People often ask, “Where do you find your inspiration?” It sounds like a simple question. But the answer? Not so simple. The truth is, I’ve learned that inspiration looks different for everyone. There is no formula, and it’s definitely not always graceful. For me, it’s a mix of chaos, curiosity, frustration, and a spark I can’t explain. So I thought I’d share my way—if you’ll share yours.
The Paintings I Didn’t Love (And You’ll Never See)
Like many artists, I have a stack of “not-quite-right” canvases—the ideas that never worked out, experiments gone wrong, or just pieces that didn’t feel like me. But I don’t throw them away. I reuse them.
They’re my test zone—perfect for trying out a new color palette, a risky brushstroke, or a pouring technique. The technique failed (paint + dots = chaos), but sometimes the result surprises me. The colors start speaking to me. So I leaned in, added more, and finally created something I loved.
Sometimes, it’s not about starting with a masterpiece—it’s about starting somewhere.
So Where Does Inspiration Come From?
For me, inspiration is a feeling. A sentence. A phrase from a song. A line in a conversation. Something that sticks with me—not everything does, but when something lingers, I know it’s worth following. I don’t write all my ideas down. There are too many. Most are fleeting, but the ones that stay—those are the ones I paint. And even then, the process isn’t linear. I might start with a clear image in my head, and the painting turns into something completely different. Sometimes I get it right on the first try. (Rarely.) Most of the time, I walk away, come back, rework it—again and again—until I feel that spark of “yes.”
Will Other People Like It?
Here’s the hard part: you never know.
There’s only one way to find out: share your work. Ask for feedback. Be open, but don’t take it personally if someone doesn’t connect with it. Sometimes the feedback helps you grow. Other times, you respectfully disagree and carry on. That’s part of finding your voice.
What’s Your Process?
That’s mine—messy, evolving, emotional, and sometimes surprising.
Now I’m curious: what’s your way in? What inspires you to create, start, or try again?
Feel free to leave a comment, send me a message, or just let the question sit with you for a while. Inspiration, after all, is everywhere—if you let it stick.
🖼 Curious to see what came out of this chaos?
📩 Want to talk inspiration, commissions, or creative failures?
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