So the next time you’re feeling stuck, why not try making a collage? It’s a fun, low-pressure way to kick-start your creativity, and you never know where it might lead.
Your painting ideas are inspiring
Detail
of a Painting
Created at age 3 with no particular motivation other than providing a child sized easel, paper, paints, and bristle brushes.
How does this compare to the
Three Sources of Subject Matter for art?
Click above links or scroll down for the answers
The above painting by a three-year-old boy is an example of how the innately felt quest for order expresses itself in a spontaneous painting done in a very deliberate style. Children often refer to these compositions as “designs”. These paintings are not intended to be narrative, as most children’s art is.
This boy spent about 45 minutes of concentrated effort producing this orderly composition. What does this say about the habits of concentration and focus that can be developed at a young age when children are provided a calm environment, support, and materials with which to work?
Laura Chapman* lists several approaches to creating art under which she lists several sources of inspiration for artwork. In addition to expressing Ordinary Experience, observing the Natural and Constructed Environment, and expressing Inner Feelings and Imagination: Chapman lists the Quest for Order as one of major sources of artistic inspiration.
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Ordinary Experience
Most of children’s spontaneous drawing fall in this category, often including some aspects of #3 below.
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Knowing these lists helps us keep children on task and involved in meaningful learning activity. Our motivational questions may help inspire fresh ideas.
Implications:
To help children to naturally develop their ability to focus on a task over an extended period of time, we need to provide a calm and secure environment together with materials and places so that gratifying self-fulfilling productive experiences can occur. Some of these experiences can be under the complete control and ownership of the child (with appropriate adult supervision and supportive comments). Painting, modeling clay, and drawing are excellent ways to provide this. How better to foster intellectual and creative problem solving, self-motivation, experimentation skills, attention span, discovery learning and other important brain synapses during the formative years?
This is a picture postcard made by the four-year-old daughter of the person who made the painting above. It is a felt-tip marker postcard. Most of this child’s work is narrative, often including herself in the picture story. But at times, as this work shows, young children express their need for control and order.
The child sent this postcard to her grandparents. It has a note on the other side (dictated to her mother who wrote it for her, and may have prompted her a bit). It reads, “I hope you’re doing well. I would like to go to your house some week. Thank you for the Barbie and clothes.” The artwork gives the child a means to express her feelings and give emphasis to her wishes. She is learning the values of her family and her culture. Furthermore, the child is learning the importance of her own status and how she has some control over her own life.
Postscript:
The child who painted the tempera painting at the top of this page has grown up to earn a Harvard Ph.D. and has become a published and award winning research scientist who has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences. Their children also loved to paint, model clay, and draw. While none of this proves the value of painting, drawing, and clay modeling as a developmental activity for young children, these kind of art activities combined with other favorable nurturing experiences certainly seem to be very beneficial. When children draw, paint, do clay modeling, and other original artwork; they are thinking about all kinds of options. They are learning to make choices, They are imagining how others will respond to their work (nurturing empathy).
It can be very rewarding and motivating for toddlers to work with art materials. It provides the young brain many appropriate and engaging challenges dealing with more abstract mathematical and verbal constructs. It is extremely helpful for the child to get positive reinforcement for self initiated learning activities. Self-designed art projects provide positive self-image and the chance for affirmative feedback that results in continued self-challenging problem-making and problem solving. Parents who express an interest by asking children to tell them about their artwork are helping their children learn to think, to imagine, and to make their own discoveries. On the other hand, parents and teachers who prescribe too much , give too many directions, show children how to do too many things may find that the child becomes too dependent on others and is less self-sufficient.
also see: Essay on Art Classroom Rituals by Marvin Bartel
More Art Education Essays and Art Lesson by Marvin Bartel
Marvin Bartel Home Top of page
Goshen College Art Department
More about preschool creativity
A preschooler draws an orchid
Scribbling
The beginnings of drawings
Clay work for toddlers
Exploring Modern Art Styles
In the realm of modern art, the possibilities are endless. From Picasso’s rebellious Cubism to Pollock’s dynamic Abstract Expressionism—each style offers a new perspective to inspire your creativity.
- Cubism: This style is all about seeing the world from different angles—literally. Inspired by the likes of Picasso and Braque, Cubism breaks down objects into geometric shapes and reassembles them from multiple viewpoints. It’s a perfect style for those seeking a fresh perspective in their modern art painting inspiration.
- Abstract Expressionism: If you’re looking for a freer form of expression, this style might be right up your alley. Pioneered by artists like Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko, Abstract Expressionism is characterized by spontaneous, emotional brushstrokes and a focus on color over form. It encourages you to let go of the need for a clear subject, allowing your emotions and intuition to guide your brush.
- Pop Art: Are you drawn to the vibrant colors and bold images of our everyday world? Then Pop Art, popularized by artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, might be your cup of tea. This style uses elements from popular culture—think soup cans, comic strips, and advertisements—as a source of modern art painting inspiration. It’s a great way to make a statement while having fun with your artwork.
Remember, you don’t have to stick to one style. Part of the beauty of modern art lies in its flexibility. Feel free to mix and match elements from different styles, or even create your own. The important thing is that you’re expressing yourself authentically and finding joy in the process—after all, that’s what art is all about!
How to Draw Inspiration from Art History
Art history is like a treasure trove of inspiration. It’s chock full of amazing artists, ground-breaking ideas, and stunning visuals that can fuel your modern art painting passion. But how can you tap into this bounty? Here are some ideas to get you started.
- Study the Masters: Artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci didn’t become famous overnight. They experimented, they failed, they learned, and they created masterpieces. Studying their work can provide you with a wealth of ideas and techniques to incorporate into your own modern art painting practice.
- Understand Art Movements: Art movements, such as the Renaissance, Impressionism, and Cubism, offer a window into how art has evolved over time. By understanding these movements, you can see the bigger picture of how art reflects society and culture—and potentially find some modern art painting inspiration in the process.
- Discover Lesser-Known Artists: Sure, Picasso and Warhol are household names. But what about artists like Hilma af Klint or Artemisia Gentileschi? Exploring the work of lesser-known artists can give you a fresh perspective and help you discover unique styles and techniques.
Art history is not just a thing of the past—it’s a living, breathing source of inspiration that can inform and enrich your modern art painting practice. So go ahead, dive into this fascinating world, and see where it takes your creativity!
Using Abstract Themes in Your Art
When it comes to modern art painting inspiration, abstract themes offer an unlimited playground for creativity. Abstract art is all about expressing emotions or ideas, rather than trying to depict the world as it appears. So, how can you use abstract themes in your art?
- Play with Shapes and Lines: Abstract art often uses geometric shapes and lines to create visual intrigue. You can experiment with circles, squares, and triangles, or let your brush take you on a free-form journey across your canvas. There’s no right or wrong here—just let your creativity flow.
- Experiment with Color: In abstract art, color can be as important as form. Whether you choose bold, vibrant hues or soft, muted tones, the colors you use can create mood, evoke emotions, and bring your abstract visions to life.
- Seek Inspiration in Emotions: Abstract art is a perfect medium for expressing your innermost feelings. Are you feeling joyful? Sad? Angry? Let those feelings guide your brush strokes, and see what you can create.
Remember, the beauty of abstract art is that it doesn’t have to look like anything specific. It’s all about expressing what’s inside you. So, let your imagination run wild and paint from your heart. Who knows? You might just create the next modern art masterpiece!
