What Should I Paint?

It isn't always easy deciding what to paint even though you have the craving. There are many times when artists sit around extremely frustrated because they want to paint but have no idea what to do. If I were to explain it, it would be like wanting ice cream but there is none in the freezer! 

You can go online and search for other artist to get ideas but it doesn't always help. How many times do you get caught up on what they are doing or working on instead of what you want to be doing? 

Of course you can find a list of "what to paint" on sites and blogs where they give you long lists of ideas but it becomes overwhelming at times. So I decided that I was going to use my own experiences and share with you some of the things that I do when I get stuck and am unclear of what to do. 

Finding Inspiration through Complementary Colors: 

Sometimes when you are trying to decide what you want to paint but are overwhelmed try taking away some of the rules. Why not make a painting with just two colors? Challenge yourself! Find objects of complementary colors. 

For example, I was in a slump and I had no clue what to paint. I saw somewhere that someone was challenging artists to paint only in 2 colors and I thought it sounded kinda fun. So I took the challenge and I realized that it actually made me feel more relaxed and I wasn't so frustrated. 

For my challenge, I chose red and green. 

Red Barn, Oil on Canvas by Frankie Stockman

I supposed I did cheat a little and use different colors with it but only thinking of the two colors allowed me to open mind and put things together as I went along.

The Orange Chair Oil on Canvas board by Frankie Stockman

Remember, you can paint any objects you see around the house, you just have to choose which two colors you are going to use then allow it to just flow as you go along.

Finding Inspiration Through TV or YouTube:

Have you ever been watching a TV show or movie and saw a beautiful landscape or even a scene that you thought would make a lovely painting? 

Why not try pulling it up on YouTube and pausing it where you found your inspiration? This might sound crazy but it can be done.  Here is a scene from a Sherlock Holmes episode! 

Castle; Oil on Panel by Frankie Stockman

Paint Your Favorite Painting That You Will Never Be Able To Afford:

I am not against coping the old masters! I believe that it helps you find your own technique and helps you figure out how putting together a painting works. Plus if you can pull it off and make a reasonable facsimile, then it becomes a win win for you! 

The Guardian Oil On Canvas by Frankie Stockman

Paulus Potter, The Wolf Hound

When All Else Fails:

There are times when no matter how many ideas people throw at you or try to tell you to try because it works for them, it isn't always going to work for you. Maybe that is when you should finally decide that painting might not be what you really want to be doing after all. Maybe you are in the mood to just be creative in general and need to release that energy. The next best thing to do is just draw! Draw a tree, a pencil, a cup, your dog, your cat - anything. Just be creative. 

I would really like to hear what your ideas are or what you think of these ideas. 

If any of these ideas inspire you, please share them with me here! I would love to see what you come up with! 

HAPPY PAINTING - or drawing!