Inspiration: Colors and Textures
Someone told me yesterday that she didn’t have any creative ideas. Where do I get my inspiration? That one is easy! Inspiration is everywhere! You can train your own eye and increase creativity by practicing your observation skills.
The cell phone camera is one of the greatest gifts to artists in the history of mankind. No disrespect to photographers who take high quality, frameable photographs, but the magic of being able to record every detail that catches our eye is a stunning revelation for anyone lacking creative ideas, and an overwhelming opportunity for anyone who sees creative ideas everywhere! I will stop and take a shot of the weirdest things, because I like the color, the texture, or the way it sparks my imagination.
I don’t have to know how I intend to use it before I take a picture. Maybe I’ll never look at it again– but maybe I will. I stop, randomly, on walks whenever I see interesting tree bark. It can inspire a mixed media composition, a nuno felted vest, or a color palette for dyeing silk. Who knows?
Rocks: Shadows, line, texture, composition
Metal Patina: Colors, lines, composition, balance
If you’re feeling that you lack creative inspiration, I want to challenge you to take at least one photo each day for the next month. Examine something that you have never even noticed before, and record it with a photo!
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Starfish Extreme Closeup -
Fish Scales -
Sea Anemone
Closeups often show some details you miss when you look at the big picture. Sometimes, though, try pulling back and seeing a large area as though it’s a painting.
I collect textures on my phone everywhere I go. Sometimes, the simplest things are fascinating when you hold them still with a photo.
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An example of texture in an everyday sight. -
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If you give this a try, and start collecting photos of interesting textures, send me a copy at Kelley@HomegrownArtworks.com, and I’ll write a blog post with pictures you’ve shared!
Copyright © 2019-2020 Kelley Adams. All rights reserved.
All text, photos, and graphics are the property of Kelley Adams.
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