An Active Imagination

Part of being creative means to keep your imagination alive and healthy. To do this artists should take the time to paint and do something different. Painters in a rut should try painting a new subject matter or in a different style. Try looking at contemporary and historical artists. To find their creative voice, artists can paint what they like and enjoy. Artists go through a series of choices when they start a work, even if it may only be subconsciously. What subject matter are they portraying? Figurative, abstract, landscape, still life? What colors are they using? What would happen if you mixed styles of art? What would happen if you limited your palette to only certain colors?

What size canvas is being used? Are traditional paints being used or mixed media? Ask questions, and answer them in a new way if you are tired of what you see in your paintings. Make some adjustments.

Analyze your compositions and determine if they should be simplified or more complex. There are no predetermined guidelines to being creative. But by challenging themselves, anyone can improve their designs by working through these questions and coming up with the answers that work best for them.