While presenting my recent work to a group of classmates in my watercolor masterclass, I was asked what might be my next painting subject. I had a hard time answering the question. Florals had been my muse for a while, but after completing a few bright colorful paintings, I thought it might be time for a shift. But.....I had difficulty finding the inspiration for a new subject, floral or otherwise. That brings up the question of what triggers imagination and inspiration relative to creative pursuits.

Subject matter may or may not inspire the creative process, depending on whether that subject is intriguing, disturbing or just plain boring. Today, we are celebrating Memorial Day, and memories of the past have come to the forefront. I tapped into a box of photographs taken on travels from more than 20 years ago. The memory of trips to Hawaii triggered my desire to explore the colors, textures and feeling of a beach on Maui, an environment that couldn't be more different from my surroundings in the eastern US. Being a problem solver, I'm stimulated by challenges and watercolor poses many. Thinking through the process of creating what was in my memories proved to be springboard for a painting that made me very happy. My desire to explore this subject opened up my mind and my imagination.

Creativity exists within any individual, but an individual's ability to unlock that creativity often needs nudging.
For me, inspiration can come forth from a problem, a subject, a whim, a feeling a style or all of the above.
Live free and paint with joy.