“Inspiration is for amateurs, the rest of us just show up and get to work.”- Chuck Close
I was recently reading an interview with Chuck Close in the book Inside the Painter’s Studio by Joe Fig. Close mentioned a belief that I focus on: that you do not need any inspiration to be an artist. Really, you don’t. Many artists do lean on inspiration and have wonderful ideas that result in beautiful artwork. When I have an exciting idea, I still follow that instinct and paint away. However, I don't only paint when I am inspired. While the romantic artist ideal is lovely- (in a studio, painting with a fury of passion a unique and brilliant idea that must be created immediately!) -it is not realistic on a regular basis. All you need to be an artist is to show up and create. Put a figure, a face, a landscape, a still life, or just a color palette in front of you and get to work.
When you don't lean on inspiration, creative block is rare. When I am unsure what to paint, I think about it logically. What is around me that I can paint? Do I have pictures from a recent trip? Do I need to get out in nature? Have I painted a portrait recently? Is there an element of art that I have been ignoring (bold values, rich textures, a unique color palette, etc.). I also keep a bullet journal and have a page for painting ideas. If I think of multiple ideas in one day I write them down and know where to look if I'm feeling unsure what to create. If I only created art when I thought I had a unique, inspiring creative idea - I would not be a prolific painter.
Another way I decide what to paint is by having a series. It makes painting feel like more of a journey. Looking at where you have been can let you know where to go next. I can look at my impressionist series as a whole and ask myself questions such as: Does this series convey a message or narrative? Where are the holes? My series also has themes to provide guidance such as life and death in contrast. This can guide my subject matter choices such as budding flowers, abundant landscapes, and joyful people to depict life and in contrast skulls, weary expressions, and wilting flowers to represent death. The impressionist style influence of the series can also provide guidance on what to paint. Looking at what the masters of impressionism created provides a wealth of ideas.
So remember next time you aren't feeling inspired to create - it doesn't make you any less of an artist. What makes you an artist is the act of creating art. So pick up a paintbrush, a pencil, or a block of clay and get to work!