During January the spotlight is directed towards International Creativity Month. Created by Randall Munson, the purpose of International Creativity Month is to find time to explore creative ways to re-energize yourself and your colleagues, family and friends.

So what is creativity? Creativity is defined as a process for bringing something new into being. The creative person makes connections between one situation, object or thought and another, and this involves thinking, analyzing and then producing.

Created Creative?
Munson promotes that we were ‘created’ creative, giving the example of how creative young children are: “A center for creative learning studied the creativity of children and found that during the first five years 90% of children are highly creative. The next two years, ages six and seven, the percentage of highly creative children dropped to 10%. By age eight or nine, the percentage of highly creative children fell to only 2% and stayed about that level from that time on,” said Randall.

Creativity is not complicated. Kids do this all the time. And adults can too. You need to start from a place of imagination and free association.

Whether you’re a creative novice or expert, here are a few tips to help power up your creative juices during creativity month (and all the time!)

Creativity and Exploration
As adults take the time to play and explore. Go on a hike and collect random objects for the sake of this creative exercise.Base your collections on what feels interesting to you or spontaneous. With your collection of items, make various associations and categorize:

• color-add elements with similar color
• shape-find common shapes
• texture-look for consistent textures

So what’s the point? Observation! Observation is one of the key strengths in becoming more creative. It’s noticing, comparing, finding similarities and new combinations.

Curiosity
Curiosity is one of the drivers of creativity. When you stop asking ‘why’ or ‘what if’ or ‘how’, then you definitely need a creative boost. Creativity is all about discovery! Discovery is all about questions, curiosity and passion for knowing, understanding and expressing. Take the time to notice the details in nature, listen closely to the things around you, be alive to the world.

Observation

The action or process of observing something or someone carefully or in order to gain information.

Careful observation from a non-judgmental neutral position leads to stronger creative skills. Through observation you can understand and observe subtleties, patterns, and discover solutions to problems through trial and error (which starts with observation). Through awareness of your surroundings you gather information that is valuable for creative combinations. Go back to the exploration phase of finding and categorizing. Observing is paying attention, understanding and again categorizing what you learn so that you can make new and creative combinations. After all creativity is bringing something new into being. Before you can do this you have to have thoughts, objects, inspiration, ideas and more which result from exploration, curiosity and observation.

Of course there are many more factors to creativity.  It’s not black and white and you can find your own ‘formulas’ to enhance your creative growth. Make it a point each day to either explore, ask questions, observe with curiosity and express your thoughts and ideas and be sure to keep a visual journal of your ideas.

The best way to jump start your creativity is to get started.  Stop thinking, forget about processes and procedures and unleash your stream of thoughts.

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Favorite Bob Ross Quotes

That’s a crooked tree. We’ll send him to Washington.

Find freedom on this canvas.

I think there’s an artist hidden at the bottom of every single one of us.

Make love to the canvas.

We tell people sometimes: We’re like drug dealers, come into town and get everybody absolutely addicted to painting. It doesn’t take much to get you addicted.

We want happy paintings. Happy paintings. If you want sad things, watch the news.

Bob Ross Quotes on Creativity and Inspiration

Ross’s quotes are filled with wisdom and inspiration for artists of all backgrounds. He believed that creativity was not limited to the realm of art but could be applied to all aspects of life.

One of his most famous quotes is, “We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.” This quote reminds us that mistakes are an essential part of the creative process and should be embraced rather than feared.

Another quote that showcases Ross’s belief in the power of creativity is, “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” This quote is a reminder that creativity is not solely reserved for those with natural talent, but rather, it is a skill that can be cultivated through practice and dedication.

Bob Ross Quotes on Nature and the Environment

Ross was known for his love of nature and often incorporated landscapes and natural elements into his paintings. He believed that nature was a source of inspiration and that spending time in the great outdoors could help ignite our creative spirit. One of his quotes that perfectly captures this sentiment is, “Look around. Look at what we have. Beauty is everywhere – you only have to look to see it.”

Ross also had a deep respect for the environment and advocated for its preservation. He often spoke about the importance of taking care of our planet and leaving it in a better condition for future generations. In one of his quotes, he said, “We don’t want to set our world on fire. We just want to paint a happy little tree.”

Bob Ross Quotes on Happiness and Positivity

One of the most remarkable aspects of Bob Ross was his unwavering positivity. He believed in finding joy in the simplest things and encouraged his viewers to do the same. One of his famous quotes that exemplifies this mindset is, “We don’t make mistakes here, we just have happy accidents.” This quote reminds us to embrace the unexpected and find beauty in every situation.

Ross also believed that art had the power to bring happiness to people’s lives. In one of his quotes, he said, “Let your imagination be your guide. Find what makes you happy and go for it.” This quote encourages us to follow our passions and pursue what brings us joy, both in art and in life.

How to Apply Bob Ross Quotes in your Own Life

The wisdom of Bob Ross extends far beyond the art world. His quotes can be applied to various aspects of our lives, helping us navigate challenges and find joy in the everyday. One way to incorporate Ross’s philosophy into your life is by embracing the concept of happy accidents.

Instead of viewing mistakes as failures, see them as opportunities for growth and creativity.

Another way to apply Ross’s quotes is by finding inspiration in nature. Take the time to observe the beauty around you and let it inspire your creative endeavors. Whether it’s a walk in the park or simply gazing at the clouds, connecting with nature can ignite your imagination and spark new ideas.

Bob Ross’s legacy and continued influence

Even though Bob Ross passed away in 1995, his legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts worldwide. His television show, “The Joy of Painting”, is still broadcasted today, introducing new generations to his calming presence and artistic expertise.

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If you are an artist, creative entrepreneur or Blogger, then you can appreciate creative imagery to spark your imagination!  Finding free imagery to use as a source of inspiration for your work or on your Blog posts can be a challenge. It can also be confusing to understand image use from public domain sources.

What is Public Domain?
The term “public domain” refers to creative materials that are not protected by intellectual property laws such as copyright, trademark, or patent laws. The public owns these works, not an individual author or artist. Anyone can use a public domain work without obtaining permission, but no one can ever own it. Sounds confusing? It can be. Read exactly what it means here

Before cruising the Internet for a source of inspiration for an image to use, be sure that the image is in fact, ‘free’. We’ve done some of the work here in finding sources of imagery that are ‘free’ to use. Though, the responsibility is still up to you, always be sure if you have any doubts, as to the usage rights, to contact the owner of the source.

Here Are a Few of the Best Sources for Imagery

New York Public Library

Public Domain Collections: Free to Share & Reuse
More than 180,000 of the items are in the public domain. Hours of inspiration can be found in this vast online resource.

Openverse

Explore more than 600 Million Creative Works
You can spend hours getting lost in this extensive library of free stock photos, images, and audio.

Unsplash

Subscribe and get 10 new photos every 10 days. You don’t know what it will be, but it’s sure worth the surprise.
Unsplash – “Free Do Whatever You Want.”

Death to the Stock Photo

Beautiful lifestyle photography free for the taking. One of the best online. Subscribe here for a pack sent to your inbox monthly along with a writing prompt.

Pexels

Daily 5 new high-quality photos – Pexels

Pikiwizard

Quickly browse free stock photos and view trending, favorites and latest. A good combination of lifestyle, food, nature and themes. Pikiwizard

Pixabay

High quality images you can use anywhere. Pixabay

Free Nature Shots

Free Nature Shots – Great finds in here if you are looking for landscapes, flowers, trees and sky.

Picjumbo

Picjumbo an impressive collection of lifestyle shots.

Cupcake

Cupcake Free Images – You will find some inspiration here! “Although, you’re more than welcome to let me know if you use images for a website, illustration or whatever, it’s inspiring to see the results.”

Stocksnap

Great for concepts and something different. Stocksnap.Explore here

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Featured Artists from Around the Globe

Each month we select a featured artist, they can be seen here.

Every quarter and when we have a chance, we like to publish and draw attention to the variety of artists that submit a few art pieces and other artists that may only send one art piece in. Some of the artworks are sent without a description and others have descriptions that express the vision of the art.

Though continents away, the range of artists we’ve seen lately have a common feel or theme to their work.

Perhaps it is the struggle of uncertain times in a pandemic and the feelings of loss, isolation and loneliness. Look close at the following works of these artists and you will see a common thread.

Among the visuals a few words of expression were sent to us from a couple of the artist below.

“The only way i found to express my feelings.”

“…you could almost say that it’s my escape.”

And what is true for every artist, I believe it this:

“The work of the artist is to heal the soul.”
– Kathleen Raine

Stephen Keller

Texas
Realistic/impressionism Watercolors and Gouche
I try to set a particular mood in each painting whether a landscape or face. My collectors have called me the “Mood Master”.  I am self-taught and have been painting since about 5th grade.

I retired from the aviation field and opened a studio in downtown Houston mainly painting my oils there. Watercolors in a home studio.

From an early age I was greatly inspired by Andrew Wyeth and the British painter J.M.W. Turner. I see art everywhere I look. It can be the smallest thing that I develop into a painting.

Ozan Uysal

Istanbul
Ozan Uysal, a graduate of the faculty of fine arts, generally produces works of art related to identity, self, psychology, and the relationship between nature and human.
 

Tom Davies

London
Abstract Landscape Painting
Acrylics, oils and mixed media
I’m a British painter (b 1990), living and working from my home studio in Forest Hill, London. I make medium to large scale abstract landscape paintings, primarily in acrylics or oil. I am a graduate of Bristol University of the West of England (2010-2013) and City & Guilds Art School (2009-2010).

My work is a response to landscape and nature – in both London, the city I grew up in, as well as countryside across the United Kingdom.
 

Derek Cooney

Dublin

Bri Kelly

North Carolina
I create all my art work with acrylic paint. I love playing with the colors. My main inspiration comes from my 3 year old, honestly I’m in love with his boldness.
 

Salome Chelidze

Tbilisi
 

Fabio Henrique Bernardino

London
Old school, paper, pencils, pen, crayons, blood.
The only way i found to express my feelings.

Jaco Landman

South Africa
Oil and Acrylic on canvas and wood, mostly using palette knives.

Isabella Mercado

I’m 17 years old and I live in a group home. I do art as a way to express myself. I love to paint and I love all different types of styles.. I love to do abstract art to express myself in many ways you could almost say that it’s my escape.
 

Mark Furber

Spain
48 years old, lover of Diego Velazquez, Caravaggio, and most of the Baroque painters, so very much classically influenced. I am artistically attracted to melancholy, suspended emotion, a look, a thought, fleeting and caught in film, in photos and on canvas. Most of my art isn’t the sort one would hang in ones living space.
 

Jimi Melo

Brazil
Traditional illustration, Digital illustration, Acrylic painting and Silkscreen

I usually portray everyday situations and challenges regarding the paranoid system to which we are inserted, using various techniques.

Hope you enjoyed viewing these artists and their work. Be sure and share and help spread the inspiration and the encouragement.

The post From East to West – Eleven Expressive Art Voices appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

For more than sixty years Dylan has adhered to an artistic statement in his Nobel speech. He says: “We see only the surface of things. We can interpret what lies below any way we see fit.” A variety of Dylan’s paintings precisely capture his devotion to what lies beneath the surface of a winding career and longevity as an artist.

As of 2023, Bob Dylan is alive and well and regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. However, did you know he is a painter too? Below we examine a few of his paintings.

Man on a Bridge

Dylan’s “Man on a Bridge” series exhibits a young man clad in a heavy coat, and the palette ranges from drab to colorful. The lyrics Dylan produced in the sixties were famous for capturing the spirit of the times and earned him the Nobel Prize. The “Man on a Bridge” paintings is centered around a seemingly twentieth-century backdrop—perhaps in San Francisco or New York where the counterculture flourished. Like his lyrics, Dylan focalizes on the sights and textures of twentieth-century life in the “Man on a Bridge” series. The four distinction paintings may illustrate the moods of differing moments during the 1960’s. For example, the grey portrait has a post-Kennedy assassination vibe with an overcast horizon pouring down on the young man. Like the “Man on a Bridge,” Dylan’s “Train Tracks” series displays a world filled with panoramic changes.

Train Track

The “Train Track” paintings could function as a variety of visual motifs. Dylan was born in 1940, when World War Two was raging. The image of a train track could connect to the haunted history of the war, or could represent optimism and change. There are many different sets of the train tracks in this collection—and like “Man on a Bridge,” each has its own atmosphere. The blue “Train Tracks” piece juxtaposes a blue horizon with a sleepy town in the background. Dylan experienced many of the major turning points of twentieth century—such as the end of World War Two and Civil Rights Movement. Thus, the slightly somber blue “Train Tracks” could allude to Dylan’s piece of mind yet melancholy reflection of the changes he witnessed in the last century. This image of a lonesome train tracks crops up quite often in Dylan’s portfolio, and its hard to imagine that it isn’t a visual motif.

Endless Highway

Dylan’s later songs employ contrast between personal sentiment and aesthetics. One of the more dazzling art pieces Dylan has composed is “Endless Highway.” Similar to the often surreal nature of his lyrics, Dylan infuses an ordinary view of a highway with dreamlike characteristics. Since the early 1960s, Dylan has traveled throughout the United States to play music and gather perspective about the culture. “Endless Highway” appears to reflect Dylan’s journeys on the road. The highway winds past scenery teeming with evening colors, fusing personal sentiments of his journeys with aesthetics. Like the symbolism of train tracks, the subject matter of a highway has a quality of memory and longing. Dylan was never an artist who stayed idle too long, and the “Endless Highway” can be a homage to the hard miles he has traveled throughout the years.

The post Bob Dylan – Capturing the Spirit of the Times appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

Open your favorite beverage, bring out your colored pencils and dive into the creative zone! Enjoy these free coloring pages from archives of top libraries in the world.

Free Coloring Pages – Color Our Collections 2019

More than 100 museums including Libraries, special collections, archives, and other cultural institutions share coloring content during the promotion Color Our Collections. More about the event here

Here are a few of our favorite coloring pages from Color Our Collections and the links to download the coloring pages (either from this website or the participants). 

British Library Coloring Book 2019
Download the coloring book here – PDF is 9 mgs (packed full of vintage illustrations, it might take a few minutes to download)

Botanical Research Institute of Texas Coloring Book 2019
Download the coloring book here – PDF is 10 mgs (packed full of botanical and bug specimens, it might take a few minutes to download)

Washington University Libraries Julian Edison Department of Special Collections Coloring Book 2019
Download the coloring book here – PDF is 5 mgs (Includes rare book specimens, it might take a few minutes to download)

Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library, Yale University Coloring Book
Download PDF – 4.1 mgs

Bibliothèque nationale de France Coloring Book 2019  
Download this beautiful coloring book here

Milton Good Library and the Mennonite Archives of Ontario Coloring Book
Download the coloring pages here from this unique collection

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February 20, 1897 – November 18, 1983
Magic Realism

One of his most famous paintings, That Which I Should Have Done I Did Not Do (The Door), is known to be his paramount work which took him ten years to complete.

The painting reflects on the regrets in life.

It is said that he meticulously executed every detail using a paint brush of a single hair. He would often finish no more than a quarter of a square inch a day.

A wrinkled, aging woman’s hand rests on the carved doorway, a faded blue handkerchief clenched between the fingers. The poignant placement of the hand, near but not touching the doorknob, only underscores the sense of remorse and mourning implied by the painting.

Albrights style focused on themes of death, life, the material and the spirit, and the effects of time. This style of art was defined as Magic Realism and described as “what happens when a highly detailed, realistic setting is invaded by something too strange to believe.”

Albright was labeled by early critics as “the painter of horrors” and the “specialist in the repulsive”. However he was a deliberate painter who attempted to put his realistic technique in the service of essentially philosophical concerns.

The Vermonte
“Make [the head] great; eye sockets that tell the years, folds that bespeak flesh, eyes that bring pity … that have seen better.” – from Ivan Albright’s notes on his painting “The Vermonter”.

Dorian Gray
Another one of his famous paintings was the Picture of Dorian Gray painted in 1943/44. Ivan Albright painted this lurid portrait for the Oscar-winning movie adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s 1891 novel The Picture of Dorian Gray. In Wilde’s tale, Dorian Gray commissions a portrait of himself as an attractive young man and later trades his soul for an ever-youthful appearance.

Self Portraits
Most known for his self portraits, he made over twenty self-portraits in his last three years, even on his deathbed, drawing the final ones after a stroke.
He died in 1983 at 86 years old.

Today, Ivan Albright’s creations can be seen at art museums in Illinois, New Hampshire, New York City, Washington D.C., and Britain.

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I have the feeling that a painter lives twice. To me, painting is what I hear, what I see, what I touch, what I smell, it is the very taste of life!

Colours, overflowing my emotions, are flirting on my palette and on the canvas, filtered by the Greek light of infinite shades of blue and other colours, through a magical film of the iris! Using the paintbrush, the palette knife, or even my own nails if necessary, I perform this magical command of my soul to use colours to bring to life whatever it tells me to! I would like to express my gratitude to the Lord (God) for the chance He gave me to be one of his choices!

Sokratis Evgenidis Painting Process

Sokratis uses both oil and mixed paints. His inexhaustible theme triggers emotions in viewers, mainly with reference to nature, the Greek landscape and the sea. His paintings, created using brushes and palette knives, express modern, contemporary, free and decisive movements, influenced by impressionism, yet with an expressionistic twist.

Without always avoiding contours, but often with an abstract predisposition, Sokratis prefers to guide the view and perception of viewers, through intense colour correlations and an entirely personal style. The unique relationship he develops on the canvas with the colours, techniques and materials is shaped a lyricism, which is the result of the religious devotion that Sokratis Evgenidis has found in the unwritten rules of this exquisite art.

In the period 1983 -1988, Sokratis participated in several solo and group exhibitions. In 1985, he was awarded, in a national painting competition, in Piraeus, as best, younger, talented painter in Greece. His paintings can be found in art venues, hotels and private collections.

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The Creative Process in Art

Artists are those who create much more than those oil, charcoal, or acrylics hanging on the wall – they’re musicians, poets, photographers, even those who dabble in web design or creating inspiring spaces in homes. Creativity is a quality not found in everyone, one that’s difficult to understand for those who feel like they don’t have a creative bone in their bodies. So, what exactly does turn an artist on in terms of the creative process?

Being creative requires something that may be best described as a “flexibility of mind.” Studies over the years have proven that those who are more creative than most are usually free spirits, those who are less inhibited or controlled but love spontaneity and expressing their emotions or feelings.

The Five Stages of the Creative Process

For our purpose in this article we’ll focus on the art of painting or creating visual art. According to some there are five “stages” in the creative process, and not all five always go forward in a certain order. These five stages include inspiration, percolation, preparation, creation, and reflection.

Inspiration

Inspiration can be found nearly anywhere for those who are creative, whether in nature, people, even a life event. What’s funny is that inspiration can strike at any time, even in the middle of the night. Something may inspire you at the time you least expect it, sparking that “creative” moment that you know you have to toss it around in your mind and figure out just how you can capture it. Which brings us to . . .

Percolation

Most artists find that before they can actually create a work of art, there’s lots of things to do and think about. Maybe it’s taking some time for your idea to fully develop, refining your idea, or drawing out sketch after sketch to create the final piece on an initial whim.

Getting Prepared

Once an artist has been inspired and “percolates” (which is defined as penetrates gradually or filters) an idea and settles on how to move forward, it’s time to decide what tools are necessary to make it happen. This doesn’t only include a canvas or colored pencils, oil or acrylic paints, the right brushes, charcoal, and a soothing, quiet space with no distractions, but making rough sketches or a blueprint, organizing your space and supplies. Getting completed organized and prepared is key to creativity!

Creation Stage

The creation stage is where your ideas and visualizations finally come together, although the time it takes can vary enormously from one person to another. Creating what you’ve envisioned may take a few days, a few weeks, a few months, or even longer. Often the creation process depends on the medium, how fine the details will be, even your focus, available time, and temperament or artistic style. One thing is for certain – you never want to rush the creation stage. In the end, you want what you’ve created to be as meaningful, inspirational, engaging, and beautiful to others as it is to you. Art often has a far deeper meaning than most people realize.

Now it’s time to reflect on your creation, which makes every artist experience different emotions. You may feel “spent,” proud, relieved, accomplished, or even a bit depressed, which is normal. Saying that, there really is no “normal” when it comes to creating art!

The truth is the creative process is different for every person, which is what makes every artist unique in his or her own way. No two people think alike, or envision their creations in the same way. Be proud of your work and enjoy the process, time, and effort into what you consider making art for others to enjoy!

The post What Turns an Artist On? A Glimpse into the Creative Process appeared first on Art and Design Inspiration.

The Written Description of your Artwork is Critical

If you’re a self-taught artist who wants to sell your art online, coming up with 200 or 300 words may seem like a daunting task; after all, you’re an artist, not a writer! That said, when you want to promote your creative works on the Internet, using words – the RIGHT words – is essential. In fact, the written description of your art can be just as critical as the visual in the virtual world. You have to “sell” the virtues and features of your work, offering vivid descriptions for potential buyers.

How to See Your Artwork From Your Buyer’s Point of View

You’re not a writer, and maybe your marketing skills aren’t so great, either. Online, you have to look at your paintings, sketches, and drawings from the potential buyer’s point of view, describing the benefits and features in a way that engages the potential buyer. Art work can be challenging to sell (for a good price), however by connecting the emotional and story value to the work you will increase the value. Details in your descriptions and artist statement will elevate your work. Learn how to write an artist statement here.

Achieve success selling your art online with these tips.

Paint a vivid picture with words.
Describe your creation as if the interested party could not see the painting or drawing. Think of it this way: Pretend the words you use to describe your work is the only experience the reader will ever have of it.

Include details of the colors, being very descriptive about their effect. For instance, dark blue may be included with the word “dusky.” Other descriptive words describing the intensity of color can include diffused, radiant, luminous.

Consider the feeling you can evoke through words.
If a potential client is looking for a painting to use as the focal point over a sofa in the living room, he/she isn’t looking for a sunset with lots of purple and orange. The client is thinking more in terms of a distinctive, eye-catching piece that will evoke a relaxed, soothing feeling. Your words should make potential buyers FEEL the mood or tone of the painting.

Owning Art as a Status Symbol
I’ve found it strange that people who can spend thousands of dollars on furniture in an upscale home will resort to off the shelf cheap art prints mass produced in China. My thoughts are… they don’t think about the wall. Or they don’t know there is a better option. Market your work as a status symbol. An investment. Buying original art can have a financial basis and the potential future value of the painting or sculpture may have been the deciding factor.

Owning original art can lend an air of success to the recipient of the art. It can also be a status symbol of culture, value and meaning.

Scarcity
Don’t be in a rush to sell your work. Human nature is that we all want what we can’t have. Take the approach of scarcity marketing and limit the availability of your work. When producing prints sign and number each one. Be sure and use terms such as limited editions. Words such as; one-of-a-kind collectable, a legacy for future generations, an heirloom piece, timeless. These words convey weight and value.

Social Proof
Use other peoples words about your work. What others say increases visibility. As challenging as it might be, ask for the endorsements of your work. More than just “we like the artwork”.

This is an extraordinary painting of a magnificent horse! I have him framed and up on the wall and is one of the first things you see when you come into my home. Everybody comments on how beautiful this horse and this painting is.

The colors are so vibrant and the expression of the brushstrokes makes it come alive. I bought this for my daughter and she is thrilled.

Sell the experience.
Sure, art is charcoal, pencil, or paint on canvas or other medium – but it isn’t passive!
You aren’t just selling a physical object, you’re selling an experience, a feeling, a moment in time. Explain in your content what your art accomplishes, whether it nurtures and soothes, charms, motivates, or creates an atmosphere.

Even after reading these tips, coming up with the right words may still be tough – but with practice and a little assistance from family and friends who can describe your artwork from their own unique perspectives, you’ll find it becomes much easier!

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