It can be difficult to find art inspiration when you’re feeling unmotivated or stuck in a rut creatively. Here are some tips and tools to help spark your imagination.
Art Inspiration Ideas: Browsing Museums Online
Many major museums have digitized portions of their collections that are available to view online. Being able to see artwork from some of history’s greatest artists can provide fresh art inspiration. Some top museums to check include:
| Museum | Website |
|---|---|
| The Louvre | https://www.louvre.fr/en/visites-en-ligne |
| The Met | https://www.metmuseum.org/art/online-features/met-collectioons |
| National Gallery of Art | https://www.nga.gov/collection.html |
Being able to see the techniques, styles, subject matter and brushwork up close from the comfort of your home can get the creative juices flowing again. Screenshot or save any images that particularly spark your interest for future reference.
Following Artists on Social Media
Many established and up-and-coming artists utilize platforms like Instagram (see our suggestions to follow on Instagram), Facebook, YouTube and TikTok to not only showcase their work but provide a behind-the-scenes look at their process. Seeing the daily posts about an artist’s current works in progress or techniques they’re experimenting with can provide endless art inspiration. Don’t just follow popular artists in your chosen medium – broaden your scope to discover new styles, subjects and perspectives that may push you creatively in new directions.
Checking Out Art Community Forums and Challenges
Online art forums and communities like DeviantArt, ArtStation and Behance allow artists from around the world and at any skill level to connect, provide feedback and find art inspiration from one another. Many have daily or weekly prompt challenges that can get your creative juices flowing when you’re stuck for ideas. Simply following along and participating is a low-pressure way to spark something new. Some prompts even integrate trending hashtags on social media for extra contemporary flair.
As an example, a list of some recent weekly prompts on a popular art forum:
- Draw an animal interacting with a modern invention
- Illustrate a surreal landscape incorporating strange plantlife
- Portrait inspired by a famous work of art but in a different art style or medium
- A character from popular culture reimagined in a steampunk setting
Getting involved in online art communities is a great way to find fresh art inspiration while supporting your fellow creatives. It’s also a fabulous opportunity to expand your skills by practising new styles, subjects or techniques in response to fun, out-of-the-box prompts.
Gathering Inspiration from the Everyday
Some of the most evocative art inspiration can come from taking a closer look at the world around you. Observe everyday objects, landscapes, people, textures and scenes with an artist’s eye. Consider:
- The patterns, shapes and colors that catch your eye on packaging, clothing or architecture
- Interesting light and shadow effects you notice at different times of day
- Striking color combinations you spot in nature
- Emotive expressions or body language you observe while people watching
- Fun textures, surfaces and materials you encounter
Carry a small sketchbook or take photos on your phone to document anything you find particularly inspirational or that sparks potential subject matter. Revisiting these observational studies can provide excellent prompts and jumping-off points when seeking fresh art inspiration.
Art From Other Cultures
Expand your horizons and ignite your creativity by exploring the rich artistic traditions of cultures across the globe. From the intricate patterns of Indigenous beadwork to the bold colors of Mexican muralism, the world is filled with diverse visual expressions waiting to inspire you.
Discover the delicate beauty of Japanese woodblock prints, the symbolic storytelling of Australian Aboriginal art, or the vibrant energy of South African textiles. Many museums, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art (https://www.metmuseum.org/), have extensive online collections dedicated to art from different cultures, allowing you to embark on a virtual journey of artistic inspiration.
Let the unique styles, techniques, and stories woven into these artworks spark new ideas and fuel your own artistic expression.
The Power of Literature
Words have the ability to paint vivid pictures in our minds. Tap into the rich world of literature to fuel your artistic imagination. Explore classic novels overflowing with compelling characters and dramatic scenes. Delve into the evocative imagery of poetry. Uncover the symbolism and visual potential within myths and legends.
Imagine reinterpreting the stoic heroes of a Greek myth as modern figures, or creating an abstract piece inspired by the emotions of your favorite poem. Let the words of talented authors spark visual concepts, character designs, and unique narratives within your own work. Libraries and free online resources like Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org/) make the world’s literature easily accessible for inspiration.
Music and Sound as Inspiration
Music has the power to move us, transporting us to other worlds or stirring deep emotions. Let melodies and rhythms fuel your artistic vision. Put on your favorite piece of music – whether it’s a sweeping orchestral score or a pulsing electronic track – and close your eyes. What images come to mind? What colors or shapes do you associate with the sounds?
Try translating the energy and atmosphere of the music into visual art. Experiment with abstract expression or create scenes inspired by the emotions the music evokes. You can even explore online resources for music visualization tools that translate sound into dynamic visual patterns for an extra layer of inspiration.
Free Tools for Artists
With the advent of AI, there is a growing range of tools. For example, there is a huge range of AI art creation tools – see this article about Art Generators. Beyond there are additional freebie art tools such as AnalysePalette: Analyse a painting and suggest a color palette and inspiration for a new art project. Or, AiPaintingTips: aims to help Artists to be more creative with colors and pigments, brush strokes and art inspiration
Wrapping Up
In summary, when you need a boost of art inspiration and motivation it’s helpful to explore the works of other artists both present and past. Browsing museum collections online, following artists on social media, participating in online art communities, and taking focused observations of the everyday world are all great tactics for stimulating your creativity and sparking new ideas. Remember that any type of engagement with art—whether viewing, making or discussing—can reignite your passion and fill your toolbox with amazing inspiration.
