sun sets, you’ll see the colors change—trees might look golden-green, and shadows will have darker greens. Look for these differences and try to capture them in your work.
When you’re outside, make it a habit to create color swatches. If you don’t paint outside often, this practice can be very helpful. Even simple sketches and color notes can give you a reference that’s much better than any photograph. The human eye sees colors and values in a way that cameras just can’t. These swatches will be a great help when you go back to your studio.
Mix Your Own Greens
One important tip for painting landscapes is to mix your own greens instead of using store-bought green paints. This practice not only helps you understand colors better but also makes your work unique.
Here are a couple of my favorite green mixes:
- Warm Green: Mix ivory black and cadmium lemon
- Cool Green: Mix ultramarine blue and cadmium lemon
Try these combinations and find the greens that work best for your style and the landscapes you’re painting.
Capture the Evening Light
If you’re not a morning person, take advantage of the last light of the day. The golden hour, right before sunset, gives everything a magical quality of light that can make any scene look amazing. Stay out until the sun sets, and watch how the colors and shadows change. This time of day can offer some of the most beautiful and inspiring views.
Enjoy Every Season
While summer offers a lot of green, every season has its own unique beauty. Fall brings a variety of colors that can break the monotony of green, and even winter has its own palette of cool, muted tones. Embrace the changes in nature and let them influence your work.
Final Thoughts
Get out there and paint from life as much as you can. Nature is an endless source of inspiration, and spending time outdoors will definitely make your work better. Whether you’re creating detailed paintings, quick sketches, or just observing, the experiences and insights you gain will be invaluable.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Join me for more below: