The canvas is a portal to the soul, where the brush dances across the surface, translating intangible emotions into a tangible expression. We learned this the hard way… As artists, we possess the unique ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, breathing life into inanimate shapes and colors. But where does this creative spark originate? How can we cultivate the mindset and techniques to unlock the poetry of the brush?
Painting as a Poetic Process
At its core, the art of painting is a deeply personal and introspective journey. Just as a poet weaves words to evoke emotion, a painter employs the elements of color, line, and texture to create a visual narrative. The process of painting, much like the crafting of a poem, is one of self-discovery, where the artist’s innermost thoughts and feelings are channeled through the medium.
“Where does inspiration come from? We often discover it through experiences, visions, dreams, people, places, and words, as well as through self-discovery,” explains mixed media artist Misty Mawn. “It is possible to find it anywhere we look.” Mawn’s one-day workshop, “Artistic Painting & Encaustic in Italy,” encourages participants to embark on a journey of creative exploration, where words and images intertwine to reveal their deepest inspirations.
By approaching painting as a form of poetic expression, artists can unlock a wellspring of inspiration. Just as a poet might draw from their personal experiences, observations, or even the works of others, painters can find muse in the world around them. Whether it’s the play of light across a landscape, the subtle curves of the human form, or the arrangement of everyday objects, the artist’s role is to translate these visual stimuli into a captivating composition.
Tapping into the Subconscious
Creativity, at its core, is an act of discovery – both external and internal. As Cellestial Studios notes, “Art-making is the process of realizing that intangible inner wealth. When I look back at my work, whether it is a finished painting or a full sketchbook, there is a sense of fullness that I have realized something.”
This process of tapping into the subconscious is echoed by author Kurt Vonnegut, who encourages people to “practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting, sculpting, poetry, fiction, essays, reportage, no matter how well or badly, not to get money or fame, but to experience becoming, to find out what’s inside you.”
For many artists, the act of painting can serve as a meditative practice, a means of accessing the deeper well of creativity that lies within. By allowing the hand to move freely across the canvas, without the constraint of perfectionism, the painter can unlock a wellspring of intuitive expression. This “flow state,” as some call it, is where the work comes through the artist, rather than from them.
“Letting the hand and mind draw freely creates a less pressuring environment to make perfect work,” Cellestial Studios explains. “It is akin to ‘dance like nobody is watching’. The point is not to practice to improve but to release and discover.”
Cultivating Creative Habits
While inspiration may strike in unexpected moments, the act of painting, like any art form, requires dedicated practice and the development of technical skills. Painter and instructor Bob Ross reminds us that “Talent is a pursued interest. Anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.”
One way to cultivate a consistent creative practice is through daily exercises, such as the practice of drawing advocated by Cellestial Studios. By approaching the act of art-making not as a means to an end, but as a process of self-discovery and personal growth, artists can find joy in the act of creation itself.
“Now with this creative habit, I work to not necessarily improve or make good art, but instead to enjoy the process of art and creativity,” Cellestial Studios shares. “It is also meant to be a warm-up for other creative activities I do during the day and a way to shake off nerves and perfectionism.”
Beyond daily practice, artists can also seek out external sources of inspiration, such as exploring the work of other painters, immersing themselves in natural landscapes, or reflecting on emotive experiences. As Notes of Oak suggests, “When an artist sees a work of art, it can catalyze inspiration in their own art form, and in literature, the result is ekphrastic poetry.”
Ekphrastic poetry, which involves the description of a work of visual art in poetic form, can serve as a powerful tool for artists to deepen their understanding and appreciation of other creative mediums. By engaging with the work of fellow artists, painters can find new avenues for self-expression and uncover unexpected sources of inspiration.
Embracing the Imperfect
One of the greatest challenges for artists, particularly emerging ones, is the pursuit of perfection. We may be tempted to discard our work if it doesn’t measure up to our idealized vision, or become paralyzed by the fear of failure. However, as Vonnegut so eloquently advises, the true value of creative practice lies not in the final product, but in the journey of “experiencing becoming.”
“Vonnegut’s key phrase is ‘No matter how well or badly’,” Cellestial Studios notes. “One shouldn’t practice necessarily for the sake of great finished products but rather to enjoy the process and make our souls grow.”
By embracing the imperfect and celebrating the act of creation, artists can free themselves from the constraints of perfectionism and unlock new possibilities for creative expression. As they navigate the ebbs and flows of the creative process, they may discover unexpected insights, uncover hidden depths, and ultimately, cultivate a deeper connection to their inner artistic voice.
Conclusion: The Power of the Painted Word
In the end, the act of painting is not merely the application of pigment to a surface, but a profound exploration of the human experience. Through the interplay of color, line, and texture, painters weave a visual poetry that speaks to the soul, inviting the viewer to engage with the work on a multifaceted level.
By tapping into the well of inspiration, unlocking the subconscious, and cultivating consistent creative habits, artists can unleash the full potential of the painted word. Whether their muse is found in the natural world, the work of others, or the depths of their own inner landscape, the true power of painting lies in its ability to transform the ephemeral into the eternal, and to capture the essence of what it means to be human.
So pick up your brush, embrace the imperfect, and allow the poetry of the paint to flow. For in the act of creation, we discover the very essence of our being.
Example: Modern Abstract Painting Series 2024