In some ways, inspiration is as automatic and natural as breathing. Ha ha . We are a society that frequently needs to be reminded to breathe, deeply, regularly!
When you feel short on inspiration, there are several open avenues sufficiently scenic, to power you back on your way.
1. Take a walk
Preferably in a wooded area. With a pet if possible. These days you might hear all about the benefits of "forest bathing". Perhaps we breathe most deeply surrounded by the sheltering trees.
2. Mediate
I have no idea how to mediate. But I hear and believe that it is an effective intellectual cleaning technique which not only restores and revitalizes, but also inspires. Mediation is the conduit to inspiration.
When we wipe the mental canvas clean , new ideas are able to form.
While mediation still eludes me, napping and yoga supplement my creative wellspring. If you meditate, and find it useful, please email me with any suggestions :)
hendrika.ono@gmail.com
3. Books
Books are the primary goto , for both instruction and inspiration. While youtube is a joy, we have internet streaming issues , out here in the country. Books to the rescue. Here are a number of favourites.
Unfurling by Misty Mawn
Even the name is perfect. This book is full of joyful projects and ideas. AND you don't have to have a 20 year fine arts practice behind you in order to achieve quality results. You can relax , unfurl and know those 20 years of art achievements are still to come.
The Art of Perspective by Phil Metzger
Flawless perspective goes a very very long way to elevating work to a master level. Unintentional perspective errors are easy to fix, with the right teacher. Call on Phil. His work literally illustrates simple techniques to help the growing artist to build foundational perspective principles that will inform their art work.
Basic Perspective Drawing by John Montague
Having earlier emphasized the importance of perspective, I am reinforcing the message with a 2nd favourite art book that happens to deal with perspective. The author takes more a of drafting standpoint which for me, made the book indispensable. My ability to render convincing perspective leapt after I reading it.
life drawing by robert barrett
Trying to learn figure drawing from a book , is like trying to learn yoga from a dvd. You will get some insight, but mostly you will get confused. However , after some (live) instruction , both yoga and life drawing become more possible. robert barrett ( he doesn't capitalize his name) breaks down the process of figure rendering in an accessible way. He shows process which is illuminating.
There are a number of books suggested as classics for the artist .
2 that I hear about , but have not yet read include:
The new drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards
and
The Complete Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
Have you read them? Any comments to share?
Happy reading and inspired making,
Hendrika, Gloria Arts