Earlier this week I wrote about inspiration and shared some ideas on how to jumpstart yours when you feel like your mojo just isn't there.

Since that email was getting a little long I stopped, but actually, I have a few more tips for you. ;-)

One of the things that I do for inspiration is drive around the areas that have the types of landscapes I want to paint.

That's not as easy as it sounds.

When I first started painting the Texas Hill Country (an area in the central part of the state), I had a rough idea of what I was looking for. And roughly where I wanted to look.

But the Texas Hill Country is a rather large region (31,000 square miles!). That's roughly the same size as Ireland or Austria. And larger than 12 U.S. states!

So we spent a LOT of time driving a LOT of backroads trying to find what I was looking for.

Long story short, it took quite a while to find exactly what I was searching for (years, not days). But when I found it, I knew it! Since 2018 I've painted this area of Texas almost exclusively.

There's always something new (or old) to see.

I still go out regularly and take lots of photos to use as reference and inspiration. Different times of the year; different times of day; different areas within the Texas Hill Country (even my narrowed-down area is still pretty big). And over time, these same areas change. (Heck, even the exact same spot from a different direction looks new.)

So I wanted to give you a few more tips on jumpstarting your own inspiration.

1. If you're working from your own photo reference, rather than painting everything in your pic, use a plein air trick and crop into the scene.

Look for significant elements that can be zoomed in on to create their own composition. You'll be surprised at how many different compositions worthy of their own paintings this exercise can deliver. This is also a great way to help you build good composition skills. It stretches the way you look at things, pushing you to see beyond the obvious.

2. Change your typical scale.

For example, if your typical painting is in the range of 16"x20" – shake up your creative mojo by painting larger. Maybe quite a bit larger. I know it might be intimidating, but you can do it. You'll experience (and solve) brand-new challenges. And if you stick with it you might really surprise yourself. Large paintings are simply impressive and very different to paint.

The reverse of that is true as well. If your usual paintings are large, maybe you should try your hand at something quite small. Something that you can finish quickly.

3. Limit your brush size.

I always say to start your painting with the largest brush you can and paint with it as long as you can. Now take that idea and push it further. Paint an entire painting ONLY with a larger brush. You'll be surprised at how much this can loosen up your technique and creativity.

4. Change the time of day.

If you normally paint daytime scenes, try exploring nocturnes, or sunsets. Those will push your skills in new directions.

5. Focus on a different part of the landscape.

If you normally paint landscapes, paint a cloudscape where the cloud is the star. Or explore trees and flora in more depth.

There are loads of other ideas. But I'm sure you get the idea...

When we change gears and move in a different direction, it's always amazing at how much we bring back from that journey.

And you know what that's called?

INSPIRATION

Enjoy the journey!

p.s. Looking for some more inspiration? Come paint with me! All my online courses are 25% off (until the clock below hits zero).​

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