Much of my time as an artist is spent in the studio, focused on the work in front of me. Whether I'm developing a watercolor painting, working through an oil painting, or experimenting with a new technique, the process can be a fairly solitary one. But my artistic practice doesn't begin and end at the studio door.
Over time, I've come to appreciate how important it is to stay connected to the broader art world. Not just to see what other artists are creating, but to hear their perspectives, learn from their experiences, and occasionally challenge the way I approach my own work. Some of that comes from traditional sources of inspiration, while other parts come from the everyday media I choose to read, watch, and listen to.
Inspiration Between the Pages
I enjoy reading books that explore creativity from different perspectives. Recently, I read The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. It offered an interesting perspective on creativity as something that extends beyond the act of making art. I found myself thinking about the importance of observation, curiosity, and remaining open to the world around me. Those ideas are easy to carry back into the studio.
Another recent read was The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair. This book explores the fascinating histories and stories behind individual colors. As someone who works in both watercolor and oil, I find color endlessly interesting. There is so much more to it than simply choosing a pigment or mixing the right shade. The history, associations, and stories attached to color add another layer to how I think about it and use it in my paintings.
Listening and Learning
Podcasts have also become a regular part of how I stay connected and continue learning. I particularly enjoy conversations with artists about their work, creative habits, and the realities of maintaining an artistic practice.
A few that I return to are the Art2Life Podcast, Creative Pep Talk with Andy J. Pizza, and the Jackson's Art Podcast. Each offers something a little different. Some conversations focus on developing an artistic voice and navigating the creative process, while others explore materials, techniques, and the experiences of working artists.
I appreciate hearing how other artists approach their work, particularly the parts that aren't always visible in a finished painting. The decisions, uncertainties, experimentation, and occasional frustrations are all part of the process. Hearing others talk openly about these experiences is both encouraging and thought-provoking.
I also enjoy reading the articles and artist features on the Jackson's Art Blog. It's another way to explore different approaches, discover artists, and learn more about materials and techniques.
Following the Work of Others
Instagram has become another window into the art world. I follow artists whose work I admire, as well as those whose approaches, subject matter, or techniques are different from my own. I enjoy seeing works in progress, finished paintings, studio spaces, and the occasional behind-the-scenes look at how a piece comes together.
I'm particularly interested in how other artists approach color, composition, texture, and light. I might see a painting that makes me think differently about a color combination or a technique that I want to experiment with. I don't look to recreate what someone else is doing, but I do appreciate the opportunity to see things through another artist's eyes.
There is also something encouraging about seeing the variety of ways people approach their work. It reinforces the idea that there is room for individuality and that artistic growth doesn't require following a particular formula.
Being Part of Something Larger
Beyond the online world, I think it's important to participate in the art community in more tangible ways. Being part of artist organizations provides opportunities to connect with others who share similar interests and experiences. These connections can offer encouragement, new perspectives, and a sense of belonging to something beyond my own studio practice.
I'm a Signature Member of the Montana Watercolor Society and also a member of the Northwest Watercolor Society. Both organizations provide opportunities to engage with other watercolor artists, participate in exhibitions, and stay connected to what's happening within the watercolor community. Being part of these groups has become an important part of my continued development as a watercolor artist.
My oil painting practice is another story. While I've been painting in oils for many years, I'm still looking for the right organization or community that aligns with my interests and goals in that medium. It's something I'd like to explore further as I continue developing my oil work.
Submitting work to juried shows and exhibitions is another way I try to remain engaged. Preparing work for submission requires me to step back and evaluate what I've been creating. It gives me an opportunity to consider how a particular piece fits into a larger body of work and how it might be received outside my immediate circle.
There is always some vulnerability involved in putting your work forward for consideration. Not every submission results in acceptance, and that's part of the experience. I see these opportunities as a way to keep challenging myself, setting goals, and continuing to put my work into the world.
Bringing It Back to My Own Work
With so many sources of information and inspiration available, I also recognize the importance of being selective. It's easy to spend more time looking at what everyone else is doing than actually doing the work yourself. Inspiration is valuable, but it needs room to settle before it becomes part of your own creative process.
Ultimately, I want these outside influences to expand my perspective rather than direct my work. My own experiences, photographs, observations of the landscape, and time spent experimenting in the studio remain at the center of what I create.
I don't think an artist ever really reaches a point where there is nothing left to learn. At least, I hope I never do. Staying curious, seeking out new perspectives, and remaining connected to other artists are all ways I keep that curiosity alive.
Even when I'm working alone in the studio, I'm drawing from a much larger conversation. And I think that is a valuable part of continuing to grow as an artist.
If you're an artist or creative, I'd be curious to know what you read, listen to, or follow that helps keep you inspired and connected to your own creative practice. I'm always interested in discovering new perspectives.
