As an artist, I know inspiration doesn’t always strike when you want it to. Some days, the ideas flow effortlessly. Other times, the canvas stares back at you like a blank page. But over the years, I’ve learned that inspiration isn’t always something that “hits” you, it’s something you can invite in.

Here are my 10 simple, soulful ways I find inspiration for my paintings, whether I’m starting a new painting or just need to reconnect with creativity:

Step Outside 🍂

Nature is my greatest muse. A quiet walk by the shore or through the pines reminds me that beauty is always unfolding, even in stillness. Let the rhythm of the waves or the whisper of trees shift your internal pace. I often lean towards verses that I feel bring me peace and connect me most to nature. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1

Study Lighting ✨

There’s a special magic in watching how light dances. Whether it is over water, through curtains, across a wooden floor. Spend five minutes noticing how shadows and highlights change. Let that guide your palette or mood.

Keep an Inspiration Journal ✍️

I always have a small sketchbook or journal nearby to jot down ideas, colors, or even verses. Inspiration can come during times that you least expect so I feel that  writing it down gives your inspiration space to grow.

Reflect and Look at your Past Work 🖼️

Revisiting past pieces can reignite creative sparks. Reflect on what you loved about them. Think about was it the palette, the texture, the message that inspired me? 

Take Pictures 📸

Take pictures of the “little things”. You can take pictures of soft light, waves meeting the shore, wildflowers along the roadside. These small moments often hold the greatest beauty.

Create a Color Moodboard of Palette 🎨

Try gathering swatches of seafoam, warm sand, driftwood gray. Find tones that calm and inspire you. You can collect physical samples or make a digital board on Pinterest.

Read your Bible! ✝️

Yep, that’s right. Faith is central to my creative process. When I feel stuck, I turn to God’s Word. Verses about peace, creation, and grace often spark a new sense of clarity.

Embrace the Quiet 🕊️

Sometimes the best ideas come when we stop trying to find them. Give yourself quiet mornings, slow walks, and room to breathe.

Start Small 🤏

Not every project has to be big. Paint a color study or a tiny landscape. Creating without pressure often leads to surprise breakthroughs.

Remember your “Why” 🫶

Why did you start creating in the first place? Whether it’s to bring peace to others, reflect faith, or process your own thoughts, return to that “why.”

In conclusion, inspiration doesn’t always arrive loudly. Often, it’s soft, steady, and waiting just beneath the surface. I hope these simple tips help you rediscover the beauty that’s already around (and within) you.

🤍Whitney