How I Discovered My Creative Artist Process For Painting

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Designing My Projects

Especially new artists can have difficulties coming up with ideas to keep a constant flow of original paintings if they intend to sell their work. So, I wanted to share my simple method of always moving forward with at least 3 paintings at a time. 

So far I haven't experienced "artist block" because I spend time organizing my ideas at regular intervals. But, I don't let creating them take time away from painting. Doing this actually allows me to have more time to paint.  This became especially helpful after I knew exactly what type of paintings I would be painting. 

I also organize every idea to avoid losing them.  Because I keep this connection with my ideas, I'm able to paint consistently. My process is simple for me, but it may not work for other artists, especially those who paint their ideas within a journal.  

I don't paint from a journal. I think of scenes that I want to paint, and then I look through images to find something close to what I want.  All images are digital. I then save them in a folder on my compurter that describes it's theme or genre.  

When I'm ready to use an image or a group of similar images, I desplay them on my tablet as a resource guide when painting. I keep the color scheme of the image (s) because I'm not always good at chosing color combinations, but I always change the image form one way or another..  

Here is my specific method for choosing and saving images: 

1. Because there are limitless subjects to paint, I narrow my categories of painting to what I enjoy and love the most, keeping them within specific themes or stories.  I also keep within a specific genre.   

2.  Sometimes, I digitally cut out images I find online or that I take with my camera and upload load them.  I find a good background and place the images withing the scene using Powerpoint.  

3.  I keep backups to be safe! 

4.  The last step is to print out my resource guide when I'm ready to paint. However, currently I use my tablet because the quality is better.

I Paint What I love

When I begin with a new painting on canvas, I prepare it from the core of my being.  Each one is important to me.  There are many styles of painting and within each there is the "voice of the artist." This is where I want to stay because it's detrimental to the creative process to copy other artists style or even a picture exactly. We can use the techniques of others, but our style should be our own. If not, we will never be completely satisfied or happy with our work. 

Experience and knowledge of our own art should expand who we really are as artists, rather than our being confused by trying to be like the artists we follow and learn from.  It's a common mistake for new artists, but it's a problem that can be overcome by developing our style.

We all have special gifts or talents, and of course, many people have the same type of gifts. But every person has a specific way in which they disperse or express that gift. Being an artist is no different. For example, there are 6 specific spider web characteristic of the different spider species with 3 other web designs used for specific purposes among all spider species.  

Each specie of spiders has a built-in format to use their signature web. But humans can go farther into the deepest part of their beings to develop their unique style instead of copying the artists they love or admire.  We were not created with a built-in format for how we do art.  Fitting into a common format of art, like the webs identically made by spiders of a certain species will destroy an artists creativity. 

So, in no way am I demeaning spiders, even though I don't like to share my space with them, I'm only pointing out that we have been given the freedom from within to create with unique imaginations.  

Don't Become Overwhelmed

Many people use a sketchbook or journal as mentioned, but if you're an artist or you feel that you've lost your creativity, click on the following link for a couple of steps to help: process for creativity  

I'll admit that I love creating ideas for new art, but I have to keep this process under control or I will experience two negative outcomes: 

1.  It will take time away from creating a good flow of paintings per month which will result in low art production.  It also takes away for needed personal time with family or just to be at peace and quiet.   

2.  I will have so many ideas, I become overwhelmed. Becoming overwhelmed causes stress and stress will take away my peace and my enjoyment of life and painting.

I learned to overcome these two steps from experience. By prioritizing my time I'm able to keep these negative elements from destroying my art production and my inner peace. If you're new to painting, I hope this information has been helpful in some way.   

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