The process of seeking inspiration and then putting it into action in your work will look a little different for everyone. But for me this is what my process looks like (see above).
I start by getting off the computer! If I know when I am starting a project I make it a point to get off the computer and into my world. When I am in "seeking mode" I always have my camera on hand and a sketchbook. Sometimes I have time to sit and sketch while other times I can only snap a few photos or take quick notes. I bring my inspiration home and will either put it to use right away or file it for a time when I am able to sit down and create. Sometimes my inspiration is used in very literal ways- like drawing my subject matter or taking beautiful photographs while other times my inspiration is not so literal- like pulling colors, pattern and texture and turning them into something else.
A beautiful photo of pussy willow stems can be used to pull all sorts of inspiration for a variety of projects!
Use the colors in your inspiration to build a color palette for your creative projects.
Pussy Willow Branch from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.
Use your inspiration as the subject matter for sketching. This is a great way to practice your sketching skills!
Turn your subject matter into doodles or simple drawings and then repeat them over and over again to begin building pattern. This is a great process for surface design projects.
doodles from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.
CLICK ON "OLDER POSTS" BELOW FOR CONCLUSION
This is fantastic, thank you so much for giving us this wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteAlisa,
ReplyDeleteThis is so nice of you to do this for all of us. I love your art and you are a very inspirational teacher. Thank you for this marvelous gift of yourself to help further our artistic endeavors.
Wow. what a special gift to all of us. You are amazing and you put a lot of work into this. I appreciate your inspiration and I am amazed at how hard you work and that you have perfected your art. I am going to take your challenge and really find my "Muse". I have already learned so much. Thank you :)
ReplyDeleteWhat talent and generosity. You inspire me.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this gift.
So very inspiring thank you for putting this all together. You truly put your heart into all you do :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your thoughts, time and beautiful work x
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring, love to start creating and finding my muse. The computer is really becoming an addiction sometimes! Thanks for shaking us up.
ReplyDeleteAlisa,
ReplyDeleteCan't thank you enough for the gift you have given us.
I know it took hours to accomplish. Your talent is beyond measure.
Barb
Thank you Alissa! This was a wonderful gift to wake up to on a crisp clear morning in the high desert!
ReplyDeleteThis was a wonderful post! I love seeing how you use your "inspirations" to create such varied and beautiful projects. I need a print of your inspiration process to hang on my wall!
ReplyDeletethank you!!! what did you do with all of your "doodle" flowers ? it looks like they are linked together with rings.... love your art! love your teach method! love your encouragement---at my age i am all too aware of minutes wasted so many different ways....
ReplyDeleteOMG!!!! Thank you for this. It is just what I need NOW! I have been silently follwing you for at least a year maybe longer. am amazed at how prolific you are especially with a new born. And now this, my kids are older and I can't come close to working on art as much as I want. You are a true inspiration. Thanks and sweet spring.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this opportunity, Alisa. I love your art and you have given me a whole bunch of inspiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! This is just what I needed. "Our muse rewards awareness." - my new mantra. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteLoving what I am reading, but I will stop reading for now and go to my workspace- you make me want to create. I will go back a read some more later.
ReplyDeletePS- one of our solutions to much "plugging in" is to not own a television. He is a professional artist and listens to music while he paints. The genre of music definitely makes a difference!
Gracias por compartir y que tengas mas exito en tu trabajo!
ReplyDeleteI loved this article. Could you please tell me what kind of pen your using for your painting the water colors in the "pussy willow" video? Also, is this the same pen you use when you did the fine black detail lines?
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this post. It is a nice reminder that you don't have to go any farther than your backyard or even your lunch table for inspiration!
ReplyDeleteKate
THIS is a really good "How to" be a pattern maker/ artist, because I love your way of explaining and the inspirations/examples you use to show the process. You are a great "teachter" - even if creativity, motivation and be an artist isn't really easy to teach. But this is a nice guidance for all those people who aren't motivated.
ReplyDeleteFurthermore I really like your works!
♥Looona Lou
Josiah my 10 yr old and I love your Blog, Alisa, keep up the great inspirational work! - Rachel Biddlecome
ReplyDelete