Getting Inspired

Ok people…if you want to be any good at art, you have to put the ego away and be prepared to learn a little something. Chances are you don’t know as much as you think you do and somebody else probably knows more or has done something you never thought to try. Taking advice, trying new techniques, finding inspiration in somebody else’s brush strokes are all part of the process…it is not copying, it is learning. If you have only ever painted with a certain kind of brush, try another one. You can’t know your style if you have never actually tried anything else – your style doesn’t exist yet – you’re just being stubborn. I know because I am guilty of the same thing.

So, if you want to step out of your own little world and broaden your artistic horizons here are a few websites to get you started:

  • www.dailypainters.com – Updated daily, this site features the work of various artists who produce a painting a day. You can subscribe to the site and have that day’s artwork sent to your inbox for daily inspiration. Perfect for anyone feeling bogged down or in a rut. Finishing a painting in a day forces you away from detail and into simple shapes, colour and light. These paintings, although small and fast are beautiful all the same.
  • www.artcritical.com – is an online magazine of art and ideas. Most of the work featured is Contemporary American art.
  • www.Juxtapoz.com – Art & Culture Magazine. Juxtapoz’s monthly publications can also be purchased in Bangkok at most book stores (eg Asia Books, Kinokuniya, B2S). The art featured in this magazine ranges from street art, illustration, and computer-generated art to fine art, photography and sculpture. On the site you can read Artists’ blogs, take part in various forums and create your own profile.
  • www.artspan.com – Artspan is home to 3,000 artist, artisan, photographer and other art websites. Use the search functions and directories to see thumbnail images and access the individual websites – to view or buy work.
  • www.theartnewspaper.com – exactly what it sounds like.