Every now and again, something happens that changes the way we look at things personally, socially, and globally. We are now in the middle of such...
Motivation & Inspiration Motivational stories and articles for aspiring and professional artists
Need a dose of inspiration today?
Get motivated with any one of our inspirational art articles on the beautiful, difficult, fulfilling life of being a professional artist, as well as helpful, encouraging stories from artists like you.
Read all our motivational posts for artists:
I recently participated in a group discussion in an art group on MeWe. One of the administrators posted a discussion-starter question asking what members thought was...
Have you ever binge-watched art tutorial videos? I have. I spent a huge part of three weeks watching video tutorials online because a bum wrist kept me from doing art of my own. But you know what? That time turned out to be well-spent on a number of levels. To begin with, I learned about mediums I’d never heard of before (Resin painting? Really?) and...
I’ll let you in on some behind-the-scenes secrets: first, few of the things I create are fully fleshed out before I tell the world that they’re...
About a year ago I began struggling with these questions: “Why am I painting? What is my real purpose? Why bother when it’s all been done...
I first learned about the connection between art and recovery during my own journey to sobriety, while witnessing others on the same path. After years of living life covered up in alcohol, my core and belief systems were shattered—I no longer cared, I no longer felt alive and something had to change in order to survive. Art can open a portal for healing & discovery...
Every so often in artistic circles I come across a debate over which is more important: inspiration or perspiration (otherwise known as effort). Artists generally side...
So you want to become a more skilled artist? First things first, you need to be drawing regularly—pretty much every day! However, just like any New...
Our third word is INTEGRATE, which follows observe and ponder. “Everything on the page should talk to each other.” This wise advice came from my instructor many years ago. “Everything” speaks of integrating in design. Since then, other instructors have pointed to Mother Nature as a model resource. Let’s look at how she integrates earthly elements, beginning with color. 5 ways that nature integrates Analogous...
Imagine sitting and painting in the high, bright sunshine amid the many faces of the Alpine mountains in Europe. . . or if you have the...
A close companion to our first word for artists, observe, is PONDER: to contemplate, reflect, and perhaps ruminate a bit. You’ll find a lot of folks...
Some time ago I wrote down 6 words based on academic elements and principles in order to teach a design class. These words are concepts, and are often missing in contemporary classes because new students feel it’s all a little overwhelming. And they’re right. It’s not something to “get” in just one class, but it is an important foundation for your journey. So I try...
Have you ever heard this poem? Stick to your task ’til it sticks to you; Beginners are many, but enders are few. Honour, power, place, and...
A small group of artists and activists in Ohio is working on cleaning up pollution that seeps into rivers and waterways from abandoned coal mines. And...
Art reproduction company TOPofART recently sent me the time-lapse video below, and it blew my mind—I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. :) Enjoy! If you’re curious, the painting in the video was commissioned by a film studio for a movie set, and is nearly the same size as the original (277cm x 194cm) which hangs in the Louvre in France. Originally...
Located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sekinchan is one of many paddy plantations that cover the land. It is unique because it is an...
Last year I began an envelope exchange, a popular activity for letter lovers of all ages. Within a short time, almost 50 people committed to sending...
Disappointment is as much a part of life as breathing. If you’ve lived any length of time, you’ve experienced disappointment; there is simply no way around it. You may even have already found ways of overcoming disappointment. Some time ago, I wrote about experiencing disappointments in the studio and in life in general. At the time, I referenced a prestigious juried exhibit to which I...
As artists, we often run into obstacles that hinder our creativity. Maybe it’s just a small worry that sucks some of the life out of your...
I once had a kitchen window with an awful view: Dirt. That was all, just plain ol’ dirt. Nothing even growing in it. The little bay...
Many artists are trying to find their inspiration, their “muse,” their creative influence, or their USP (unique selling point, in marketing terms). No matter what you call it, it will be distinctly different from person to person. I was brought up in the London suburb of Bexleyheath and I hated it. I wanted the sea and fields and trees and I did not get this...