Daily Inspiration

Blogs: Now this is dangerous territory as entire days can be lost looking at blogs (my blogroll is ridiculous.), but they're a part of my work routine. About once a week I devote a few hours to surfing the net to see the newest creations. The blogs I often draw the most inspirational drive from are design/decorating blogs. There's always an intriguing use of colors, lines and space that makes me take note for future applications.

Flickr: I personally don't maintain an impressive Flickr account, but I do flip through the millions of photos often enough. There's so many amazing things to be seen from the point of view of another human being- it can be dazzling. Some of my favorite things to look at are nature photography and intriguing architecture. (Same goes for perusing etsy shops.)

Nature: If I look carefully enough, I often see some pretty intriguing color combinations provided by Mother Nature. Lately I've noticed some odd-colored skies contrasting with our vibrant backyard greenery. It makes me want to use it as my color palette with my next personal project.

Doing Other Art:You'd think the last thing artists would do in order to be inspired is make art, but that's just how it works for me, especially if I'm stuck. Usually the art I make are personal pieces to be displayed in the home or for family members. When I create this kind of art I give myself permission to experiment much more frequently than I would otherwise allow myself to. I try various mediums, tiny to enormous sizes, and concrete to very abstract themes. Sometimes they turn out well and sometimes they don't, but getting to stretch my art muscles in a different way is definitely a very necessary way for me to stay fresh and excited about the "professional" art I try to create.

Last but not least, my Family. Like most people, my family(specifically my son) has been a long drawn source of inspiration. I tried all kinds of art for the nursery, and continue to create things I hope he can someday appreciate. I have at least five story ideas I can attribute directly to him and the silly moments we have together. I can't wait to see what else I come up with in the coming years!