Where to Get Ideas

People often ask me where I get my art ideas. Oh, so many places! From walks in nature. From movies. From books. From the internet. From my dreams. From art classes. From art galleries. From thrift stores. From anywhere. 

For example, I've been painting birds lately. But during the pandemic I needed something to do to keep my hands busy while I watch TV in the evenings (also to cut back on the potato chip munching). So I got this cute little cross-stitch set, and sat stitching chickadees. By the end, I was totally inspired to go create a colorful chickadee painting, without worrying too much about the scene being realistic. Just have it be pretty and artistic, and something that I love. 

Art ideas and inspiration are all around us. Just do whatever strikes your fancy, and see what comes of it. Maybe you want to bake bread, then paint some toast! Or paint your favorite type of car. Our art is meaningful when it is connected to something  that we care about. And that list can be long, so don't worry about pegging yourself into one type of art or one subject matter.