As artists, we are often encouraged to seek grand, sweeping sources of inspiration—epic vistas, dramatic moments in history, or fantastical realms of the imagination. We learned this the hard way… However, some of the most captivating and insightful works of art can emerge from the simplest of everyday objects and scenes. By training our eyes to find the extraordinary within the ordinary, we open ourselves up to a wellspring of creative potential.
Uncovering Beauty in the Mundane
One of the hallmarks of folk and self-taught art is the ability to transform the commonplace into the extraordinary. Artists like Mary Lum and Nancy Nowak have made careers out of elevating the quotidian through their vibrant, highly-textured acrylic paintings. By honing in on simple objects, scenes, and moments, they invite the viewer to pause and really see the beauty inherent in the everyday.
“I try to find ordinary subjects that have extraordinary visual potential.” – Nancy Nowak
The power of the mundane lies in its ubiquity. These are the things we pass by every day without a second glance—a worn wooden chair, a collection of old keys, a humble bouquet of wildflowers. But through the lens of an observant artist, the ordinary becomes a gateway to deeper meaning and emotional resonance. Lum’s “Temporary Arrangements” series, for example, finds poetry in the ephemeral arrangements of everyday objects on tabletops and windowsills. Nowak’s pastel landscapes transform the familiar rolling hills and rural settings of her native Wisconsin into vibrant, almost abstract compositions.
At its core, this approach taps into the essence of the Pop Art movement, which celebrated the visual power of mass-produced and commercial objects. Just as Andy Warhol transfixed the world with his bold silkscreens of Campbell’s soup cans, contemporary folk and self-taught artists are rediscovering the creative potential in the mundane items all around us.
Harnessing Vibrant Acrylics
Acrylic paints are an ideal medium for bringing this sensibility to life. Their versatility allows artists to experiment with thick, impasto textures, luminous washes of color, and a wide range of techniques to coax unexpected beauty from the most unassuming subjects.
One key to success is to avoid overly-detailed realism. Instead, focus on capturing the essence, energy, and emotional resonance of the object or scene. Looser, more expressive brushwork can convey a sense of movement and spontaneity, while judicious use of color and contrast can heighten the visual impact.
“I let the paint do the work. I’m not trying to control everything; I’m responding to the materials.” – Mary Lum
Layering is another powerful tool in the acrylic painter’s arsenal. By building up transparent or semi-transparent glazes, you can create a sense of depth and luminosity that elevates the ordinary. Juxtaposing thick, gestural strokes with delicate lines and washes can also introduce compelling visual tension.
Experiment with unorthodox painting tools and techniques as well. Palette knives, sponges, rags, and even your fingers can be used to apply paint in unexpected ways. Scraping, sgraffito, and other subtractive methods can also reveal hidden layers and textures.
Finding Inspiration in the Everyday
So how do you begin to transform the mundane into the magnificent? Start by cultivating a heightened sense of observation. Train your eye to seek out the interesting, the beautiful, and the evocative in the world around you.
Pay attention to the shapes, colors, and textures of common household objects. Notice the interplay of light and shadow, the weathered patina of old surfaces, the fluid lines of a familiar form. Consider how these elements might translate into a vibrant acrylic painting.
You can also find inspiration in the rituals and routines of daily life. The way the morning light filters through a kitchen window, the amassed clutter on a bedside table, the gentle sway of a plant in the breeze—these quiet moments and observations can become the starting point for your next creative work.
“I see the beauty in everyday things. My job is to make others see it too.” – Nancy Nowak
Maintain a sketchbook or photo journal to capture these fleeting impressions. Experiment with quick sketches, color studies, and compositional explorations. Let your curiosity and intuition guide you, without overthinking the process. The goal is to tap into that childlike sense of wonder and appreciation for the world unfolding around you.
Acrylic Painting Tutorials
Ready to put these principles into practice? Here are a few tutorials to get you started with vibrant acrylic painting:
Layering and Glazing Techniques:
Start with a tinted ground and build up transparent layers of color, allowing each to dry completely before adding the next. Experiment with washes, drips, and splatters to create depth and luminosity.
Expressive Brushwork:
Embrace the inherent qualities of acrylic paint, using a variety of brushes, palette knives, and other tools to apply the medium in bold, gestural strokes. Avoid overblending for a more dynamic, spontaneous effect.
Mixed Media Explorations:
Combine acrylic paint with other materials like collage elements, found objects, or mark-making tools. The possibilities are endless for adding unexpected texture and visual interest to your compositions.
Step-by-Step Demonstration:
Follow along as we walk through the creative process of transforming a simple everyday object, such as a weathered chair or a collection of kitchen utensils, into a vibrant acrylic painting. Observe how strategic use of color, composition, and technique can elevate the ordinary.
Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just beginning your artistic journey, the key is to approach each subject with an open mind and a willingness to experiment. By finding the extraordinary in the everyday, you’ll unlock a wellspring of creative inspiration that will infuse your work with authenticity, emotion, and a unique personal vision.
So the next time you’re looking for that elusive muse, pause and take a closer look at the world around you. You just might be surprised by the hidden beauty waiting to be discovered.
Example: Pencil Portrait Challenge 2024